Recent developments in the AFFF class action litigation show that Judge Gergel has chosen nine bellwether cases to move forward, each involving cancers allegedly linked to AFFF exposure. Plaintiffs are advocating for a more efficient process to help advance these claims quickly. Additional lawsuits continue to surface, including cases filed by individuals impacted by PFAS-tainted water and firefighting foam. Meanwhile, the Department of the Air Force has begun shifting to a PFAS-free foam alternative, and the volume of pending AFFF claims has risen sharply. As the lawsuits progress, people who believe they were harmed by PFAS exposure are encouraged to speak with legal professionals and keep records of their exposure to pursue potential compensation.

AFFF Firefighting Foam Class Action Lawsuit Update: December 2025

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November 4, 2025

• AFFF MDL Sees Significant Rise in Filings: October brought a substantial jump in the firefighting foam lawsuits, with 1,307 additional claims added—marking one of the biggest monthly spikes so far. The multidistrict litigation has now reached a total of 15,249 cases.

October 2, 2025

• Expert timeline revised for thyroid and liver cancer claims: The MDL judge has issued updated deadlines for expert materials, requiring defense expert reports by October 24 and plaintiffs’ rebuttal reports by November 21. The court also confirmed the usual parameters for expert discovery and directed both parties to confer by December 12 to outline a plan for depositions and Daubert motions, with the finalized schedule to be submitted by December 19.

September 16, 2025

• Ulcerative Colitis Claims Included in Bellwether Selection: The MDL judge has allowed three more plaintiffs alleging ulcerative colitis to move into Tier 2 discovery, with one of those cases progressing into the expert discovery phase. Defendants are permitted to contest a case if plaintiffs’ attorneys drop another without a valid reason.

September 15, 2025

• Focus Shifts to Cancer Claims: Priority in the litigation is now centered on testicular and kidney cancer lawsuits.

September 2, 2025

• Attention Turns to Cancer-Related Cases: The litigation is now primarily concentrating on lawsuits involving testicular and kidney cancers.

September 1, 2025

• No PFAS Tracking System for Veterans: Even though PFAS contamination is common across many military installations, there is still no nationwide registry to document exposure or associated health issues. Without formal monitoring, affected service members face heavy burdens in proving their cases, making litigation an essential route for acknowledgment and potential compensation.

August 17, 2025

• First Bellwether Trial Delayed: The court postponed the initial PFAS personal injury trial while opening a 21-day filing window to process thousands of unfiled cases. All claims must include proof of diagnosis and exposure through the EAG portal. The September 5 deadline may function as a practical cutoff for participation in settlement talks.

August 15, 2025

• Research Connects PFAS to Genetic Activity Shifts: A study involving U.S. firefighters revealed that PFAS exposure influenced microRNAs associated with cancer, autoimmune conditions, and neurodegenerative disorders, heightening concerns about the lasting biological impacts of chemicals found in firefighting foam.

August 5, 2025

• Illinois Firefighter Brings Kidney Cancer Claim: A retired firefighter from Arcola, Illinois, has entered the MDL, asserting that his kidney cancer was caused by AFFF exposure through both on-the-job use and contaminated local water sources.

July 28, 2025 

• Judge Extends Timeline for Choosing Discovery Pool Cases: Judge Gergel has approved a new deadline of August 4, 2025, for both sides to submit their proposal on selecting additional plaintiffs for the Tier 2 Group B discovery pool under Case Management Order 26H. The extension gives the parties extra time to finalize the next set of cases that will move into detailed discovery.

July 24, 2025 

• Role of Treating Physicians in AFFF Trials: In AFFF cases, the patient’s own doctors serve as crucial trial witnesses. Their firsthand knowledge and ongoing medical care provide credible, easy-to-understand testimony about the plaintiff’s symptoms and disease progression, making their insights especially persuasive to juries.

July 23, 2025 

• Firefighter PFAS Injury Compensation Act Announced: Senator Cory Booker has put forward a bipartisan proposal known as the Firefighter PFAS Injury Compensation Act of 2024. The legislation seeks to create a federal program offering medical support and financial compensation to firefighters harmed by PFAS exposure, operating independently from the current AFFF litigation.

July 22, 2025 

• Emergency Hearing Scheduled Amid Spike in Unfiled Claims: Judge Richard Gergel has convened an urgent teleconference to address the recent rise in unfiled personal injury claims, a trend that may interfere with ongoing global settlement discussions. Plaintiffs’ lawyers have been instructed to submit detailed totals of all filed and unfiled claims.

