What Is the AFFF Lawsuit for U.S. Navy Veterans?
For decades, U.S. Navy firefighters have used aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) to control high-intensity fuel fires, like those involving jet fuel or other flammable liquids. PFAS help the foam spread out and smother fires more effectively.
AFFF lawsuits filed by U.S. Navy veterans allege that manufacturers of firefighting foam products were aware of the dangers but failed to warn users, putting countless service members and firefighters at risk.
U.S. Navy AFFF Exposure at a Glance
- AFFF Contains High Levels of PFAS: Firefighting foam is made with concentrated PFAS chemicals, and exposure to high levels of PFAS may pose long-term health risks.
- PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS can remain in the body and the environment for long periods, accumulating over time with prolonged exposure.
- The U.S. Navy’s Use of AFFF: The U.S. Navy commonly used AFFF to suppress fuel fires during training exercises and emergencies on ships, aircraft, and bases.
- Health Risks: Veterans and firefighters exposed to AFFF face an increased risk of several cancers, including bladder cancer, kidney cancer, and lymphoma.
- Companies Named in Lawsuits: U.S. Navy PFAS lawsuits have been filed against AFFF manufacturers like 3M, DuPont, and Tyco Fire Products.
If you or a loved one served as a firefighter in the U.S. Navy and was later diagnosed with an AFFF-related illness, you may be eligible for compensation that can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
At Sokolove Law, we have over 45 years of experience holding powerful manufacturers accountable for the harm they’ve caused. Contact us now to see if we may be able to fight for you.
How Did the U.S. Navy Use Firefighting Foam?
The U.S. Navy began using AFFF in the 1960s to combat fuel fires. Its ability to quickly smother flames made it essential for protecting military assets and personnel. Firefighters in the U.S. Navy even used AFFF during training exercises.
Find out more about how and where firefighting foam was used by the U.S. Navy.
AFFF Lawsuit for U.S. Navy Boot Camp
As part of boot camp at Naval Station Great Lakes, U.S. Navy recruits learn firefighting techniques to prepare them for service. During this hands-on training, recruits may have worked with AFFF.
While the primary goal of U.S. Navy boot camp firefighting foam use is to train recruits in fire safety and suppression, they may have been exposed to PFAS chemicals in the foam.
AFFF & U.S. Navy Firefighter Training Exercises
Training fires, often fueled by jet fuel or other flammable liquids to simulate real-world emergencies, allow firefighters in the U.S. Navy to practice deploying AFFF quickly and effectively.
However, for many U.S. Navy firefighters, these exercises often led to significant PFAS exposure from the firefighting foam.
Firefighting Foam on U.S. Navy Bases
Firefighting foam is used on U.S. Navy bases to extinguish fires in high-risk areas where fuel and flammable liquids are present. This includes aircraft fueling and maintenance zones, fuel storage depots, and airfields, especially after an accident.
Accidental releases of AFFF on U.S. Navy bases may also occur, which can put those nearby in harm’s way. In August 2024, around 1,450 gallons of AFFF concentrate were spilled at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station in Maine.
While efforts to phase out the use of AFFF are ongoing, U.S. Navy bases may request waivers to continue using this toxic foam into 2026.
Firefighting Foam Aboard Navy Ships
In 1967, a fuel tank ignited and led to a series of explosions, killing over 130 sailors. Afterward, the U.S. Navy required all ships to carry AFFF as part of their standard firefighting equipment.
The use of firefighting foam is especially critical on aircraft carriers, destroyers, and other vessels where the presence of jet fuel or weapons makes fire suppression a top priority.
Current AFFF regulations don’t apply to U.S. Navy ships, meaning this dangerous substance may still be used on board today.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to see if you may be able to file a U.S. Navy foam lawsuit for compensation. It costs nothing to speak with us.
U.S. Navy AFFF Exposure & Cancer Risks
Unfortunately, U.S. Navy veterans who proudly served their country may face long-term health risks due to toxic exposures during their time in the military.
U.S. Navy AFFF exposure has been linked to various PFAS cancers and other illnesses. A 2023 federal study, for example, found that elevated levels of PFAS in the blood of military firefighters were associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer.
Illnesses linked to PFAS in firefighting foam include:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Renal or kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid cancer and disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Uterine or endometrial cancer
Veterans diagnosed with any of these conditions may be able to file a U.S. Navy foam lawsuit against the companies that made or sold the AFFF products they were exposed to. These lawsuits aren’t filed against the military or government.
AFFF cancer U.S. Navy claims may also allow veterans to access compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
“I made a career of putting my life on the line to protect others, which often involved the use of AFFF. Now, I’m suffering from thyroid cancer. I turned to Sokolove Law for help, and they answered my call promptly, honestly, and efficiently. I look forward to their continued help in the future.”
– Randall M., Firm Client
Who Can File a U.S. Navy AFFF Lawsuit?
Eligibility to file a U.S. Navy AFFF lawsuit depends on whether or not you were exposed to AFFF as a firefighter and now have an illness linked to PFAS exposure.
If your family member has passed away from cancer linked to U.S. Navy PFAS exposure, you may still be able to seek justice and compensation on their behalf.
An experienced AFFF lawyer can help you understand legal options — for free. Contact Sokolove Law now.
Filing an AFFF U.S. Navy Lawsuit
At Sokolove Law, our firefighting foam lawyers strive to make taking legal action as easy and stress-free as possible.
