Eligible individuals can still file aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) lawsuits in 2026. As of June 1, 2026, there were more than 15,000 AFFF lawsuits pending—making this the third-largest ongoing mass tort case in the country. Individuals who have questions about filing an AFFF lawsuit should consult with an experienced mass tort lawyer about their legal rights.
The aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) litigation remains ongoing in 2026. More than 15,000 lawsuits are currently pending, and many individuals remain eligible to file. Talk of a potential global settlement has fueled a recent surge in new filings, and individuals who are interested in participating in a potential global settlement should consult with an experienced mass tort lawyer promptly.
About the AFFF Multi-District Litigation (MDL)
The vast majority of ongoing AFFF lawsuits are pending in a national multi-district litigation (MDL) proceeding. These proceedings allow multiple plaintiffs to pursue their claims together, and sharing information, experts, and discovery materials helps to streamline the process significantly. That said, MDL proceedings also have unique complexities, and with the substantial amount of money at stake in the ongoing AFFF litigation, the defendants are fighting to protect their financial interests by all means available.
The AFFF litigation centers on allegations that the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aqueous film-forming foam can cause (and have caused) a wide range of serious health conditions. These include (but are not limited to):
- Kidney Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
- Thyroid Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
In the ongoing MDL, plaintiffs are pursuing claims related to all of these diagnoses, and one of the unique aspects of the MDL (compared to class action litigation) is that it allows plaintiffs to pursue claims related to their specific financial and non-financial losses. As a result, if a global settlement is reached, different plaintiffs will receive different settlement amounts based on their specific diagnoses, with individual settlements likely to fall into different “tiers” ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
What to Do if You Have Questions About Filing an AFFF Lawsuit
With all of this in mind, if you have questions about filing an AFFF lawsuit, there are some important steps you should take promptly. To determine your eligibility and help maximize your chances of success if you are eligible to file a claim, you should:
1. Gather Your Medical Records
If you have been diagnosed with any of the medical conditions listed above—or any other condition that your doctor has linked to AFFF exposure- you should gather your medical records. This includes medical records related to your diagnosis and treatment. If you don’t have any of these medical records, that’s okay. In this situation, you should gather as many records as you can and write down the names of the healthcare facilities and doctors you have visited.
2. Gather Your Proof of Eligibility (if Possible)
If possible, you should also gather proof of your eligibility. As explained by the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, which is handling the AFFF MDL:
“Plaintiffs generally allege that aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) . . . contaminated groundwater near various military bases, airports, and other industrial sites where AFFFs were used to extinguish liquid fuel fires.”
As a result, to prove your eligibility, you will need documentation of your time spent at or near a military base, airport, or industrial site where AFFF was used for either testing, training, or firefighting. Housing records, military service records and employment records are all potential sources of proof—and, for now, you should try to locate any records that you think might be relevant to your claim.
3. Talk to a Mass Tort Lawyer
To join the ongoing AFFF multi-district litigation, you will need to hire an experienced mass tort lawyer who can take appropriate legal action on your behalf. New plaintiffs must meet specific filing requirements and be able to prove both their eligibility and the damages they are entitled to recover. An experienced mass tort lawyer can take all necessary steps on your behalf and advise you as your case moves forward—including settlement options if a global settlement is reached.
FAQs: Filing an Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) Lawsuit in 2026
Who is eligible to file an aqueous film-forming foam lawsuit?
Individuals who have been diagnosed with serious health conditions linked to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and who have been directly or indirectly exposed to aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) may be eligible to file lawsuits in federal court. Strict deadlines apply, so individuals with questions about their legal rights should consult an experienced mass tort lawyer promptly.
What do I need to do to seek an AFFF settlement?
Seeking an AFFF settlement involves filing a lawsuit in court. Currently, potential plaintiffs are eligible to join the national multi-district litigation (MDL) proceeding in which more than 15,000 lawsuits are already pending. Hiring an experienced mass tort lawyer is the first step, as plaintiffs must meet strict substantive and procedural filing requirements in order to establish their eligibility for just compensation.
What happens if a global settlement is reached in the AFFF multi-district litigation?
If a global settlement is reached in the ongoing AFFF multi-district litigation (MDL), plaintiffs who have filed lawsuits in the MDL will have the option of either participating in the settlement or continuing to fight for additional compensation. Eligible individuals who have not yet filed AFFF lawsuits will remain eligible to pursue their claims in court.
Discuss Your Legal Rights with a Mass Tort Lawyer at Searcy Denney for Free
Do you have questions about filing an AFFF lawsuit in 2026? If so, our lawyers can explain everything you need to know, and we can file a lawsuit in the ongoing MDL on your behalf if warranted. To discuss your legal rights with an experienced mass tort lawyer at Searcy Denney for free, call 800-780-8607 or tell us how we can reach you online now.
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