AFFF lawsuit claims continue to grow in 2026 as thousands of firefighters, military personnel, and nearby residents seek justice. Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) contained toxic PFAS chemicals. These “forever chemicals” contaminated drinking water supplies across the country. The litigation is one of the largest mass torts in U.S. history.
Over 15,000 personal injury cases are now pending in federal court. If you were exposed to AFFF and developed cancer or other serious health conditions, you may qualify to file a claim. However, time limits apply in every state. Consulting a licensed attorney is the best first step.
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Case Timeline
Last checked: July 10, 2026
July 10, 2026: Consultation opens on PFAS firefighting foam proposals – CIR Magazine (CIR Magazine)
July 10, 2026: Arizona expands PFAS restrictions in firefighting foams – KJZZ (KJZZ)
July 10, 2026 (Bellwether Date): The October 20, 2025 first personal-injury bellwether trial (a kidney cancer claim) remains off-calendar as of mid-2026, and a replacement date is still being negotiated as the second bellwether pool advances. (Court Record)
July 10, 2026 (Case Status): The MDL-2873 docket has grown to roughly 15,200+ pending personal-injury claims (nearly 19,800–23,000 total cases) before Judge Richard M. Gergel in D.S.C. (Court Record)
July 10, 2026 (Ruling): Judge Gergel issued an order keeping all AFFF-related claims—including firefighting foam and contaminated turnout gear exposure—consolidated within MDL-2873 to streamline discovery and expert testimony. (Court Record)
July 10, 2026 (Case Status): Plaintiffs’ and defendants’ leadership teams were extended through June 2026 with the existing structure kept in place while the second bellwether pool is developed. (Court Record)
July 10, 2026 (Settlement): No global personal-injury settlement exists yet; the prior 3M $10.3B water-utility settlement (approved May 2024) explicitly excluded personal-injury claims, which remain in active litigation. (Court Record)
July 09, 2026: Georgia Sen. Ossoff pressing Trump administration over PFAS cleanup at Robins Air Force Base – WMAZ (WMAZ)
July 07, 2026: New Florida law phasing out use of PFAS chemical used in firefighting foam linked to cancer – CBS News (CBS News)
July 06, 2026: It’s time to act on the state’s PFAS problem – CommonWealth Beacon (CommonWealth Beacon)
July 06, 2026: AFFF management enters new era after incineration pause lifted – Waste Dive (Waste Dive)
July 03, 2026 (Bellwether Date): The October 2025 bellwether trial remains off the calendar after a surge of new filings, and no replacement personal-injury trial date has been set as the parties negotiate a new schedule. (Court Record)
July 03, 2026 (Ruling): Judge Gergel is directing selection of a 28-case second bellwether pool focused on plaintiffs exposed via contaminated drinking water and has kept the existing plaintiff/defendant leadership structure extended through June 2026. (Court Record)
July 03, 2026 (Settlement): No global personal-injury settlement has been reached, though attorneys tracking the MDL expect a global personal-injury settlement in 2026 or 2027 following the first bellwether trial; prior water-utility deals (3M $10.3B; DuPont/Chemours/Corteva $1.18B) do not cover personal injury claims. (Court Record)
July 02, 2026: Former firefighter training site identified as likely source of PFAS contamination in Montgomery County – WUSA9 (WUSA9)
June 30, 2026: North Bay’s PFAS problem: 5 things to know about a ‘forever chemicals’ hotspot in Ontario – Great Lakes Now (Great Lakes Now)
June 30, 2026: Heat is on for firefighting foam issue – safety4sea (safety4sea)
June 26, 2026: Florida bans cancer-linked firefighting foams with new law takes effect next week – FOX 13 Tampa Bay (FOX 13 Tampa Bay)
June 26, 2026: Chasing 14,000 “forever chemicals” to protect California’s drinking water – California State Water Resources Control Board (.gov) (California State Water Resources Control Board (.gov))
June 26, 2026 (Case Status): As of June 2026, MDL-2873 before Judge Richard M. Gergel (D.S.C.) has grown to roughly 15,200+ pending personal-injury claims and nearly 19,800–23,000 total cases on the docket. (Court Record)
June 26, 2026 (Bellwether Date): The first personal-injury bellwether trial, originally set for October 20, 2025, has been pulled from the calendar with no new date yet set, after a surge of new filings prompted the court to verify medical/exposure documentation. (Court Record)
June 26, 2026 (Bellwether Date): A new bellwether trial schedule is expected to be announced during 2026, with leadership teams on both sides extended through May 2026. (Court Record)
June 26, 2026 (Settlement): Judge Gergel has urged manufacturers (3M, DuPont, BASF, Johnson Controls) to move toward a global personal-injury settlement before October, with attorneys widely anticipating a resolution in 2026 or 2027 following the first bellwether trial. (Court Record)
