The Alabama AFFF lawsuit attorneys at Fob James Law Firm help firefighters, military members, airport workers, and communities harmed by PFAS-contaminated firefighting foam. With over 40 years of experience, we handle AFFF claims effectively. We currently represent around 1,000 clients exposed to toxic substances nationwide.
Our approach is personal and attentive. We take an aggressive approach to ensure our clients receive the best support. Clients work directly with their lawyer, not an assistant, and we never charge upfront fees. As a national mass tort firm, we are ready for trial. We will fight against 3M, DuPont, and other AFFF manufacturers to get the best compensation possible.
If you or a loved suffered an injury after using the firefighting foam product AFFF, contact our experienced firefighting foam attorneys in Birmingham, AL for a free consultation.
Why Our Alabama AFFF Attorneys Are the Top Choice for Firefighting Foam Lawsuits
- 40+ Years of Experience fighting for injury victims nationwide.
- 1,000+ Toxic Exposure Clients represented across 50 states.
- Direct Access to Your Lawyer — not an assistant or call center.
- Fast, Aggressive Case Work from the day we take your claim.
- Trial-Ready Attorneys who aren’t afraid to take on 3M, DuPont, or Chemours in court.
- No Upfront Fees — you pay nothing unless we win.
- Nationwide Mass Tort Firm representing clients in all 50 states.
Our case results and client testimonials speak for themselves. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.
What Is AFFF?
Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) is a specialized foam substance used to extinguish petroleum- and jet fuel-based fires.
Made primarily by 3M and DuPont, AFFF has been used in the U.S. and abroad since the early 1970s by firefighters, military personnel, and factory workers. It works by forming a protective blanket over fuel that smothers a fire when water alone cannot put it out.”
What Is the AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit About?
The AFFF lawsuit centers on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the foam—synthetic chemical compounds linked to various cancers. PFAS can accumulate in human bodies, especially in firefighters and others who used AFFF.
Despite knowing the risks, companies like 3M and DuPont allegedly manufactured dangerous foam for decades. After the EPA urged them to stop certain PFAS in 2010, some switched to “short-chain” variants, but recent studies suggest those are also harmful.
If you think you may have been injured due to exposure to AFFF, call us at 866-837-1010 to schedule your free consultation with a firefighting foam attorney in Alabama.
What Cancers Are Linked To Firefighting Foam (AFFF) Products?
For now, the focus of the AFFF lawsuit is on the following injuries:
- Kidney cancer
- Thyroid disease (both hypo and hyperthyroidism)
- Ulcerative colitis
- Liver cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid cancer
Which Companies Manufactured Toxic AFFF Products?
Several companies are alleged to have manufactured AFFF foams containing toxic PFAS, including:
- 3M
- Dupont
- AGC Chemicals Americas
- Arkema
- BASF Corporation
- Buckeye Fire Equipment Company
- ChemDesign Products, Inc.
- Chemours Company FC, LLC
- Chubb Fire, Ltd.
- Clariant
- Corteva
- Dynax Corporation
- Kiddle-Fenwal, Inc.
- Kidde P.L.C.
- National Foam, Inc.
- Tyco Fire Products, LP
- United Technologies
- UTC Fire and Security Americas Corporation, Inc.
Note that the AFFF product used by you could be the same product on the list but marketed under a different name.
If you are unsure whether your product qualifies, contact our AFFF attorneys and we will investigate free of charge.
Who Qualifies for the Firefighting Foam Lawsuit in Alabama?
Alabama residents who were exposed to PFAS through AFFF in their job may qualify.
Generally, you qualify if:
- you had long-term exposure (e.g., as a firefighter or factory worker); and
- you were later diagnosed with a disease tied to PFAS exposure, such as kidney cancer, liver cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, thyroid cancer, or ulcerative colitis.
Even if you are unsure if your case qualifies, please contact our Alabama AFFF lawyers for a free consultation.
The Risk Of Cancer Is Real
Recent studies have linked the PFAS chemicals in AFFF “firefighting foam” products to a myriad to cancers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Cancer Society classified the chemicals in AFFF firefighting foam as a possible carcinogen.
Likewise, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), as a possible human carcinogen that causes cancer.
Both the EPA and World Health Organization (WHO) have warned that exposure to PFAS may cause cancer. In fact, the EPA has classified PFAS as an “emerging contaminant”.
