What Are AFFF Settlements?
Since the 1960s, firefighting foam or AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) has been a staple at airports and military bases. However, AFFF contains perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS), which can cause cancer and other health issues.
To seek justice, many firefighters have filed AFFF cancer lawsuits. Manufacturers of AFFF have already agreed to pay billions of dollars to resolve claims, including a recent $730 Million firefighting foam settlement from Carrier Global.
AFFF compensation may be awarded in one of two ways:
- AFFF lawsuit settlement: An AFFF settlement is an amount of compensation negotiated by attorneys representing those with PFAS-related cancers and agreed to by the defending companies (the makers of AFFF), typically without the case going to court.
- AFFF verdict: If a settlement isn’t reached, the case may continue to trial. During a firefighter foam trial, both sides present their case, and a judge and jury decide the outcome in the form of a verdict.
Compensation from AFFF settlements and verdicts can help pay for medical bills, lost wages due to missed work, and other financial burdens caused by a PFAS-related illness.
Qualifying Health Conditions for AFFF Lawsuit Settlements
Tragically, many firefighters who used AFFF on the job have since been diagnosed with serious health issues linked to PFAS exposure, including:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Renal or kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid cancer or disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Uterine or endometrial cancer
At Sokolove Law, our attorneys are dedicated to helping clients diagnosed with cancer and other PFAS-related illnesses. We’re prepared to seek the AFFF lawsuit settlements you deserve.
PFAS Settlements: March 2025
For decades, the makers of PFAS-containing firefighting foam have claimed that AFFF is safe. Despite their claims, PFAS chemicals have been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
In fact, there have already been multiple significant settlements in cases involving firefighting foam and PFAS exposure.
$10.3 Billion 3M PFAS Settlement
In June 2023, former firefighting foam manufacturer 3M agreed to a $10.3 Billion AFFF settlement to address PFAS pollution in various public water systems across the United States. The settlement is set to be paid out over the course of 13 years.
In the 1960s, 3M helped the U.S. Navy develop PFAS-containing firefighter foam. The company went on to become one of the largest AFFF manufacturers in the United States.
While 3M no longer makes AFFF and has pledged to stop producing PFAS in 2025, countless firefighters may have already been affected by their dangerous products.
$1.18 Billion Chemours, Corteva, & DuPont Settlement
A judge has approved a $1.185 Billion AFFF settlement funded by DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva to address PFAS contamination in public water systems that serve the majority of the country.
Chemours will provide 50% of the money for the water district settlement fund, while DuPont and Corteva will contribute the remaining 50%.
The settlement, which was first proposed in June 2023, was confirmed by the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina in February 2024.
These companies were major manufacturers of the toxic chemicals used in AFFF firefighting foam, despite knowing for decades that PFAS exposure could cause cancer and other serious health risks.
$17.5 Million AFFF Class Action Lawsuit Settlement
Tyco Fire Products, Chemguard, and ChemDesign reached a $17.5 Million AFFF class action lawsuit settlement with Wisconsin residents who claim firefighter foam made by these companies polluted their drinking water.
Out of this settlement, $2.5 Million will go toward community members who were diagnosed with illnesses like testicular cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid disease, and ulcerative colitis.
This AFFF settlement was the first in the United States to address personal injuries caused by PFAS exposure.
$730 Million Firefighting Foam Settlement Amount
In October 2024, Carrier Global reached a $730 Million firefighting foam settlement to resolve claims against their subsidiary, fire protection company Kidde-Fenwal.
Lawsuits alleged that AFFF sold by Kidde-Fenwal caused PFAS contamination in water systems and soil. The company plans to use the money to pay local governments, companies, and individuals impacted by the contamination.
Kidde-Fenwal previously filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after being named in thousands of lawsuits consolidated in the AFFF multidistrict litigation (MDL).
$316 Million BASF Settlement
The chemical company BASF agreed to pay $316.5 Million to resolve lawsuits involving firefighting foam products and PFAS contamination in water systems throughout the United States.
The lawsuits allege that AFFF products containing a surfactant (a substance that reduces surface tension) produced by Ciba Specialty Chemicals contributed to the PFAS contamination. In 2009, BASF acquired Ciba, making them legally responsible for the resulting lawsuits.
$750 Million AFFF Settlement
In April 2024, Tyco Fire Products, a subsidiary of Johnson Controls, agreed to a $750 Million AFFF settlement. The company’s firefighting foam products allegedly contaminated certain U.S. public water systems with “forever chemicals” or PFAS.
Tyco began manufacturing and selling firefighting foam in 1976. The company’s products have been linked to multiple exposure and contamination events, including a 1990 spill at Stewart Air Base in New York that released 2,000 gallons of AFFF concentrate.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to find out if your family may qualify for an AFFF settlement. It costs nothing to speak with us.
What Determines AFFF Lawsuit Settlement Amounts?
Potential AFFF settlements may vary widely, ranging from thousands to possibly even millions of dollars.
AFFF lawsuit settlement amounts can be influenced by many different factors, including the:
- Amount of exposure to PFAS in AFFF: Firefighters, especially those who were in the military or stationed at airports, are likely to have experienced higher rates of exposure to PFAS in firefighting foam.
- Severity of cancer diagnosis: Which cancer a firefighter develops and its stage at the time of diagnosis can influence the potential value of an AFFF settlement.
- Cost of current medical expenses: Cancer victims may have medical bills from visiting specialists or undergoing costly treatments like surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
- Estimated cost of future treatments: Many cancer patients will need ongoing medical treatments to fight their cancer, in addition to seeing specialists like nutritionists, surgeons, physical therapists, and psychologists.
- Punitive damages: In jury trials, punitive damages are sometimes awarded to injured victims in an effort to punish the company or companies responsible for a victim’s illness.
While every case is different and there’s no guarantee of results, our firefighter foam lawyers will work hard to get you everything you’re entitled to.
"A skilled attorney can balance the uneven playing field between workers and corporations. As the product of a working-class family, standing up for the little guy is my calling.”
– Ricky LeBlanc, Managing Attorney at Sokolove Law
Who Qualifies for AFFF Settlements?
To qualify for an AFFF settlement, you need to meet certain criteria like having:
- Worked as a firefighter
- Been exposed to PFAS-containing firefighting foam on the job or during training
- Been diagnosed with a PFAS-related illness or cancer
Family members or estate representatives of firefighters who passed away from their illnesses may also be able to seek compensation from a firefighting foam lawsuit. Find out if you qualify now.
How to Pursue Firefighting Foam Settlements
The easiest way to seek justice and compensation from a firefighter foam settlement or verdict is to hire an experienced AFFF attorney who can help you navigate the legal process.
At Sokolove Law, our firefighting foam lawyers can:
- Determine your eligibility to take legal action
- Gather evidence to build a strong case on your behalf, like medical records, employment history, AFFF product information, proof of negligence, and more
- File your claim before any mandatory state deadlines
- Negotiate firefighter foam cash settlements on your behalf
- Present your case in court during a trial if a settlement can’t be reached
If you have a case, our AFFF lawyers are prepared to handle every step of the legal process for you, so you can focus on your health and spending time with loved ones.
Deadlines on AFFF Settlement Amounts
The amount of time that a victim or their family has to seek an AFFF settlement varies state by state. Each state maintains its own statutes of limitations — a set of laws that determine exactly how much time someone has to file a lawsuit over their injuries.
This is why it’s very important for victims to seek legal representation as quickly as possible. Once the deadline passes, victims lose the opportunity to pursue firefighting foam settlements ever again.
“I reached out to Sokolove Law after a friend told me about a lawsuit against chemical foam manufacturers. They found I may be eligible for a lawsuit and compensation for cancer. The process was easy and professional.”
– Joe M., Firm AFFF Client
Why Pursue AFFF Settlements for Cancer
AFFF settlements for cancer offer more than just financial relief — they may also allow you to secure justice for the unnecessary harm you’ve experienced.
By filing a firefighter foam lawsuit, you may be able to:
- Secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more
- Protect your family’s financial future
- Hold negligent PFAS manufacturers accountable
- Encourage the creation of safer AFFF alternatives to protect future generations of firefighters
Your case has the potential to make a difference. By pursuing AFFF settlements, you can fight back against corporate negligence and help create lasting change for your family and future firefighters.
Get Help Seeking AFFF Compensation
Without help from a skilled and experienced legal team, pursuing AFFF compensation can be a long, confusing, and difficult process.
If you become a client of Sokolove Law, our AFFF lawyers can handle every step of the legal process for you, from finding the evidence to filing the claim on time.