June 26, 2026 (Settlement): Prior approved settlements remain in place: 3M’s $10.3B water-utility deal (approved May 2024) and a $1.185B DuPont/Chemours/Corteva water-contamination settlement, both excluding personal-injury claims. (Court Record)
June 25, 2026: KNEB-AM 960 AM – 100.3 FM – Soy-based foam offers safer firefighting option – Rural Radio Network (Rural Radio Network)
March 20, 2026: News Releases | Sherrill Administration Highlights Success of Historic Program Helping Hundreds of Fire Departments Remove PFAS-containing Firefighting Foams (Joint Release) – New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (.gov) (New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (.gov))
June 22, 2026: ‘Carcinogenic sponge’: PFAS contamination in local waterways raises alarm – Montgomery Community Media (Montgomery Community Media)
June 22, 2026: Gov. DeSantis signs phaseout of toxic firefighting foam tied to cancer-causing ‘forever chemicals’ – The Cool Down (The Cool Down)
June 05, 2026: AFFF Foam and PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuit- June 2026 – AboutLawsuits.com (AboutLawsuits.com)
June 17, 2026: Guest opinion: Many Wisconsin firefighters missed a chance at toxic foam compensation. Here’s how to fix that. – Wisconsin Watch (Wisconsin Watch)
June 17, 2026: Florida to ban cancer-linked firefighting foam, require water tests for PFAS under new law – Florida Politics (Florida Politics)
June 16, 2026: High levels of potentially cancerous chemicals found in local waterways – Montgomery Community Media (Montgomery Community Media)
June 15, 2026: PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ found in Montgomery County stream – NBC4 Washington (NBC4 Washington)
June 12, 2026 (Case Status): MDL-2873 has approximately 15,222 active personal injury cases pending before Judge Richard M. Gergel in the District of South Carolina, with nearly 19,800 total cases on the docket including closed or transferred matters. (Court Record)
June 12, 2026 (Bellwether Date): The October 2025 bellwether trial was vacated due to a surge in new filings; no new trial date has been officially set, but bellwether trials focusing on kidney cancer claims are expected to be scheduled for fall 2026. (Court Record)
June 12, 2026 (Settlement): Prior water contamination settlements exceed $13 billion (3M $10.3B, DuPont $1.185B, Carrier Global $730M), but no global personal injury settlement has been reached yet. (Court Record)
June 12, 2026 (Ruling): Judge Gergel urged AFFF/PFAS manufacturers to pursue settlement negotiations ahead of the anticipated fall 2026 bellwether trial dates for kidney cancer claims. (Court Record)
June 12, 2026 (Other): Projected individual personal injury settlement amounts range from $200,000 to $1,000,000+ depending on illness severity, exposure extent, and evidence strength. (Court Record)
June 09, 2026: Australia’s $1.4 billion PFAS lawsuit could be a global model – C&EN (C&EN)
June 06, 2026: Avoca Fire Department receives grant to replace firefighting foam with PFAS-free foam – fox56.com (fox56.com)
June 06, 2026: Tyco agrees to $10M settlement over PFAS contamination in Wisconsin – FOX6 News Milwaukee (FOX6 News Milwaukee)
June 01, 2026: Firefighting Foam & AFFF Lawsuit (Updated 2026) – Sokolove Law (Sokolove Law)
June 05, 2026: Mass. bills would ban PFAS in food packaging, kid’s toys and more – WBUR (WBUR)
June 05, 2026 (Case Status): As of June 2026, approximately 15,240 personal injury claims are pending in MDL-2873 in the District of South Carolina under Judge Richard M. Gergel, with nearly 19,800 total cases on the docket including closed or transferred matters. (Court Record)
June 05, 2026 (Settlement): Prior AFFF/PFAS public water system settlements have surpassed $13 billion total, and a comprehensive personal injury settlement is considered highly likely this summer 2026. (Court Record)
June 05, 2026 (Settlement): Carrier Global agreed to pay $730 million ($540M to Kidde-Fenwal, $190M to PFAS plaintiffs) to resolve claims that its firefighting foams contaminated drinking water. (Court Record)
June 05, 2026 (Settlement): A judge approved a $1.185 billion settlement from DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva to resolve PFAS contamination claims including those caused by firefighting foam. (Court Record)
June 05, 2026 (Ruling): Judge Gergel ordered that all AFFF-related claims — including exposure to firefighting foam and contaminated gear — will remain consolidated in MDL-2873. (Court Record)
June 05, 2026 (Ruling): Judge Gergel has been pressing both sides to settle personal injury claims before the first bellwether trial proceeds. (Court Record)
June 05, 2026 (Other): Oregon Senate passed SB 91 nearly unanimously, prohibiting fire departments from using PFAS-containing AFFF, with a phase-out deadline of July 1, 2026. (Court Record)
