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Our Illinois firefighting foam lawyers represent firefighters and military personnel diagnosed with cancers linked to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF). Illinois AFFF lawsuits claim these perfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals cause a variety of diseases:
- Kidney Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer / Thyroid Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
As such, Illinois firefighters harmed by PFAS exposure may be eligible to claim a cash settlement.
Illinois AFFF Lawyers Advocate for Firefighters with Cancer
Our team of Illinois AFFF / PFAS lawyers has represented thousands of victims of toxic chemicals. In doing so, we have recovered millions of dollars in settlement funds on their behalf.
However, we only pursue compensation from AFFF / PFAS manufacturers and their affiliates, and do not file claims against our clients’ employers or doctors.
No Legal Fee Unless You Obtain a Settlement
While compensation may be available to qualified AFFF handlers, victims are urged to act promptly. The #1 claim Illinois firefighters can make for cancer compensation is one filed within the Statute of Limitations. Click here to view the latest information on the pending Multi-District Litigation.
Our AFFF / PFAS lawyers are available to review claims now. We offer a free case evaluation to confirm exposure to AFFF fire foam and diagnosis of a related illness. Further, we never charge a legal fee unless a financial recovery is obtained for our client.
Contact our Illinois firefighting foam lawyers today.
Illinois Firefighting Foam Lawyers File Cancer Lawsuits Statewide
7th Circuit AFFF Claims in Illinois
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.
Northern Illinois Courts for Fire Foam Claims
Northern District of Illinois AFFF lawyers file 7th Circuit fire foam lawsuits at two federal courthouses. ILND’s resolution of firefighter illness claims is presided over by 34 active judges and 14 magistrates. (ILND Website)
- Chicago
- Rockford
In addition, the 9.8 million residents of northern Illinois can file a state AFFF lawsuit at their nearby county court.
Chicago AFFF Lawsuits
Chicagoland firefighters include families working in finance, technology, and commerce. Residents are known for roots in blues and jazz music, as well as the beloved deep-dish pizza.
Chicago fire foam lawyers file AFFF lawsuits on their behalf in Cook County, DuPage in Wheaton, and Kane in Aurora, IL. In addition, Chicago fire foam attorneys can file an AFFF lawsuit at the courts of Lake County in Waukegan, Will in Joliet, Kendall in Yorkville, and LaSalle in Ottawa, IL.
Rockford AFFF Lawsuits along Rock River IL
Rock River firefighters include families working in healthcare, as well as manufacturing, and logistics. The workforce is supported by aerospace and precision machine plants.
Rockford fire foam lawyers file AFFF lawsuits on their behalf in Winnebago County, McHenry in Woodstock, and DeKalb in Sycamore, IL.
Central Illinois Courts for Fire Foam Claims
Central District of Illinois AFFF lawyers file 7th Circuit fire foam lawsuits at four federal courthouses. ILCD’s resolution of firefighter illness claims is presided over by 7 active judges, 1 senior (semi-retired) judge, and 1 magistrate. (ILCD Website)
- Springfield
- Rock Island
- Peoria
- Urbana
In addition, the 2 million residents of central Illinois can file a state AFFF lawsuit at their nearby county court.
Springfield & Rock Island AFFF Lawsuits in West-Central IL
Springfield firefighters include families working in state government and affiliated industries. The society’s identity is defined by the virtues of Abraham Lincoln. Springfield fire foam lawyers file AFFF lawsuits on their behalf in Sangamon County, IL.
Rock Island residents include those associated with Rock Island Arsenal, manufacturing, and logistics. As part of the Quad Cities, the workforce handles significant river trade. A Rock Island fire foam lawyer can file an AFFF lawsuit on their behalf in Moline, IL.
Peoria & Urbana AFFF Lawsuits in East-Central IL
Peoria firefighters include families working in agriculture and heavy equipment manufacturing, include the Caterpillar company. Illinois fire foam lawyers file AFFF lawsuits on their behalf in Peoria County, as well as Tazewell in Pekin, and McLean in Bloomington-Normal.
Urbana residents include those associated with education and innovation, helmed by the University of Illinois. An Urbana fire foam lawyer can file an AFFF lawsuit on their behalf in Champaign County, and Macon in Decatur, IL.
Southern Illinois Courts for Fire Foam Claims
Southern District of Illinois AFFF lawyers file 7th Circuit fire foam lawsuits at two federal courthouses. ILSD’s resolution of firefighter illness claims is presided over by 5 active judges and 3 magistrates. (ILSD Website)
- East St. Louis
- Benton
In addition, the 1.3 million residents of southern Illinois can file a state AFFF lawsuit at their nearby county court.
East St. Louis AFFF Lawsuits in Southwest IL
Southwestern IL firefighters include families working in steel mills, rail yards, and river shipping. In addition, the community is supported by casino gaming and a strong public sector workforce.
East St. Louis fire foam lawyers file AFFF lawsuits for impacted residents from St. Clair County in Belleville, and Madison in Edwardsville.
Benton AFFF Lawsuits in Southeast IL
Southeastern IL firefighters include families working in agriculture, coal mining, and outdoor tourism. The community enjoys the Wabash and Ohio Rivers, as well as Shawnee National Forest and Cave-in-Rock State Park.
Benton fire foam lawyers file AFFF lawsuits on their behalf in Franklin County, 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.
Call or E-mail our Illinois AFFF lawyers today.