Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF) Lawsuit

Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF) have long been used by firefighters, the U.S. military, and airports to quickly extinguish dangerous fuel-based fires. Unfortunately, many of these foams contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—often called “forever chemicals” for their persistence in the environment and the human body.

Standing Up for Communities Affected by “Forever Chemicals”

Mounting evidence links PFAS exposure to serious health concerns, prompting numerous lawsuits against manufacturers. At ’Maggio Law, we believe that large corporations must be held accountable when their products contaminate communities and endanger lives.

Our firm’s founding attorney, Mike “’Maggio” Saltaformaggio, has been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers Top 25 Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys, and the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys’ Top 10—a testament to our unwavering commitment to justice. With decades of combined legal experience and millions of dollars recovered on behalf of our clients, we have built a reputation for relentless advocacy and personalized, results-driven representation.

Let us shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on what truly matters: your health, your family, and your future. Contact us today for a consultation—we’re available 24/7 and ready to listen.

What Is AFFF?

AFFF is a specialized firefighting foam designed to rapidly smother flammable liquid fires. Commonly used in high-risk settings—such as airports, chemical plants, and military bases—AFFF forms a film over burning fuel to cut off its oxygen supply.

While this method can be effective in emergencies, the PFAS compounds in many AFFF products have raised alarms for both environmental and public health advocates.

What Is a Mass Tort?

A mass tort is a type of civil legal action involving multiple plaintiffs—often in large numbers—who bring claims against one or more defendants for harm caused by a common product, action, or event.

Unlike class actions, where all plaintiffs are treated as one group, mass torts treat each individual’s case more distinctly to account for different degrees of injury.

This approach allows people who have been harmed in similar ways—such as exposure to the same toxic substance or defective product—to pool resources, share evidence, and streamline the litigation process, all while receiving a more personalized evaluation of their individual damages.

Widespread Environmental Impact

In addition to harming individuals, AFFF runoff can contaminate soil and groundwater, sometimes impacting entire communities and water supplies.

PFAS chemicals are known to travel long distances, potentially affecting families who live far from the original source of contamination.

Holding the responsible parties accountable is key to ensuring better safety standards and preventing further environmental damage.

Health Risks Linked to PFAS Exposure

PFAS chemicals do not break down easily, meaning they can accumulate over time in human tissue and groundwater. Studies suggest that long-term exposure may increase the risk of:

Kidney, Testicular, or Other Cancers
Thyroid Disorders & Metabolic Issues
Immune System Dysfunction
High Cholesterol & Related Cardiovascular Concerns

Legal Claims & Allegations

AFFF mass tort cases typically allege that manufacturers failed to:

Properly Test their products for toxicity before widespread use.
- In many suits, plaintiffs contend that companies neither performed adequate safety evaluations nor considered long-term health implications for communities repeatedly exposed to PFAS-containing foams [“In re: Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF) Products Liability Litigation,” MDL No. 2873 (D.S.C.)].
Warn the public, military personnel, and firefighters about the dangers of PFAS exposure.
- Critics argue that despite emerging data linking PFAS to various forms of cancer and immune system disorders, manufacturers continued marketing these products as safe [Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR), “Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls” (2018)].
Prevent or Contain environmental contamination, even after becoming aware of potential risks.
- According to Department of Defense records, more than 700 U.S. military installations have suspected or confirmed PFAS contamination, much of which stems from routine AFFF usage [Department of Defense PFAS Task Force Report, 2022].

As evidence of these failures has grown, so too have the lawsuits. In June 2023, one major PFAS manufacturer proposed a landmark settlement valued at $10.3 billion to resolve water-contamination claims from public water systems—a move that underscores the gravity and scale of PFAS litigation [Reuters, “3M agrees to pay $10.3 bln to settle US water pollution claims over 'forever chemicals'” (June 2023)].

Can Victims Recover Compensation?

Yes. Victims who have suffered illnesses, property damage, or other losses due to PFAS exposure from Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF) can potentially recover compensation by filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties, often manufacturers or distributors of these chemical-laden foams.

The level of compensation depends on factors like the extent of exposure, the severity of the victim’s illness, and the degree of negligence on the part of the defendants. Recoverable damages may include:

Medical Expenses

Costs for diagnosis, treatment, ongoing care, and monitoring of health conditions possibly linked to PFAS exposure
According to a study published in Environmental Research, PFAS-related health issues, including certain cancers and immune dysfunction, can require long-term medical attention [“PFAS exposure and health outcomes,” Environmental Research, 2021]

Lost Income & Earning Capacity

If a victim cannot work due to chronic illnesses or lengthy treatment regimens, they may seek compensation for lost wages and diminished future earning potential
This is especially critical for those in high-exposure professions, like firefighters, who may be forced to leave their jobs prematurely

Property Devaluation & Cleanup Costs

Communities with contaminated groundwater or soil may see property values plummet
Homeowners might need to invest in water filtration systems or costly environmental remediation to make their properties safe again
Several lawsuits involving military bases and airports have included claims for the expenses associated with decontaminating wells or municipal water systems [“In re: Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF) Products Liability Litigation,” MDL No. 2873 (D.S.C.)]

Pain & Suffering

Victims living with cancer or chronic diseases attributed to PFAS exposure often contend with significant physical discomfort and emotional distress
Compensation can address psychological harm, diminished quality of life, and related anxieties about long-term health risks

Punitive Damages

In particularly egregious cases, courts may award punitive damages to penalize companies that knowingly concealed risks associated with their products or disregarded warnings about potential harm

How ’Maggio Law Can Help

With decades of combined legal experience and a dedication to community well-being, our attorneys are uniquely equipped to handle the complexities of AFFF litigation. We take a personalized approach, thoroughly reviewing your medical history, environmental data, and relevant industry documentation to build a strong case on your behalf.

Here’s what you can expect from our partnership:

No Fees Unless We Win: We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, ensuring that you don’t pay unless we obtain a settlement or verdict in your favor.
Personalized Guidance: We provide direct attorney access, keeping you informed every step of the way.
Resourcefulness and Resilience: Our team collaborates with scientific experts, environmental specialists, and medical professionals to gather the most compelling evidence for your claim.

FAQs

What Are Some Early Signs of Possible PFAS Contamination in My Community?

You might notice unusual tastes or odors in your tap water, unexplained staining on fixtures, or a spike in community health issues like certain cancers or thyroid disorders. Some local health departments or environmental agencies publish periodic water quality reports; if PFAS levels exceed recommended thresholds, they typically issue advisories or make test results public.

I’m a Retired Firefighter. Can I Still File an AFFF Lawsuit?

Yes. Even if you’re no longer actively using AFFF, you may still file a claim if you develop medical conditions linked to PFAS exposure from your past service. Mass tort cases often include retirees who discover symptoms or receive a diagnosis years later.

Do I Need to Join a Class Action, or Can I File Individually?

AFFF-related litigation often proceeds as mass torts or multidistrict litigation (MDL), not as a single class action. That means each plaintiff retains an individual claim, allowing for differences in exposure levels, health conditions, and damages. Depending on your personal circumstances, filing a standalone suit may also be an option.

Can I Sue Even If I Don’t Have Cancer but Suspect Future Health Issues?

Yes. While a current diagnosis of cancer or another illness can strengthen a claim, some plaintiffs pursue lawsuits for medical monitoring—an ongoing surveillance program that helps detect PFAS-related conditions early. If you’ve had significant exposure to PFAS, you might be eligible for compensation covering regular checkups and medical tests.

Will Filing a Lawsuit Affect My Eligibility for Government Benefits?

Generally, filing a civil lawsuit does not impact eligibility for programs like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, or Medicaid. However, a significant settlement or verdict can sometimes affect asset-based government benefits. Your legal team can coordinate with financial planners to structure a settlement in a way that preserves your entitlement to essential benefits.

Contact ’Maggio Law Today

At ’Maggio Law, we believe in protecting both individuals and the environment from the negligence of powerful institutions—and we’re here to do the same for you. If AFFF contamination has impacted your health or community, you don’t have to stand against large corporations alone. Contact us today.