Injury Bellwether Trials
This update outlines the significant developments in the ongoing litigation involving AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) and PFAS-related personal injury claims. As of early July 2025, more than 11,000 cases are pending in the federal Multidistrict Litigation (MDL). This reflects the growing number of individuals alleging serious health impacts from exposure to firefighting foams containing toxic “forever chemicals.”
Key Developments in the AFFF MDL
The personal injury portion of this national case is heating up. Specifically, the court docket shows five key developments:
- Rising Case Volume: The number of lawsuits continues to climb as more individuals come forward with claims related to cancer and other serious illnesses allegedly caused by PFAS exposure in AFFF. The MDL centralizes these cases for more efficient pretrial proceedings.
- Bellwether Trials Set for Fall 2025: The first bellwether trials in the MDL are currently scheduled to begin on October 6, 2025. These initial trials, focusing on kidney cancer claims, are designed to test the strength of the evidence and may serve as a catalyst for resolution.
- Settlement Discussions Underway: While no global resolution has been reached yet, the judge overseeing the MDL has urged all parties to engage in meaningful settlement discussions ahead of the bellwether trials.
- Expanded Health Conditions at Issue: In addition to kidney cancer, the litigation includes claims involving testicular cancer, thyroid disease, and ulcerative colitis. If there is no settlement, the trial docket could expand to include liver and thyroid cancer as further scientific evidence emerges.
- Context from Prior Settlements: It is important to distinguish these personal injury claims from earlier public water contamination claims. Major manufacturers like 3M and DuPont have already paid billions to resolve damage claims brought by public drinking water systems. While these prior settlements do not include claims of injury, they may influence future settlement dynamics.
What Comes Next?
With bellwether trials on the horizon and continued judicial pressure to resolve the litigation, 2025 could mark a turning point in the firefighting foam personal injury MDL. Moreover, individuals suffering from serious health conditions tied to AFFF exposure should closely monitor these developments and consult legal counsel regarding their rights.
Disclaimer: This update is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you believe you may have a claim related to AFFF or PFAS exposure, please contact an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options.