Kidney Cancer
A recent study by Dr. Jonathan Hofmann shows that people with high PFOA exposure have a higher risk of kidney cancer. This includes those who worked in a PFAS-producing chemical plant or lived near contaminated drinking water.
Testicular Cancer
Dr. Mark Perdue is doing a case-control study. This study looks at serum PFAS levels and their link to testicular cancer risk. It is part of the Department of Defense Serum Repository (DoDSR).
PFAS levels will be measured in the earliest and latest banked serum samples. These samples are stored in DoDSR. They come from 800 Air Force servicemen who later developed testicular cancer while on active duty. The study will also include 800 Air Force servicemen who are cancer-free as controls.
Thyroid Cancer
Dr. Mark Purdue is conducting another study to investigate whether elevated pre-diagnostic serum concentrations of selected PFAS are associated with increased risks of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and thyroid cancer.
What Can I Recover From An Alabama Firefighting Foam Lawsuit?
Every case is unique, but people who successfully file product liability lawsuits can recover money for the following damages:
- PAST AND FUTURE MEDICAL BILLS (INCLUDING MEDICATION, HOSPITAL STAYS, AND IN-HOME CARE)
- PAIN AND SUFFERING
- LOST WAGES
- LOSS OF EARNING CAPACITY
- FUNERAL EXPENSES (IN THE VENT OF A LOVED ONE’S DEATH)
- ESSENTIALLY, YOU CAN RECOVER ANY COSTS TIED TO YOUR DIAGNOSIS
What Are the AFFF Lawsuit Settlement Amounts?
AFFF lawsuits have not reached a global settlement so estimating settlement amounts is speculative. However, we anticipate settlement amounts in the following tiers based on recent developments and other mass torts.
- Top-Tier Cases: Individuals with aggressive cancers like kidney or pancreatic cancer and extensive occupational exposure may see settlements ranging from $200,000 to $500,000+.
- Mid-Tier Cases: Individuals with less severe cancers or shorter exposure durations may receive settlements between $75,000 and $150,000.
- Lower-Tier Cases: Cases involving limited exposure or minor health impacts may result in settlements under $75,000.
Note: These figures are estimates based on nationwide trends. Actual settlement amounts depend on your specific circumstances.
Alabama-Specific Developments
Alabama has experienced significant PFAS contamination, particularly from 3M’s facility in Decatur. Notable settlements include:
- $98.4 million: 3M settlement for PFAS-related lawsuits in northern Alabama.
- $35 million: West Morgan-East Lawrence Water Authority settlement to address PFAS contamination in local groundwater.
These cases show the state’s ongoing issues with PFAS exposure. They also suggest there may be large settlements in related AFFF lawsuits.
Factors That Affect Settlement Amounts
Several factors influence the value of an AFFF lawsuit settlement:
- Type and Severity of Illness: Certain cancers linked to AFFF exposure typically lead to higher settlements.
- Duration and Intensity of Exposure: Longer and more direct exposure strengthens your case.
- Evidence Strength: Medical records, exposure documentation, and expert testimony are critical.
- Economic & Non-Economic Damages: Lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life are considered.
If you or someone you know has been affected by AFFF exposure in Alabama, it is important to seek legal help. Experienced lawyers can guide you through the process.
The Fob James Law Firm has a lot of experience with AFFF-related claims. They can help you understand your legal options, assess your possible compensation, and guide you through the claims process.
What Are the Attorney Fees for the AFFF Lawsuit?
Fob James Law Firm operates on the contingency-fee-basis. This means we only get paid a percentage of the recovery if we successfully resolve your case.
Our fees come out of a favorable settlement or jury award, not out of your pocket. Importantly, if we do not obtain a recovery then you owe us nothing.
Fob James Law Firm charges AFFF lawsuit clients a 33.33% to 40% contingency fee.
To speak with one of our experienced Alabama firefighting foam lawyers, call us today at 866-837-1010.
How Long Do I Have To File An AFFF Lawsuit in Alabama?
Every state is different so make sure you consult with an AFFF attorney about how long you have to file a lawsuit.
In Alabama, you usually have two years from when you discover your AFFF-related injury to file a lawsuit.
How Do I Join The Alabama AFFF Lawsuit?
It is simple to join the AFFF lawsuit. Call us today or submit your contact information and our AFFF lawyers will call you to discuss your case.
It does not matter where you live. We represent victims of the toxic AFFF products in all 50 states.
Regardless of your location, all AFFF cases are filed in the MDL, which is federal court.
Firefighting Foam (AFFF) Class Action Lawsuit Updates
Last Updated: November 3, 2025
Updates on the AFFF lawsuit will be posted in our blog throughout the litigation. We strive to post updates at least once per month.
If you have any immediate quesitons or concerns, call us 24/7 to speak with one of our AFFF attorneys.
November 3, 2025 – First Bellwether Trial Delayed Due to New Filings
The first bellwether trial in the AFFF multidistrict litigation (MDL) has been delayed due to a surge in new filings. The trial, initially set to involve claims against 3M, one of the key defendants, has been postponed as the volume of new cases exceeds expectations.
While the influx of new claims is important for affected individuals to be heard, the larger-than-anticipated number of filings has temporarily impacted the litigation schedule. However, the case is still progressing, and plaintiffs can expect their day in court—unless a settlement is reached beforehand.
October 6, 2025 – Expert Deadlines Set for Thyroid and Liver Cancer Cases
In the ongoing AFFF firefighting foam case, Judge Gergel has updated the schedule for expert witnesses. This update affects claims related to thyroid and liver cancer. Plaintiffs have already submitted their expert reports, and defendants must file theirs by October 24, 2025. Any plaintiff rebuttals are due November 21, 2025.
The Court also reaffirmed that standard expert discovery limits apply—draft reports and private expert communications remain protected. By December 12, 2025, the lead lawyer must meet to create a schedule for expert depositions and Daubert motions. A joint or separate proposal is due to the Court by December 19, 2025.
September 2, 2025 – Barage of AFFF Lawsuits Filed
With the September 5th deadline fast approaching, we have seen a crazy number of AFFF lawsuit filings. Roughly 40,000 new AFFF lawsuits were filed over the last 30 days. We expect thousands more lawsuits filed between now and September 5th. With so many new filings, the total number of AFFF lawsuits could top 100,000.
August 20, 2025 – Lone Pine Order Goes Into Effect September 5th
Last Friday, a CMO was entered in the AFFF MDL requiring all cases be filed by September 5th. Cases filed after September 5th will be subject to a “Lone Pine” order, which will require a host of burdensome obligations (i.e. individual expert reports, discovery, etc.). We recommend that anyone who has not filed a lawsuit do so ASAP. After September 5th, the criteria to file a lawsuit will be substantial, and many firms will stop taking new cases.
August 1, 2025 – Large Number of Unfiled AFFF Lawsuits Becomes An Issue at Medation
The parties continue to mediate in hopes to reach a global resolution. One issue that has come up in mediation is the number of unfiled AFFF cases. According to Defendants, there is a large number of unfiled lawsuits, potentially in the tens of thousands. Defendants want to know how many claims will be filed before they agree to a global settlement. Frankly, this is not unreasonable. The Court has the ability resolve this issue with a “Lone Pine” order. In the meantime, we recommend that everyone who has not already done so get their claim filed.
July 3, 2025 – Influx of AFFF Lawsuits Filed As Settlement Pressure Intensifies
At the last status conference, Judge Gergel pushed the parties to settle individual AFFF claims before the first bellwether trial starts in October 2025. At the same time, the parties have been actively negotiating settlement and working with a special master on a “settlement matrix”.
A “settlement matrix” is a system where claims are valued based on a points system. The more points a claim has, the higher the settlement value.
With settlement negotiations underway and pressure from the Court, many law firms are filing their last qualifying AFFF cases that are in inventory. For this reason, we have seen an uptick in AFFF MDL lawsuit filings as of late with the total reaching 11,096.
June 4, 2025 – Science Day Scheduled for June 20th
The main happenings in the AFFF lawsuit this month is Science Day for liver and thyroid cancer. On June 20th, Plaintiff Leadership will have the opportunity to educate Judge Gergel on the science that supports causation for liver and thyroid cancer. First impressions are important. A solid presentation at Science Day will go a long way in persuading the Court that the plaintiffs can meet their burden of proof on causation for these two diseases.
Roughly 10,500 AFFF cases have been filed into the MDL. We expect more lawsuits will be filed this year as settlement talks continue.
May 12, 2025 – Special Master Working On Developing a Settlement Matrix
Judge Gergel appointed a special master to facilitate settlement negotiations. The role of a special master is to help the parties negotiate a global settlement. Int he AFFF lawsuits, the special master is working with Plaintiff Leadership and defendants on developing and negotiating a settlement matrix (or grid) that can be used for global settlement. We remain hopeful that a global resolution will be reached by the end of the year.
April 2, 2025 – Expert Report Deadlines for Liver and Thyroid Cancer Plaintiffs
The deadlines for expert reports in cases involving liver cancer or thyroid cancer are as follows:
- July 11, 2025 – Plaintiffs’ expert reports
- August 22, 2025 – Defendants’ expert reports
We continue to see an influx of filed cases. This could be because plaintiff attorneys anticipate a global resolution in 2025, so they want to make sure they get their cases filed on the docket.
The next key date is the “Science Day” in June.
March 1, 2025 – Judge Gergel Schedules Science Day for Liver and Thyroid Cancer
Like most MDLs, the AFFF litigation initially involved a wide range of diseases. Plaintiffs have the burden of proof and the science has to support both general and specific causation. Because of this, the qualifying diseases in the AFFF lawsuits were reduced to the following:
- testicular cancer
- kidney cancer
- thyroid disease (Hypo and Hyperthyroidism; Hashimoto’s)
- ulcerative colitis
However, many AFFF attorneys and their experts have been arguing that the science is sufficiently strong enough to support claims for liver and thyroid cancer. Judge Gergel apparently believes its worth the Court’s time to schedule a “science day” on June 6, 2025.
At the science day, the parties will educate the Court on the the science connecting AFFF exposure to liver and thyroid cancer. If the science day goes well, the Judge Gergel may expand the MDL to include these two cancers. Overall, we believe the science day is a positive step.
February 10, 2025 – Parties Request Discovery Track for Ulcerative Colitis Cases
The parties in the AFFF lawsuits are requesting a new case management order to provide a framework for discovery and bellwether cases for ulcerative colitis cases. The science connecting AFFF exposure to ulcerative colitis is very strong. Ulcerative colitis is also one of the more common diseases in the MDL. As a result, it makes sense to have case specific discovery and a bellwether trial selection process specifically for ulcerative colitis claimants.
January 4, 2025 – Will the AFFF Lawsuit Settle in 2025?
Our AFFF lawyers blogged last month that the first Tier 2 AFFF bellwether trial is scheduled for October 6, 2025. In light of this, we believe there is a decent chance that qualifying AFFF lawsuits may settle by the end of 2025.
Bellwether trials are crucial in a MDL because they put pressure on both sides to settle. From plaintiffs perspective, the risk of going to trial is that the jury returning a defense verdict. And from defendants’ point of view, the risk is the jury awarding a nuclear verdict to the plaintiff.
As pressure mounts before the bellwether trial in October, we are hopeful that the parties are able to reach a global settlement.
December 14, 2024 – First Tier 2 Bellwether Trial Scheduled In October 2025
The MDL Court scheduled the first Tier 2 Group A bellwether trial in the AFFF litigation (MDL) for October 6, 2025.
Tier 2 diseases in the AFFF lawsuit include kidney and testicular cancer. The Tier 2 discovery track cases are divided into Group A or B.
December 2, 2024- Drop in the Number of Filed AFFF Lawsuits
The number filed lawsuits in the AFFF MDL is now around 7400 cases. At one point there were roughly 9000 pending cases. However, the Court dismissed cases connected with a prior global settlement. This in turn has reduced the number of cases on the Court’s docket .
November 1, 2024 – Judge Gergel Enters New Case Management Order on PPFs
In mass tort litigation, plaintiffs produce Plaintiff Profile Forms (PPFs) to the defendants. PPFs stand for Plaintiff Fact Sheets. The information contained in the PPFs provides key facts and evidence supporting a plaintiff’s case.
Increasingly, PPFs are more difficult and time consuming to complete. As a result, many plaintiffs submit incomplete PPFs. If this happens, the defendants will initiate protocols set by the court that could eventually lead to the dismissal of deficient cases.
Judge Gergel entered Case Management Order No. 31 (CMO 31), which sets forth new requirement and timelines for PPFs. We encourage every plaintiff to follow up with your attorney to make sure your PPF complies with CMO 31.
October 1, 2024 – Slow Couple of Weeks in the AFFF MDL
There is not much to report from the last several weeks. Now that the Court has selected the first seven bellwether cases, we expect the next battle in the litigation will consist of Daubert motions. Plaintiffs have the burden to prove that the chemicals in the foam caused his or her injuries. To prove causation, plaintiffs typically rely on expert testimony. Experts often include medical doctors and scientists.
