Firefighting Foam and PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuits

Over 10,000 AFFF lawsuits are now moving forward nationwide over exposure to toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.”

This expanding litigation targets chemical manufacturers that knowingly put the public and frontline workers at risk. Claims are being pursued by firefighters, military personnel, airport workers, and local residents who lived or worked near military bases, airports, or industrial sites where PFAS chemicals were discharged into the environment. The lawsuits fall into two main categories:

• AFFF Firefighter Exposure Lawsuits – Claims filed by individuals who were directly exposed to PFAS through aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used in firefighting.
• PFAS Drinking Water Lawsuits – Claims brought by people who developed serious health problems after drinking tap water contaminated by PFAS near military bases, airports, and industrial sites.

Both forms of exposure have been linked to life-altering health conditions, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, liver cancer, and ulcerative colitis. Despite decades of evidence about these risks, manufacturers failed to issue proper warnings or recall dangerous products.

What Is the Status of the PFAS and AFFF Lawsuits?

Thousands of product liability lawsuits have been filed in federal court by individuals who developed cancer, thyroid disease, or ulcerative colitis following exposure to toxic PFAS chemicals—either through direct occupational contact with AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) or by consuming contaminated drinking water.

These cases have been consolidated for coordinated pretrial proceedings in Multidistrict Litigation (MDL No. 2873), centralized before the Honorable Judge Richard M. Gergel in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. The MDL structure allows for consistent rulings on common legal and factual issues, as well as the efficient advancement of bellwether trials designed to test the strength of the plaintiffs’ claims.

The first trials are set to begin in October 2025, focusing on claims involving kidney and testicular cancer linked to PFAS exposure near military installations. The outcomes of these bellwether cases are expected to heavily influence the trajectory of future litigation and potential global settlement discussions for similarly situated plaintiffs.

Given the mounting pressure on manufacturers and the proximity of trial dates, there is growing speculation that a comprehensive settlement program may be reached in the near future.

Is There Still Time To File a PFAS or Firefighting Foam Lawsuit?

Yes, but the window to join the litigation is narrowing. The Court has already begun selecting specific claims for early trials, and as the MDL progresses, additional cases may face procedural hurdles or exclusion from potential settlement frameworks.

If you or a family member were diagnosed with a qualifying condition after known or suspected PFAS exposure, it is imperative to act promptly. A free case evaluation can determine your eligibility and preserve your right to pursue compensation before critical deadlines expire.

Lawyers Are Still Reviewing Firefighting Foam and PFAS Claims

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are continuing to investigate new claims for individuals who were:

• Exposed to AFFF firefighting foam during military or airport service, or
• Diagnosed after drinking PFAS-contaminated water near a military base, airport, or industrial site.

All cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless a recovery is obtained. We’re here to help you understand your rights and take the next step toward financial accountability.

Are There Costs to Hire an AFFF/PFAS Water Contamination Lawyer?

There are absolutely no out-of-pocket costs to review your case with our lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. Potential claims are evaluated for individuals throughout the United States, and all cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing up front to hire our lawyers, and we only receive an attorney fee or expenses if a lawsuit payout is obtained.

Through the use of contingency attorney fees, individuals have access to the experience and resources of our national law firm to seek compensation – regardless of their individual financial resources.

Request a free consultation online or call 1-800-522-0102 to get started. There are no attorney fees or expenses unless you win a settlement or recovery!