July 21, 2025 

• Firefighters Launch New Legal Action: A nationwide group of firefighters has brought a lawsuit in Madison County, Illinois, claiming significant health issues linked to prolonged PFAS exposure from both firefighting foam and turnout gear. The suit names more than 50 companies, accusing them of producing and selling these materials while allegedly being aware of the associated dangers.

July 18, 2025 

• Tensions Rise in AFFF MDL Over Mediation Information: Conflict has intensified in the AFFF multidistrict litigation after defense counsel sought a court conference to discuss the rapidly increasing tally of unfiled personal injury claims, a move plaintiffs say violates mediation confidentiality. Plaintiffs’ attorneys argue that the defense improperly relied on unfiled-claim data—shared solely for settlement negotiations—to gain leverage in the litigation.

July 11, 2025 

• AFFF MDL Experiences Major Filing Spike: The multidistrict litigation over AFFF firefighting foam has grown sharply, with 705 new lawsuits filed in the last month, raising the total to 11,096 active cases. This uptick is viewed as plaintiffs’ attorneys acting to submit claims ahead of a possible global settlement.

June 22, 2025 

• Judge Pushes for AFFF Settlements Ahead of October Trial: During a recent status conference, Judge Gergel urged parties in the AFFF MDL to reach agreements on personal injury claims before the first bellwether trial set for October. He called on defendants including 3M, DuPont, BASF, and Johnson Controls to move swiftly toward resolution. The upcoming trial will center on kidney cancer cases, with thyroid and other health claims to follow. The MDL currently includes over 10,000 pending cases covering personal injuries, environmental contamination, and property damage linked to PFAS in firefighting foam. Previous settlements with public water authorities have already surpassed $13 billion.

June 17, 2025 

• Schedule Established for Initial AFFF Personal Injury Trial: Judge Gergel has released a detailed timetable for the first bellwether trial, selecting one of three kidney cancer cases linked to AFFF exposure. The order outlines exact deadlines for discovery, expert disclosures, and jury selection, with the trial set to start on October 20, 2025. This organized schedule is intended to guide the litigation efficiently toward its first jury evaluation.

June 3, 2025 

• New Research Highlights PFAS Exposure Risks for Firefighters: A recent peer-reviewed study of nearly 2,000 frontline workers in Arizona offers compelling evidence supporting AFFF-related lawsuits. The study found that firefighters exhibited notably higher concentrations of PFAS compounds—such as PFHxS, PFOS, and PFHpS—than other essential workers. These chemicals are directly associated with firefighting foam. The findings bolster personal injury claims asserting that occupational AFFF use results in elevated PFAS levels among firefighters.

May 13, 2025 

• Bellwether Trial Selection for Kidney Cancer Cases: The judge is evaluating proposals for the initial personal injury trial, which will focus on kidney cancer claims and is set for October 20, 2025. The court is considering whether to try a single plaintiff or consolidate up to three cases. Plaintiffs have suggested specific cases like Donnelly and Speers as optimal candidates for testing causation due to their straightforward facts. The AFFF MDL now contains nearly 10,000 individual injury lawsuits, primarily involving residents from areas with documented PFAS-contaminated water in Pennsylvania.

May 8, 2025

• Plaintiffs Seek Unified Bellwether Trial in AFFF Litigation: Attorneys representing five individuals with personal injury claims have moved to consolidate their cases into a single bellwether trial. The plaintiffs allege they developed kidney or testicular cancer after exposure to PFAS-contaminated water near former Willow Grove military bases in Pennsylvania. As an alternative, they propose splitting the cases by disease type for two separate bellwether trials. They argue that consolidation would streamline proceedings and provide consistent feedback on liability and causation issues.

April 1, 2025

• AFFF MDL Expands: The AFFF MDL added 498 new lawsuits in March, continuing the February surge, bringing the total to 8,928 pending cases. This growth comes as deadlines approach in the bellwether discovery schedule. The court is concentrating on expert reports for thyroid and liver cancer claims, with a Science Day scheduled for June 20.

• New Lawsuit Filed Alleging Child Harm: A family in West Haven, Connecticut, filed a new case in the PFAS/AFFF MDL, claiming their child developed ulcerative colitis and liver injury from long-term exposure to firefighting foam and contaminated water. The lawsuit names manufacturers for product liability, negligence, and failure to warn.

March 28, 2025

• Expert Report Deadlines for Liver and Thyroid Cancer Cases: The court set deadlines for expert submissions in liver and thyroid cancer AFFF cases: plaintiffs’ experts by July 11, 2025, and defense experts by August 22, 2025. Science Day is scheduled for June 20, 2025. Kidney, testicular, ulcerative colitis, and thyroid disease cases will continue under existing pretrial orders (CMO 26F & 26G).

March 18, 2025

• Ulcerative Colitis Discovery Pool Expands: Three additional plaintiffs have been added to the ulcerative colitis discovery pool, undergoing intensive fact discovery, with the possibility of being selected for bellwether trials.

March 5, 2025

• AFFF MDL Case Count Rises: February saw 338 new AFFF lawsuits added, increasing pending cases to 8,430—the highest monthly volume in nearly a year. This surge is likely linked to settlement discussions and the push to secure compensation for those affected by PFAS exposure.

February 28, 2025

• Federal Government Motion Denied: A South Carolina judge rejected the U.S. government’s motion to dismiss PFAS-related lawsuits, ruling that site-specific facts must be evaluated first. This allows military-related PFAS claims to move forward.

February 26, 2025

Potential AFFF Settlement Developments: As litigation progresses, attorneys are preparing key cases for a possible global settlement. Individuals exposed to PFAS are urged to consult legal counsel promptly.

February 6, 2025

• AFFF Filings Surge Amid Settlement Rumors: After a brief slowdown, January saw 459 new cases added to the MDL, bringing totals to 8,092. The increase is believed to be driven by speculation about a potential global settlement.

January 23, 2025

• New York Firefighter Files AFFF Lawsuit: A retired New York firefighter filed suit in the MDL, claiming thyroid disease from PFAS in firefighting foam and gear, seeking both compensatory and punitive damages.

January 16, 2025

• Arizona Firefighter Files Lawsuit Following Second Testicular Cancer Diagnosis: A Flagstaff firefighter alleges his repeated exposure to PFAS foam caused a second testicular cancer diagnosis. He seeks damages, claiming he was never warned of the risks.

January 15, 2025

• New Order Streamlines Site Identification: A proposed order establishes a standardized process for identifying sites where AFFF was used and caused environmental harm, followed by focused discovery for selected locations.

January 8, 2025

• Study Shows PFAS Affects Brain Function: Research indicates PFAS chemicals may disrupt neurological function, contributing to behavioral and neurodegenerative disorders, providing potential evidence for AFFF claims.

January 3, 2025

• AFFF MDL Case Growth: December saw 270 new lawsuits filed, bringing total pending cases to 7,633. Litigation momentum continues as health concerns tied to AFFF gain attention.

January 2, 2025

• Ulcerative Colitis Cases Move to Tier 2 Discovery: A new Case Management Order establishes a bellwether discovery pool for ulcerative colitis claims following completion of Tier 1 discovery, advancing the litigation toward representative trials.

December 13, 2024

• Ohio Firefighter Files Lawsuit: A former Navy firefighter alleges thyroid disease from AFFF exposure. The suit names manufacturers, seeking damages and injunctive relief for continued PFAS risks.

December 3, 2024

• AFFF MDL Case Count Drops: Pending cases decreased to 7,370, down from over 9,000, largely due to dismissals from the 2023 global water contamination settlement.

November 19, 2024

• First Bellwether Trial Scheduled: The first Tier 2 Group A bellwether trial is set for October 6, 2025. Daubert motions on expert witnesses are the immediate focus, with a global settlement potentially occurring before or after.

November 4, 2024

• Timeline for Bellwether Trials Set: A case management order establishes deadlines for discovery, expert disclosures, and trial prep, paving the way toward the first trial on October 6, 2025.

November 3, 2024

• MDL Cases Drop Significantly: Pending cases fell from 9,896 in October to 7,150, largely reflecting resolved water contamination claims from the 2023 settlement.

October 25, 2024

• New Plaintiff Disclosures Ordered: Case Management Order 31 requires Plaintiff Profile Forms detailing exposure information. Turnout gear claims must complete a separate fact sheet.

October 23, 2024

• New York Firefighter Files AFFF Ulcerative Colitis Suit: The suit names multiple manufacturers, seeking compensatory and punitive damages.

October 23, 2024

• Navy Veteran Files Lawsuit: A Texas Navy veteran alleges thyroid cancer and other health harms from PFAS foam exposure during service.

October 16, 2024

• Litigation Moves Toward First Bellwether Trial: New case management order sets deadlines for discovery, expert disclosures, and trial, with fact discovery by December 16, 2024, expert depositions by May 14, 2025, and trial on October 6, 2025.

October 8, 2024

• MDL Expands: September saw 320 new cases, raising the total to 9,896 pending lawsuits.

October 5, 2024

• Expert Reports Due: Plaintiffs prepare expert reports linking PFAS in AFFF to health issues; defense expected to challenge admissibility.

