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Our New York firefighting foam lawyers represent firefighters and military personnel diagnosed with cancers linked to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF). New York 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, New York firefighters harmed by PFAS exposure may be eligible to claim a cash settlement.
New York AFFF Lawyers Advocate for Firefighters with Cancer
Our team of New York 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 New York 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 New York firefighting foam lawyers today.
New York Firefighting Foam Lawyers File Cancer Lawsuits Statewide
2nd Circuit AFFF Claims in New York
New York is part of the Second 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 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals.
However, federal AFFF lawsuits filed in New York 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 2nd Circuit AFFF compensation.)
New York State AFFF Claims
New York AFFF lawyers can also file firefighting foam lawsuits in the State’s county courts (NY Courts website). Civil Practice Law and Rules, found in New York Consolidated Laws, set forth the State’s procedural law for cancer and illness claims.
The State of New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. Accordingly, a New York AFFF lawyer can recover damages for wrongful conduct by firefighting foam manufacturers regardless of what portion of fault may be assigned to the plaintiff. However, the firefighter’s recovery is reduced by their own degree of fault (if any).
Follow this link for AFFF safety information published by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
Pertinent claim filing information is provided below.
Albany & Syracuse Area Courts for Northern NY AFFF Lawsuits
Albany, Syracuse, Utica, Binghamton, and Plattsburgh area AFFF lawyers file 2nd Circuit firefighting foam lawsuits at these five (5) divisional locations of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York (NYND website). Five (5) active judges, four (4) senior (semi-retired) judges, and eight (8) magistrates preside over the NYND’s resolution of firefighter PFAS claims.
In addition, the roughly 6.4 million residents of Upstate NY can file state court AFFF lawsuits at their nearby county courthouses.
Central New York
PFAS victims from Central NY include employees or family members working in manufacturing, education and healthcare economy. These local industries are supported by Carrier Corporation and Lockheed Martin, as well as Syracuse University and SUNY Upstate Medical University.
Central New York AFFF lawyers can file cancer lawsuits for resident firefighters from the County of Onondaga in Syracuse, Tompkins in Ithaca, Broome in Binghamton, and Oswego, as well as for Mohawk Valley residents from Oneida County in Utica.
Capital District
PFAS victims from NY’s Capital District include government employees, as well as those engaged in education and research at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), SUNY Albany, and semiconductor manufacturers GlobalFoundries and the Albany Nanotech Complex.
Capital District AFFF lawyers can file cancer lawsuits on their behalf in the County of Rensselaer in Troy, Saratoga in Ballston Spa, Ulster in Kingston, Albany, Schenectady, and Catskill, NY.
North Country
North Country’s PFAS victims include nature-loving members of this tight-knit farming community, which is also home to Fort Drum. NY firefighting foam lawsuits can be filed for sickened residents from the Adirondacks and Clinton County in Plattsburgh, the St. Lawrence Valley in Canton, and Jefferson County in Watertown.
Buffalo & Rochester Area Courts for Western NY AFFF Lawsuits
Buffalo and Rochester area AFFF lawyers file 2nd Circuit firefighting foam lawsuits at these two (2) divisional locations of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York (NYWD website). Five (5) active judges, four (4) senior (semi-retired) judges, and seven (7) magistrates preside over the NYWD’s resolution of firefighter PFAS claims.
In addition, the roughly 2.6 million residents of Western NY can file state court AFFF lawsuits at their nearby county courthouses.
Specifically, Niagara Frontier and Finger Lakes AFFF lawyers can file cancer lawsuits in the County of Erie in Buffalo, Niagara in Lockport, Monroe in Rochester, and Ontario in Canandaigua, NY. