AFFF / PFAS Lawsuits
AFFF Firefighting Foam
Lawsuit Settlements:
How Much Can You Get?
Reviewed by: ClaimCheckUSA Legal TeamLast updated: March 26, 2026Reading time: 8 min
3M settlement (water)
$12.5 Billion
DuPont settlement
$1.185 Billion
Active MDL cases
6,000+
Top cancer type
Bladder Cancer
PFAS chemicals
12,000+
MDL location
D.S. Carolina
Expected Settlement Tiers by Cancer Type
Tier 1 — Bladder Cancer
Typical exposure: Military/airport firefighter, 5+ years
Strongest scientific link; highest settlement values
$300,000 – $1,500,000+
Tier 2 — Kidney Cancer
Typical exposure: Occupational exposure, 3+ years
Strong causation evidence
$200,000 – $800,000
Tier 3 — Testicular Cancer
Typical exposure: Any AFFF exposure
Younger victims; strong settlement value
$150,000 – $500,000
Tier 4 — Thyroid Cancer
Typical exposure: Occupational or residential
PFAS-thyroid link well established
$100,000 – $400,000
Tier 5 — Other PFAS Cancers
Typical exposure: Varies by cancer type
Prostate, pancreatic, breast cancers
$50,000 – $200,000
Major AFFF / PFAS Settlements
| Company | Settlement | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3M | $12.5 Billion | 2023 | Settlement for PFAS contamination of public water systems across the US |
| DuPont / Chemours / Corteva | $1.185 Billion | 2023 | Settlement for PFAS water contamination |
| Tyco Fire Products | $750 Million | 2023 | Part of the MDL settlement for AFFF personal injury claims |
| Chemguard | Part of MDL | Ongoing | Individual AFFF personal injury claims still being resolved |
Check Your AFFF Lawsuit Eligibility
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Check My EligibilityFrequently Asked Questions
How much is an AFFF lawsuit worth?
Individual AFFF personal injury settlements are expected to range from $50,000 to over $1.5 million depending on cancer type, severity, and exposure history. Bladder cancer cases with strong occupational exposure (military firefighters, airport workers) command the highest values. The MDL in South Carolina is currently resolving thousands of individual claims.
What is the status of AFFF lawsuits in 2026?
The AFFF MDL (MDL No. 2873) in the District of South Carolina before Judge Richard Gergel is one of the largest mass torts in US history with over 6,000 cases. The water contamination cases largely settled in 2023 (3M paid $12.5B, DuPont paid $1.185B). Individual personal injury (cancer) cases are now the focus, with bellwether trials and settlements ongoing.
Who qualifies for an AFFF lawsuit?
You may qualify if you: (1) were exposed to AFFF firefighting foam (military, airport, industrial, or training facility); (2) developed a qualifying cancer (bladder, kidney, testicular, thyroid, prostate, pancreatic, or other PFAS-linked cancers); and (3) your cancer diagnosis came after your AFFF exposure. Military veterans and airport firefighters have the strongest cases.
Can military veterans file AFFF lawsuits?
Yes. Military veterans who were exposed to AFFF during service can file personal injury lawsuits against the manufacturers (3M, DuPont, Tyco, etc.). These are product liability claims against private companies, not claims against the government, so they are not barred by sovereign immunity. Veterans can also pursue VA disability benefits simultaneously.
Is there a deadline to file an AFFF lawsuit?
The statute of limitations varies by state, typically 2–3 years from cancer diagnosis or from when you learned AFFF may have caused it. Given the MDL is actively processing cases, filing sooner is strongly recommended. Cases filed earlier generally receive priority in settlement distributions.
What is PFAS and why is it dangerous?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals used in AFFF and many consumer products. They are called 'forever chemicals' because they do not break down in the environment or the human body. PFAS accumulate in blood and tissue over time, disrupting hormones and immune function, and are linked to multiple cancers.