June 04, 2026: Wisconsin reaches $10M settlement with Tyco, Johnson Controls over PFAS contamination – WPR (WPR)
June 04, 2026: Tyco agrees to $10 million settlement with Wisconsin over PFAS water contamination – Boston 25 News (Boston 25 News)
June 01, 2026: Australia sues 3M over firefighting foam PFAS contamination – Chemistry World (Chemistry World)
May 30, 2026: Michigan firefighter blood PFAS study hints at foam ban impact – MLive.com (MLive.com)
May 29, 2026: Australia files billion-dollar PFAS lawsuit against 3M – Civic Media (Civic Media)
May 28, 2026: Australia sues 3M for record $2bn sum over Pfas ‘forever chemicals’ in firefighting foam – The Guardian (The Guardian)
May 28, 2026: Australia sues US giant 3M over ‘forever chemicals’ in firefighting foam – BBC (BBC)
May 27, 2026: State, Tyco Fire Products reach settlement in Marinette County PFAS pollution case – WLUK (WLUK)
May 27, 2026: Settlement expected in lawsuit over Marinette County PFAS contamination – WBAY (WBAY)
May 22, 2026 (Case Status): As of April 2026, MDL-2873 has 15,222 pending personal injury lawsuits before Judge Richard M. Gergel in the District of South Carolina. (Court Record)
May 22, 2026 (Bellwether Date): The October 2025 kidney cancer bellwether trial was pulled from the calendar; no new trial date has been set yet, but a new bellwether schedule is expected to be announced later in 2026. (Court Record)
May 22, 2026 (Ruling): Judge Gergel is requiring verification of medical and exposure documentation for thousands of recently filed cases before setting new bellwether trial dates. (Court Record)
May 22, 2026 (Settlement): Water contamination settlements now exceed $12.2B total — 3M ($10.3B), DuPont/Chemours/Corteva ($1.185B), and Carrier Global ($730M) — but no personal injury settlements have been reached yet. (Court Record)
May 22, 2026 (Settlement): A comprehensive personal injury settlement framework is considered highly likely in summer 2026, with projected individual payouts ranging from $200K to $1M+ depending on circumstances. (Court Record)
May 22, 2026 (Other): Judge Gergel has encouraged manufacturers (3M, DuPont, BASF, Johnson Controls) to move toward settlement negotiations ahead of any rescheduled bellwether trials. (Court Record)
May 21, 2026: Bellwether Trials Near for PFAS Firefighting Foam Litigation – The Legal Examiner (The Legal Examiner)
May 21, 2026: Legal-Bay Pre Settlement Funding Assists Plaintiffs in AFFF PFAS Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuits as Nationwide Litigation Intensifies – PR Newswire (PR Newswire)
May 19, 2026: Military Bases Are Rife With ‘Forever Chemicals.’ New Mexico Wants Them Cleaned Up. – The New York Times (The New York Times)
May 19, 2026: Ohio company helping firefighters get rid of cancer-causing ‘forever chemicals’ – 10tv.com (10tv.com)
May 18, 2026: Study finds PFAS in most Michigan firefighters’ blood – Sault Michigan News (Sault Michigan News)
May 18, 2026: Study of PFAS levels in Michigan firefighters raises cautious optimism – Bridge Michigan (Bridge Michigan)
May 18, 2026: Firefighter Turnout Gear Lawsuits Warrant New MDL Over PFAS Risks: Motion – AboutLawsuits.com (AboutLawsuits.com)
May 15, 2026: State report highlights PFAS exposure risks for firefighters – WILX (WILX)
May 15, 2026 (Case Status): As of April 2026, 15,222 personal injury claims are pending in MDL-2873 in the District of South Carolina, up from ~15,200 earlier in the year. (Court Record)
May 15, 2026 (Bellwether Date): The October 2025 bellwether trial was pulled from the calendar; no new trial date has been set yet, but a new bellwether schedule is expected to be announced in 2026. (Court Record)
May 15, 2026 (Ruling): Judge Richard M. Gergel encouraged AFFF/PFAS manufacturers (3M, DuPont, BASF, Johnson Controls) to move toward settlements at a recent status conference, with bellwether trials for kidney cancer claims referenced for an October timeframe. (Court Record)
May 15, 2026 (Ruling): Leadership teams on both plaintiff and defense sides have been extended through May 2026 while the court reviews thousands of recently filed cases for proper medical and exposure documentation. (Court Record)
May 15, 2026 (Settlement): Carrier Global agreed to pay $730M ($540M to Kidde-Fenwal, $190M to PFAS plaintiffs) to resolve claims related to its toxic firefighting foams contaminating drinking water. (Court Record)
May 15, 2026 (Settlement): The previously approved $1.185B DuPont/Chemours/Corteva settlement and 3M’s $10.3B municipal water contamination settlement remain the largest resolved amounts; no new global personal injury settlement has been announced yet. (Court Record)
May 15, 2026 (Other): Attorneys widely expect a personal injury settlement framework to emerge in 2026 or 2027, with some predicting announcements within months as of early 2026. (Court Record)
What Is the AFFF Lawsuit About?
| MDL Detail |
Current Data |
| MDL Number |
MDL-2873 |
| Pending Cases |
15,244 |
| Presiding Judge |
Richard M. Gergel |
| Federal District |
D.S.C. |
| Data Source |
U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation |
| Last Updated |
July 06, 2026 |
AFFF is a specialized firefighting foam used since the 1960s to extinguish fuel-based fires. The U.S. military required its use at bases and training facilities for decades. Municipal fire departments and airports also relied on it heavily. The foam contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. These chemicals do not break down in the environment. As a result, they earned the nickname “forever chemicals.”
Manufacturers like 3M, DuPont, Chemours, Tyco Fire Products, and others knew about the risks. Internal documents suggest these companies understood PFAS could harm human health. However, they continued selling AFFF without adequate warnings. The chemicals seeped into groundwater near military bases, airports, and fire training sites. Communities that relied on those water sources were unknowingly exposed for years.
The AFFF lawsuit alleges this exposure caused serious medical conditions. Kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, and liver cancer are among the primary claims. Thyroid disease and ulcerative colitis are also recognized injuries. In most cases, plaintiffs were exposed through contaminated drinking water or direct occupational contact with the foam. The damage was widespread and often went undetected for decades.
MDL Case Status and Key Facts
| Detail |
Information |
| MDL Number |
2873 |
| Official Case Name |
In re: Aqueous Film-Forming Foams Products Liability Litigation |
| Presiding Judge |
Hon. Richard M. Gergel |
| Federal District |
U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina (Charleston) |
| Pending Cases (April 2026) |
Approximately 15,222 personal injury claims |
| Bellwether Trial Status |
No trial date currently set; original October 2025 date postponed |
| Water System Settlements |
Over $14 billion approved across multiple defendants |
The first personal injury bellwether trial was scheduled for October 2025. It focused on kidney cancer claims. However, Judge Gergel pulled the trial from the calendar. A surge in new filings required additional quality control on medical records and exposure documentation. The court held a Science Day in June 2025. Experts presented evidence on thyroid and liver cancer causation. A new bellwether schedule is expected later in 2026.
For example, a special master is now working with attorneys on both sides. This signals that the court considers the AFFF lawsuit mature enough for serious settlement talks. Meanwhile, the EPA finalized PFAS drinking water standards in April 2024. Maximum contaminant levels for PFOA and PFOS were set at 4 parts per trillion. The agency designated these chemicals as hazardous substances under federal Superfund law. These regulatory actions strengthen the legal foundation for every AFFF lawsuit claim.
Who Qualifies for the AFFF Lawsuit?
Eligibility for the AFFF lawsuit depends on two main factors: exposure and diagnosis. You must show that you had significant contact with AFFF or PFAS-contaminated water. You must also have a qualifying medical condition. The court’s Case Management Order 33 identifies six primary diagnoses. These are kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer, thyroid disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Typically, the strongest claims come from military firefighters and civilian firefighters. Personnel stationed at military bases where AFFF was used in training exercises also qualify. Residents who lived near these facilities and drank contaminated water may be eligible as well. Airport workers and industrial employees who handled AFFF are included. In most cases, exposure must have occurred over a meaningful period of time.
Evidence plays a critical role. Medical records confirming your diagnosis are essential. Military service records, employment history, or proof of residence near a contaminated site help establish exposure. Blood tests showing elevated PFAS levels can further strengthen a claim. However, not every case requires blood testing. A licensed attorney experienced in AFFF litigation can evaluate your specific situation and advise on next steps.
