AFFF Lawsuit: Military Liability For Injuries (Apr 2025)
Contributor
Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.
Editor
Summary
- The U.S. Navy helped invent AFFF to extinguish fuel fires
- AFFF exposure allegedly causes cancer and other medical conditions
- AFFF lawsuit military liability is questionable due to sovereign immunity
The U.S. armed forces, particularly the Navy, have deployed aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) in vessels, on bases and in airplane hangars to suppress fuel fires. However, this foam has been found to contain per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they persist in the body and environment.
Scientists believe these chemicals disrupt the endocrine system, potentially leading to cancer or other life-threatening medical conditions. Take a closer look at the impact of AFFF on military members and what lawsuits related to this exposure can involve.
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The Military’s Role in AFFF Exposure
During the Vietnam War, the U.S. Navy suffered a deadly accident when a rocket accidentally fired and ignited fuel and bombs. Several hundred sailors were injured or killed in the ensuing fire. Afterward, the Navy worked with manufacturing conglomerate 3M to develop AFFF to fight liquid fuel fires.
Water is ineffective when oil, gasoline or jet fuel ignites because the burning fuel simply floats on top of the water. AFFF encases water in a foam that floats on the fuel and smothers the fire.
Because of its usefulness, AFFF has been an essential tool for military firefighters since the 1960s. As a result, many military members and their families were exposed to AFFF in a number of ways, including:
- Fires
- Firefighting drills
- Groundwater contamination
People injured by the military’s use of AFFF have filed lawsuits against the foam’s manufacturers and the U.S. military.
AFFF Lawsuit Military Defenses
Product liability law imposes strict liability on manufacturers for injuries caused by defective products. AFFF lawyers have alleged that both the manufacturers and the military had a duty to warn service members and their families of the risks associated with AFFF. By not issuing the warnings, lawsuit plaintiffs allege that the manufacturers rendered the product defective.
The U.S. government and the military branches have raised sovereign immunity to defend against AFFF lawsuit filings. Sovereign immunity is a legal doctrine that protects the government from lawsuits.
In some situations, the U.S. government has waived its sovereign immunity under the Federal Tort Claims Act. However, the military asserts that the AFFF lawsuits fall outside these laws, leaving manufacturers on the hook.
Free AFFF Lawsuit Case Review
Preparing Case Review Form. ConsumerShield is transforming the way consumers experience law.
Contact ConsumerShield to Explore Your AFFF Lawsuit Options
If you were exposed to AFFF during your service and suffered health problems as a result, you may be eligible to seek compensation through a lawsuit.
ConsumerShield can connect you with a skilled lawyer in your area. Contact us for a free case review today.
AFFF Lawsuit Knowledge Base
Read the latest information on AFFF Lawsuit and find answers to your questions. Currently there are 15 topics about AFFF Lawsuit Lawsuits.
Is There Class Action
Testicular Cancer
Manufacturer Claims
Can Employees Of AFFF Foam Manufacturers File Claims? (2025)
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thyroid-cancer-lawsuit
Liver Cancer Lawsuit
Scientific Evidence
Kidney Cancer Lawsuit
Settlements & Payouts
Ulcerative Colitis Lawsuit
How to File
Frequently Asked Questions
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The AFFF manufacturers have not yet offered a settlement. However, current cases in the multidistrict litigation for the foam will likely reach trial in 2025. The manufacturers may offer a global settlement to avoid receiving an adverse verdict from a jury.
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A personal injury lawyer has the legal knowledge to file a product liability lawsuit, but you’ll want to look for a law firm with the resources and experience to take on a multinational, multi-billion dollar corporation. You can consult ConsumerShield for a referral.