Filing an AFFF U.S. Navy lawsuit generally begins with our team determining your eligibility to file a claim during a free case review. From there, we’ll gather evidence like service records and medical history to link your illness to PFAS exposure.
We can handle every step of the legal process for you, from building your case to filing your U.S. Navy AFFF lawsuit before any deadlines, so you can focus on your health and loved ones.
Once your lawsuit has been filed, we’ll begin negotiating a U.S. Navy AFFF settlement with the defendant(s).
If a settlement can’t be reached, our attorneys are prepared to present your case in court and seek compensation from a trial verdict.
U.S. Navy Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Deadlines
There’s only a limited amount of time to file an AFFF lawsuit due to state laws called statutes of limitations.
In most states, the U.S. Navy firefighting foam lawsuit deadline is 2-3 years after your diagnosis or when you discovered your illness was linked to AFFF.
Once this deadline passes, you won’t be able to take legal action for your illness again. Don’t miss your chance for justice — call (800) 995-1212 now.
AFFF U.S. Navy Compensation
AFFF U.S. Navy compensation can either be awarded in the form of a settlement, which is an agreed-upon amount paid out by the manufacturers of PFAS-containing AFFF products, or a trial verdict in court.
Billions of dollars have already been awarded to victims who have taken steps to hold negligent AFFF manufacturers accountable and seek financial support.
Examples of past PFAS settlements include:
- $10.3 Billion from 3M to resolve PFAS contamination cases, including multiple AFFF claims
- $730 Million from Carrier Global to their fire protection unit Kidde-Fenwal and families impacted by harmful chemicals in the company’s AFFF products
- $17.5 Million awarded to victims in Wisconsin who suffered due to PFAS water contamination from Tyco Fire Products
- $4 Billion from DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva, who made harmful PFAS-containing products like AFFF
U.S. Navy AFFF foam settlements can help veterans pay for the unexpected financial burden that may arise from a PFAS-related illness.
If you have a case, our U.S. Navy AFFF lawsuit lawyers will work hard to get you everything you’re entitled to. Contact us now to get started.
Determining U.S. Navy AFFF Settlement Amounts
U.S. Navy AFFF settlement amounts may vary depending on the unique details of each case.
Factors determining U.S. Navy AFFF settlement amounts include:
- Any past, current, and future expenses linked to your illness
- Financial hardships caused by being unable to work
- How much U.S. Navy AFFF exposure you’ve endured
- The severity of your cancer and its impact on your life
If your case results in a trial verdict, you may receive additional compensation known as punitive damages, which are designed to punish negligent companies for the harm they’ve caused.
The experience of your legal team can also significantly impact the outcome of your case. Our knowledgeable AFFF lawyers are dedicated to maximizing the compensation you may receive by building a strong case on your behalf.
Contact a U.S. Navy AFFF Exposure Lawyer
At Sokolove Law, our U.S. Navy AFFF exposure lawyers can help families in all 50 states seek compensation for harm caused by PFAS chemicals.
To date, we’ve recovered over $9.6 Billion for clients nationwide, including many with cancer from exposure to toxic substances.
There are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our team. We only get paid if we secure compensation for you.
Let us fight for your family. Call (800) 995-1212 now or fill out our contact form to take the first step toward the justice and compensation you deserve.
U.S. Navy Firefighting Foam Lawsuit FAQs
What is AFFF in U.S. Navy boot camp?
During U.S. Navy boot camp training, AFFF may have been used while recruits learned about firefighting and fuel-based fire suppression. AFFF contains harmful PFAS chemicals, which have been linked to serious health risks like cancer.
Contact Sokolove Law now if you or a loved one developed PFAS-related cancer after being exposed to AFFF. You may be eligible for compensation from a U.S. Navy firefighting foam lawsuit.
When was AFFF used in the U.S. Navy?
The U.S. Navy began using AFFF in the 1960s, requiring ships to carry firefighting foam in 1967. To this day, firefighting foam continues to be used in some situations.
Illnesses linked to AFFF or firefighting foam can take decades to appear, so veterans who served years ago may still be at risk of getting sick.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to find out more about your legal options after exposure to AFFF in the U.S. Navy.
When did the U.S. Navy stop using AFFF?
The Department of Defense has mandated that the military stop using AFFF by October 2024. However, this deadline doesn’t apply to shipboard use.
U.S. Navy installations can also request waivers that may allow them to continue using AFFF until October 2026.
Does the U.S. Navy still use AFFF?
The U.S. Navy is currently in the process of phasing out AFFF but continues to use it in some capacities, like on certain naval ships.
Millions of veterans may have already been exposed to AFFF during their service. If you served in the U.S. Navy and later developed an illness linked to AFFF exposure, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact Sokolove Law now.
Does all AFFF contain PFAS?
Yes, all AFFF contains PFAS. It’s intentionally made with these chemicals, as they help spread out the foam to effectively suppress fuel-based fires.
Efforts are underway to develop and implement PFAS-free firefighting foams, which are not classified as AFFF.
Can you get VA compensation for AFFF exposure in the U.S. Navy?
Yes. U.S. Navy veterans who got sick from AFFF exposure during their service may qualify for disability compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Eligible veterans may receive tax-free payments of over $3,800 a month, depending on their condition and other qualifying factors.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to find out if your family may qualify for compensation. It costs nothing to speak with us.
How much does it cost to file a U.S. Navy firefighting foam lawsuit?
At Sokolove Law, there are no upfront costs or hourly fees to file a U.S. Navy firefighting foam lawsuit.
Our team works on a contingency-fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you.