September 24, 2024

• North Carolina Firefighter Files Kidney Cancer Lawsuit: Exposure alleged via work and contaminated water; defendants accused of negligence, strict liability, and concealment.

September 12, 2024

• Witness Deposition Streamlining: New order allows depositions of witnesses added to Tier 2 bellwether trials who were not deposed during fact discovery.

September 9, 2024

• Telomer Water Provider Case Set for Trial: First trial scheduled for March 3, 2025, involving foams made via telomerization with lower PFAS levels; focus will shift to individual firefighter claims afterward.

September 5, 2024

• MDL Case Count Rebounds: Over 500 new cases in August, bringing total to 9,576.

August 22, 2024

• Study Links Military Base Foam to PFAS Water Contamination: Residents near Airway Heights, WA, show elevated PFAS levels; strengthens link between AFFF use and community contamination.

August 19, 2024

• MDL Activity Slows: August saw a dip in filings; attention expected to rise in September with trial prep or settlement talks.

August 13, 2024

• Massachusetts Considers PFAS Ban in Gear: State legislature moves to prohibit PFAS in firefighting equipment by 2027.

August 12, 2024

• Former Air Force Firefighter Files Lawsuit: Prostate cancer allegedly linked to AFFF exposure at multiple bases; defendants include major manufacturers.

August 6, 2024

• New Jersey Widow Files Lawsuit: Alleging husband died of kidney cancer from PFAS foam exposure during firefighting career.

August 5, 2024

• AFFF MDL Case Count Decreases Slightly: Active lawsuits fell from 9,525 in July to 9,198 in August.

August 1, 2024

• Tyco Reaches Preliminary Insurance Settlement: Enhances capacity for $750 million settlement with water systems, aiding future global AFFF resolution.

August 1, 2024

• Voluntary Dismissals Increase: Suggests confidential settlements occurring.

July 22, 2024

• Nine Bellwether Cases Selected: Pennsylvania and Colorado residents with cancer or ulcerative colitis chosen for first round of trials.

July 17, 2024

• Plaintiffs Propose Streamlined Approach: Focus on bellwether cases by disease type and location to reduce discovery and trial burdens.

July 12, 2024

• Ohio Man Files PFAS Water Lawsuit: Alleging testicular cancer from contaminated drinking water.

July 11, 2024

• Georgia Firefighter/Navy Serviceman Files Kidney Cancer Suit: Attributed to prolonged PFAS exposure during military and firefighting service.

July 9, 2024

• Air Force Replaces AFFF with PFAS-Free Foam: Transition to fluorine-free formula underway for domestic and overseas bases.

July 1, 2024

• AFFF Lawsuits Surge: Case count rises from 8,270 to 9,198, including new firefighter and resident claims.

June 26, 2024

• Connecticut Firefighters File Class Action: Seeking damages, end to PFAS gear production, and medical monitoring program.

June 5, 2024

• New Dismissal Process Established: Plaintiffs with non-core injuries allowed to dismiss without prejudice under a tolling agreement.

June 2024

• MDL Reaches 8,270 Cases: No separate MDL yet for turnout gear lawsuits.

May 31, 2024

• MDL Growth Continues: Over 250 new cases added in May.

May 14, 2024

• Six “Tag-Along” Cases Transferred: Half water contamination, half personal injury.

May 2024

• Attorneys Seek Extension: For proposals guiding MDL scheduling and proceedings.

April 2024

• MDL Expands in April: Over 500 new victims join, total cases reach 7,738.

March 2024

• Department of Defense Challenges Claims: Seeks removal from lawsuits citing federal immunity.

February 23, 2024

• Chemical Companies Seek Federal Court: 3M, Chemguard, and Tyco move Connecticut AG lawsuit to federal court, citing military specifications compliance.

February 15, 2024

• DuPont $1.18 Billion Settlement: Resolves firefighting foam PFAS claims; some plaintiffs dissatisfied.

February 2024

• Judge Orders Fact Sheets: Turnout gear-specific Plaintiff Fact Sheets required.

February 2024

• First AFFF Trial Set for August: Marks first individual injury claims trials versus municipal water claims.

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AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits: Were You Exposed?

Learn about the health risks of AFFF firefighting foam and how to file a lawsuit if you were exposed during military service or other high-risk occupations.

If you served in the military, worked as a firefighter, or spent extended time on military bases, you may have been exposed to harmful PFAS chemicals. These substances, often present in AFFF firefighting foam, have contaminated numerous bases and other high-risk sites across the country.

The long-term health effects of PFAS exposure through AFFF can be serious, and legal action is increasingly being pursued to help affected individuals seek justice.