Why work with Sokolove Law?
- Free Case Evaluations: We provide free, no-obligation case reviews to determine if you may be able to take legal action.
- Decades of Experience: For more than 45 years, Sokolove Law has helped those injured by corporate negligence get the compensation they deserve.
- Nationwide Reach: We have offices in nearly every state and can represent firefighters in all 50 states.
- Track Record of Success: We’ve secured over $9.8 Billion on behalf of patients and their families.
There are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our AFFF lawyers, so you can pursue a firefighting foam settlement without facing any financial risk.
Call (800) 995-1212 now or fill out our contact form to get started with a free case review.
Firefighter Foam Settlement FAQs
What is the AFFF MDL settlement?
An AFFF MDL settlement refers to compensation from multidistrict litigation (MDL) filed by firefighters with PFAS-related illnesses against companies that made firefighting foam.
Over 8,400 victims are currently seeking compensation from an AFFF MDL settlement to help with medical bills, lost wages, and more.
It’s not too late to pursue compensation from an AFFF MDL settlement. See if you may qualify now.
Who qualifies for AFFF settlement amounts?
You may qualify for an AFFF settlement if you were exposed to firefighting foam while working as a first responder and later diagnosed with cancer or other illnesses linked to PFAS exposure.
If a firefighter passed away from their illnesses, loved ones may be able to pursue AFFF compensation and justice on their behalf.
Has the AFFF lawsuit been settled?
There have been multiple AFFF lawsuit settlements, including agreements with major manufacturers like 3M and Chemours, but many personal injury claims within the AFFF MDL are still pending.
In one case, Tyco Fire Products agreed to a $750 Million AFFF settlement after the company’s firefighting foam products allegedly caused PFAS contamination in public water systems.
Firefighters suffering from PFAS-related illnesses and their loved ones continue to fight for the compensation they deserve.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to see if you may qualify for an AFFF lawsuit settlement.
When will the AFFF lawsuit be settled?
As this litigation is currently ongoing, it may take a few months or even over a year for AFFF lawsuit settlements to be determined.
However, our firefighter foam lawyers will work hard to get you as much compensation as quickly as possible.
How much is the AFFF lawsuit going to payout?
Billions of dollars have already been awarded in AFFF lawsuit settlements. Individual claims may be worth tens of thousands or even millions of dollars, depending on the severity of a firefighter’s cancer and other details.
In 2023, for instance, former AFFF manufacturer 3M reached a $10.3 Billion PFAS settlement to address the contamination of public water systems throughout the United States.
What is the average payout for the AFFF lawsuit?
The average payout for the AFFF lawsuit varies based on the specific illness and details of each case.
In the $17.5 Million firefighting foam settlement reached in 2021, for example, individuals with illnesses like testicular cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid disease, and ulcerative colitis were awarded $2.5 Million in AFFF compensation.
Our AFFF attorneys are prepared to pursue the most compensation possible in your case. Contact us now for a free consultation.
What was the DuPont PFAS settlement of 2024?
In 2024, a judge approved a $1.185 Billion AFFF settlement from DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva to resolve PFAS-related drinking water claims throughout the United States.
The majority of the settlement will be paid by Chemours. The company, which manufactured PFAS used in firefighter foam, has not admitted any wrongdoing.
How do you prove AFFF exposure?
To prove AFFF exposure, your PFAS lawyer may gather evidence like:
- Employment or military service records
- Documentation of job duties or training involving firefighting foam
- Medical records showing a PFAS-related health condition
- Testimony from coworkers or supervisors who witnessed the exposure
- Test results for PFAS levels in your blood
At Sokolove Law, we can gather evidence to prove AFFF exposure and build a strong case on your behalf. Call (800) 995-1212 now to get started.
What is the $17.5 Million paid in past PFAS lawsuits?
In 2021, a $17.5 Million AFFF class action lawsuit settlement was reached between Tyco Fire products, Chemguard, ChemDesign, and residents of Peshtigo, Wisconsin. Residents were affected in this way
These manufacturers were held accountable for their role in distributing PFAS-containing firefighting foam that polluted the local water supply, causing some community members to develop serious illnesses.
How much does it cost to pursue AFFF compensation?
At Sokolove Law, there are no upfront costs or hourly fees to pursue AFFF compensation.
Our firefighter foam lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you.