A Daubert motion is where the defense will attack Plaintiff’s experts and try to exclude their testimony from trial. If plaintiffs’ experts are excluded, then plaintiffs will lack the scientific basis needed to prove causation. We expect the expert battles will take place over the next 9-12 months.
September 2, 2024 – New Study by University of Arizona Links AFFF Usage to Water Contamination
Researchers from the University of Arizona released a study linking PFAS chemicals found in a small Washington town’s water supply to AFFF foam used at the nearby Fairchild Air Force Base (AFB). This study reflects how AFFF chemicals can impact non-users such as nearby residents. At this time, lawsuits involving AFFF foam are limited to the firefighters and other personal who were directly exposed. Time will tell if the scope of lawsuits broaden.
August 2, 2024 – Judge Selects 7 Bellwether Cases
Judge Gergel who presides over the MDL in the District of South Carolina has selected seven cases that will serve as the initial “bellwether cases”. A bellwether trial is like a test trial that allows the parties to gauge the strength and weaknesses of the case through expert discovery and a jury trial. This is a big deal because typically global resolutions are not reached until bellwether trials happen. The seven bellwether plaintiffs are all Pennsylvania residents who were diagnosed with at least one of the following diseases:
- kidney cancer
- testicular cancer
- thyroid disease
- ulcerative colitis
July 15, 2024 – Air Force Removes AFFF/PFAS Chemical from its Stock
The Air Force announced it is replacing current stocks of AFFF in fire and emergency services vehicles with a fluorine-free formulation. The new formulatoin does not contain chemicals with tox effects. This move is part of a larger Defense Department-wide effort to remove PFAS from firefighting activities. We applaud the removal of any AFFF based products used by firefighters.
July 1, 2024 – Landfills Linked to PFAS Chemicals
A new study by researchers at the University of Florida found that landfills release various types of “forever chemicals” [PFAS]. These chemicals pollute the air as products in the landfill made with PFAS break down. Time will tell if a new category of air pollution lawsuits will result from PFAS released by landfills.
June 26, 2024 – Former Alabama Firefighter Files AFFF Lawsuit
A former firefighter and resident of Alabama filed a lawsuit against the makers of AFFF alleging the PFAS chemicals caused his kidney cancer after decades of exposure. The case was initially filed in federal court in Alabama and subsequently transferred to the MDL Court overseeing the AFFF litigation. If the case does not get resolved through the MDL, it will likely get transfered back to federal court in Alabama.
June 2, 2024 – Pathway for Non-Qualifying Diseases
In the current MDL, the types of diseases that will be litigated has been narrowed. This usually happens in a MDL. So what happens to all of the filed cases that do not have a “qualifying disease”? The Court established a pathway for cases that do not qualify for the MDL to continue. Specifically, the Court annouced a process where the non-qualifying cases can be voluntary dismissed and the statute of limitations tolled while the litigation plays out. These cases can be refiled at a later date.
May 1, 2024 – Number of Cases reaches 8,000
On a consistent basis, several hundred cases are filed each month in the MDL. With 323 cases filed in April, the total number of cases crosses the 8,000 mark.
April 1, 2024 – The Court Is Gearing Up for a “Science Day”
The Court entered Case Management Order 28 [CMO-28] which sets forth the obligations of the parties leading up to a “Science Day”.
A Science Day is a proceeding where the parties present an overview of the scientific evidence and expert testimony in connection with various diseases to the Court. In other words, a science day is a chance to educate the Judge on medical causation and other important issues.
CMO-28 requires the parties to exhchange peer reviewed studies which support or dispute as association of AFFF with the list of diseases identified by the PEC.
By May 15, 2024, the parties must submit the peer reviewed studies to the Court. Thereafter, the Court will schedule a science day.
The order also requires the parties to meet and confer on the process for selecting bellwether cases (test trials) and regarding Daubert and dispositive motions.
RELATED: Read Our AFFF Lawsuit Blog for More Updates
Contact an AFFF Lawsuit Lawyer Near Me In Alabama For Help
At Fob James Law Firm, our job is to help you to the best of our ability and fight for you. If you have cancer from exposure to harmful AFFF products, contact our firefighting foam attorneys right away.
We can determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit or not. It won’t cost you anything to speak with us. Additionally, you’ll never pay us anything until we successfully settle or win your case in court.
Our Birmingham, Alabama firefighting foam lawyers are experienced, dedicated, and they truly care about you. We treat all of our clients exactly how we would want our own family members to be treated.
Contact us right now at 866-837-1010 or set up a free case evaluation so we can help you.