Understanding AFFF and PFAS
AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) is a firefighting foam that relies heavily on PFAS. While it efficiently extinguishes fuel-based fires, its widespread use by the military, airports, and industrial facilities has led to extensive contamination of water sources.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals valued for their heat, water, and oil resistance. Their durability has made them common in everyday products, from non-stick cookware to stain-resistant fabrics. Unfortunately, PFAS persist in the environment and in human bodies for decades, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals”.

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High-Risk Areas for PFAS Exposure from AFFF Firefighting Foam

The widespread application of AFFF firefighting foam has created multiple zones with high PFAS contamination, posing serious risks to both human health and the environment.

• Military Installations: Military bases are among the most heavily affected sites due to frequent use of AFFF during training and emergency response drills. This repeated application has contaminated soil and water, affecting service members, their families, and nearby communities.
• Industrial Sites and Firefighting Zones: The EPA identifies oil refineries and other industrial locations where PFAS-based firefighting agents are used as significant contamination sources. These sites often have elevated PFAS levels, which can spread into local water systems, threatening ecosystems and public health.
• Airport and Aviation Workers: Personnel working at airports, especially those involved in firefighting and ground operations, face increased PFAS exposure risk due to the historical reliance on AFFF in aviation fire safety.

Health Risks from PFAS Exposure in AFFF Firefighting Foam

Exposure to PFAS chemicals through AFFF firefighting foam has been linked to several serious health issues:

• Cancer: Associated with kidney, testicular, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, liver, breast, and blood cancers.
• Thyroid Disorders: PFAS can disrupt normal thyroid function, causing hormonal imbalances.
• Immune System Weakening: Exposure may impair the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections and illnesses.
• Reproductive and Developmental Effects: PFAS can negatively affect reproductive health and fetal development, with potential long-term consequences.

Taking Action: Legal Recourse for AFFF-Related Illnesses

If you or a loved one served in the military, worked as a firefighter, at an airport, or in an oil refinery and have been diagnosed with a health condition linked to AFFF firefighting foam exposure, you may be eligible to pursue compensation. Legal action is being taken to hold responsible parties accountable for the widespread contamination and the serious health consequences it has caused. Filing a claim can provide financial relief for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages while seeking justice for the harm caused by PFAS exposure.

Key steps to consider:

1. Consult with an attorney: Seek guidance from an attorney specializing in AFFF Firefoam litigation to understand your legal rights and available options.
2. Document your exposure: Collect detailed information about your military service, including base locations, job responsibilities, and any known contact with AFFF.
3. Seek medical evaluation: If you have health concerns, consult a healthcare provider to evaluate potential exposure and any related medical conditions.

By taking these steps, you can protect your rights and seek justice for the harm caused by AFFF exposure. 

Learn more about filing an AFFF lawsuit HERE.

Mass torts vs. class actions at a glance

Mass torts and class action lawsuits are two different legal strategies used when numerous people are harmed by the same product, chemical, or event. While both aim to address widespread damage, they follow distinct procedures and offer different approaches for seeking compensation.

Mass torts address situations where many people are harmed by the same product, chemical, or event, but each individual’s circumstances are unique. Imagine a neighborhood struck by a storm—each home suffers different types of damage. In a mass tort, every homeowner files their own lawsuit, yet the court groups the cases together for efficiency because the storm is the shared cause. The important distinction is that each plaintiff maintains control over their case and settlement, reflecting the specific harm they experienced.

In contrast, class action lawsuits consolidate multiple plaintiffs into a single legal case. It’s similar to an entire neighborhood joining together to sue after a storm, with one or a few residents acting as representatives for everyone. Individual plaintiffs have limited control over the case, as the lead plaintiff and their legal team make decisions on behalf of the whole group. Compensation is typically distributed evenly or according to a formula that applies to all class members.

What’s best for you?

Here’s a quick summary of the key points to help you determine which legal path—mass tort or class action—might be the best fit for your situation:

• Control: Mass torts allow each plaintiff more personal control; class actions give limited decision-making power to individual members.
• Compensation: Mass tort awards are tailored to each person’s specific damages; class action payouts are generally uniform or formula-based.
• Applicability: Mass torts work best when individual harms differ; class actions are suited for cases where damages are similar across the group.
• Efficiency: Class actions can be faster and require fewer resources by combining many claims into a single case.

If you’re part of a group affected by harm and considering legal action, think about your priorities. Do you want to maintain control over your individual case, or are you comfortable letting a representative act on your behalf? Are your damages unique, or are they similar enough to be addressed collectively? Your answers can guide you in choosing whether a mass tort or a class action lawsuit is the most appropriate path.