How to File an AFFF Lawsuit Claim
The first step is contacting a mass tort attorney who handles AFFF cases. Most firms offer free case evaluations. They work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront. The attorney will review your medical history, exposure timeline, and potential damages. If your case qualifies, the firm will file your complaint in MDL-2873 in the District of South Carolina.
After filing, you will need to complete a Plaintiff Fact Sheet. This document provides details about your exposure, medical treatment, and personal background. It is a required step in the MDL process. Your attorney will help you gather the necessary documentation. For example, military service records can be obtained through the National Personnel Records Center. Medical records should cover your full treatment history for the qualifying condition.
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The statute of limitations varies by state. Most states allow two to three years from the date of diagnosis or discovery. Nearly every state follows a “discovery rule” for toxic exposure cases. The clock typically does not start until you knew or should have known your illness was linked to AFFF exposure. However, 2026 is not too late to file for many claimants. The window is narrowing. Acting promptly protects your legal rights and ensures you do not miss critical filing deadlines.
Settlement Updates and What to Expect
No global personal injury settlement exists as of May 2026. However, water contamination settlements have exceeded $14 billion. 3M agreed to pay between $10.5 and $12.5 billion over 13 years. That settlement received final court approval in March 2024. It covers approximately 12,000 public water systems. DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva collectively settled for $1.185 billion. Tyco Fire Products added $750 million. BASF contributed $316.5 million.
These water system settlements are separate from the personal injury AFFF lawsuit claims. Individual settlement amounts will depend on several factors. Diagnosis type matters significantly. Kidney cancer claims are classified as Tier 1 with the strongest evidence. The severity and stage of illness affect potential compensation. Length and intensity of exposure are also considered. Attorneys project that settlement values will vary widely based on individual circumstances. You should consult a licensed attorney for a realistic assessment of your claim’s potential value.
As a result of ongoing settlement framework discussions, many legal experts expect a global personal injury resolution in 2026 or 2027. The appointment of a special master is a strong signal. Bellwether trials, once scheduled, will also create pressure for settlement. Each AFFF lawsuit resolved through trial provides data points that shape future negotiations. The litigation is clearly moving toward resolution, but patience is required.
State-by-State Considerations
State laws significantly affect how an AFFF lawsuit proceeds. Each state has its own statute of limitations and tort reform rules. Some states cap non-economic damages. Others have modified joint and several liability rules. These differences can change the value and strategy of your claim. For example, New Jersey has been the most active state. It secured an $875 million settlement from Chemours, DuPont, and Corteva in August 2025 for environmental contamination claims.
Florida, California, and Washington also have significant plaintiff populations in the AFFF lawsuit. Connecticut filed a separate state-level complaint naming 3M and other defendants. States with large military installations tend to have higher case counts. You can learn more about how your state’s laws affect mass tort claims on our state-by-state tort reform guide. Understanding your state’s legal landscape is an important part of building a strong claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it too late to file an AFFF lawsuit in 2026?
For many people, it is not too late. The discovery rule in most states means the statute of limitations starts when you learned your condition was linked to AFFF. However, deadlines vary by state and specific circumstances. Contact an attorney promptly to evaluate your filing window.
Do I need to prove I used AFFF directly to qualify?
Not necessarily. Many claimants were exposed through contaminated drinking water rather than direct contact with the foam. If you lived or worked near a military base, airport, or fire training facility that used AFFF, you might be eligible. A lawyer can help determine whether your exposure history meets the requirements.
How long will the AFFF lawsuit take to resolve?
Mass tort litigation typically takes several years. The water system settlements are already approved and paying out. Personal injury claims are still in active litigation. Legal experts anticipate a global settlement framework could emerge in 2026 or 2027. Individual timelines depend on case complexity, but filing sooner gives your attorney more time to build a strong claim.
Check If You May Qualify
Mass tort eligibility depends on your specific exposure, injuries, and the state where you live. A licensed mass tort attorney can evaluate your situation at no upfront cost — most work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless you recover compensation.
Official Sources & Resources
For verified mass tort and MDL information:
- JPML: jpml.uscourts.gov — official MDL statistics and transfer orders
- DOJ: justice.gov — settlement announcements and press releases
- FDA: fda.gov — drug recalls, warning letters, and safety alerts
- CDC: cdc.gov — health condition data and exposure guidelines
- EPA: epa.gov — environmental contamination data
- Cornell LII: law.cornell.edu — plain-English legal definitions
Content last reviewed May 2026. This is general educational information, not legal advice. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
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Attorney Advertising. The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by accessing or using this content. Every case is unique, and results depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Past settlement amounts and case outcomes do not guarantee similar results in your case. If you believe you have a legal claim, you should consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction who can evaluate your specific situation.
