Illinois AFFF Lawyers for Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuits

Illinois is part of the Seventh Circuit of the federal court system, and firefighting foam lawsuits can be filed at its local U.S. District Court. Cancer and illness appeals are heard by the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.

However, federal AFFF lawsuits filed in Illinois may be transferred to a centralized jurisdiction pursuant to a cancer and illness Multi-District Litigation (MDL) Transfer Order. (Follow this link for our additional information on 7th Circuit AFFF compensation.)

Illinois State AFFF Claims

Illinois AFFF lawyers can also file firefighting foam lawsuits in the State’s county courts (IL Courts website). Chapter 735 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes sets forth the State’s procedural law for cancer and illness claims.

The State of Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Accordingly, an Illinois AFFF lawyer can recover damages for wrongful conduct by firefighting foam manufacturers provided the plaintiff is less than 50% at fault. However, the firefighter’s recovery is reduced by their own degree of fault (if any).

Follow this link to view the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association’s proposed legislation regarding firefighting foam safety.

Pertinent claim filing information is provided below.

Chicago and Rockford area AFFF lawyers file 7th Circuit firefighting foam lawsuits at these two (2) divisional locations of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (ILND website). Thirty-four (34) active judges and fourteen (14) magistrates preside over the ILND’s resolution of firefighter PFAS claims.

In addition, the roughly 9.8 million residents of Northern IL can file state court AFFF lawsuits at their nearby county courthouses.

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Chicago area PFAS victims include employees or family of those working in finance, technology, and commerce. Illinois AFFF lawyers can file cancer lawsuits on behalf of resident firefighters in the County of Cook in Chicago, DuPage in Wheaton and Naperville, Lake in Waukegan, Kane in Geneva and Aurora, Will in Joliet, and Kendall in Yorkville.  In addition, Cook County firefighting foam lawyers can file AFFF lawsuits for victims from Arlington Heights, Evanston, Schaumburg, Elgin, and Cicero, IL.

Fox River & Rock River Areas

Fox and Rock River AFFF lawyers can file firefighting foam lawsuits in the County of McHenry in Woodstock, Winnebago in Rockford, DeKalb in Sycamore, and LaSalle in Ottawa. In addition, AFFF lawsuits can be filed for firefighters diagnosed with cancer in the County of Boone in Belvidere, Ogle in Oregon, Lee in Dixon, Grundy in Morris, Stephenson in Freeport, and Jo Daviess in Galena, IL.

West-Central Illinois

West-Central Illinois, which thrives on its river trade, agriculture, and historical charm, maintains a rural and small-town identity. However, AFFF lawyers can additionally file claims here in the County of Rock Island near Moline, Adams in Quincy, McDonough in Macomb, Fulton in Lewistown, Knox in Galesburg, and Tazewell in Pekin, IL.

East-Central Illinois

East-Central Illinois, which is more urbanized and may see a higher rate of AFFF exposure, is driven by education and innovation helmed by the University of Illinois. The diverse group of residents here can file fire foam claims in the County of Champaign in Urbana, McLean in Bloomington-Normal, Macon in Decatur, Vermilion in Danville, Coles in Charleston, and Iroquois in Watseka, IL.

East St. Louis Courts for Southern IL AFFF Lawsuits

East St. Louis and Benton area AFFF lawyers file 7th Circuit firefighting foam lawsuits at these two (2) divisional locations of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois (ILSD website). Five (5) active judges and three (3) magistrates preside over the ILSD’s resolution of firefighter PFAS claims.

In addition, the roughly 1.3 million residents of Southern IL can file state court AFFF lawsuits at their nearby county courthouses.

Southwestern Illinois

Southwestern Illinois, bordering the Mississippi River and populated by the urbanized Metro East, has an industrial and retail economy home to firefighters linked to the nearby city of St. Louis. AFFF lawyers can file cancer lawsuits here in the County of St. Clair in Belleville and Madison in Edwardsville, as well as Macoupin in Carlinville, Randolph in Chester and Monroe in Waterloo, IL.

Southeastern Illinois

Southeastern Illinois features flatter terrain and the Wabash and Ohio Rivers. As such, its economy includes those working in agriculture, coal mining, and outdoor tourism around Shawnee National Forest and Cave-in-Rock State Park. Residents here can have AFFF illness claims filed in the County of Franklin County in Benton, Jackson in Murphysboro and Little Egypt, Jefferson in Mount Vernon, Marion in Salem, Effingham, and Fayette in Vandalia, IL.

Documented Presence of AFFF “Forever Chemicals” in Illinois

• O’Hare International Airport (Chicago): Civilians and military used AFFF extensively on the runway and at the former Air Force Reserve station. Investigations identified PFAS contamination under terminals and surrounding soil and groundwater. The airport stored tens of thousands of gallons of AFFF since the 1970s.
• Midway International Airport (Chicago): Firefighting foam used for training and emergencies contaminated groundwater. Military investigators flagged legacy AFFF use at this city-run airport, including an Air National Guard facility.
• Scott Air Force Base (St. Clair County): The base used AFFF for decades to control fuel-based fires. Groundwater testing showed PFAS concentrations up to tens of thousands times above EPA advisory levels.
• Illinois Coal Mine (Unnamed Industrial Site): Local regulators allege that AFFF was injected into portions of a coal mine to extinguish fires. This use led to PFAS contamination in nearby creeks and soil, prompting environmental litigation.
• Multiple Fire Departments Across Illinois: Under the “PFAS Reduction Act” (Public Act 102‑0290), agencies must report AFFF use. Illinois fire departments historically used AFFF for emergencies and, in some cases, training.

Illinois’ Response to the PFAS Cancer Crisis

Illinois has taken steps to address PFAS exposure. The state banned PFAS-based foam for training and testing. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) now tracks contamination sites and promotes safe disposal programs.

Firefighters with cancer can qualify for benefits under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act and Public Employee Disability Act. Illinois AFFF cancer lawsuits have also been filed for financial compensation.

• Kidney Cancer
• Testicular Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Bladder Cancer
• And more

Lawmakers continue to push for stronger regulations and expanded firefighter protections. The Public Safety Employee Benefits Act offers financial aid to firefighters who suffer duty-related injuries.

Illinois AFFF Lawyers Leading the Path Forward

Illinois must expand firefighter health programs. Departments need funding for gear replacement, clean stations, and mobile health clinics. Lawmakers should increase awareness of firefighter risks and support new research. Cancer presumptions and mental health coverage must stay up to date with science. 

Illinois firefighters protect communities every day, and our AFFF lawyers are advocating for them in return.