Who Qualifies for
an AFFF Lawsuit?
Full Eligibility Guide
Reviewed by: ClaimCheckUSA Legal TeamLast updated: March 26, 2026
To qualify for an AFFF (firefighting foam) lawsuit, you generally need to meet two criteria: documented PFAS exposure through AFFF use or contaminated water, and a qualifying cancer diagnosis linked to PFAS chemicals. Below is a complete eligibility breakdown.
Exposure Requirement
Used AFFF foam directly as a firefighter or military personnel
Worked at a facility that regularly used AFFF (airports, military bases, oil refineries)
Lived near a military base or airport with known PFAS groundwater contamination
Drank water from a municipal supply contaminated with PFAS from AFFF
Incidental or one-time exposure with no documented cancer diagnosis
Cancer Diagnosis Requirement
Diagnosed with kidney cancer
Diagnosed with bladder cancer
Diagnosed with testicular cancer
Diagnosed with thyroid cancer
Diagnosed with prostate, breast, ovarian, or other PFAS-linked cancers
No cancer diagnosis (water contamination claims handled separately)
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Check My AFFF EligibilityKnown Contaminated Military Bases
If you were stationed at or lived near any of these bases, you may have been exposed to PFAS contamination from AFFF:
Pease Air Force Base, NH
Camp Lejeune, NC
Tyndall Air Force Base, FL
Eglin Air Force Base, FL
Luke Air Force Base, AZ
Travis Air Force Base, CA
Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK
Langley Air Force Base, VA
McChord Air Force Base, WA
Peterson Air Force Base, CO
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH
Robins Air Force Base, GA
This is a partial list. Hundreds of military installations across the US have documented PFAS contamination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have been a firefighter to qualify?
No. While firefighters are the primary group, military personnel, airport workers, industrial workers, and residents near contaminated military bases may also qualify if they were exposed to PFAS through AFFF and developed a qualifying cancer.
Can veterans file an AFFF lawsuit?
Yes. Military veterans who were exposed to AFFF during service — particularly those who worked in crash rescue, fire suppression, or were stationed at bases where AFFF was used — may qualify. Veterans can file both VA claims and civil lawsuits simultaneously.
How do I prove AFFF exposure?
Your attorney will gather employment records, military service records, deployment history, and documentation of PFAS contamination at your base or workplace. You do not need to gather this evidence yourself.
Can I file an AFFF lawsuit if I was exposed years ago?
Yes. PFAS chemicals accumulate in the body over time, and cancers often develop years or decades after exposure. The statute of limitations typically runs from when you were diagnosed or when you reasonably discovered the link between your cancer and PFAS exposure.
Can family members of firefighters file a claim?
Potentially. Some family members who were secondarily exposed to PFAS through a firefighter's contaminated gear or who lived in contaminated areas may have claims. Wrongful death claims may also be available for family members of deceased firefighters.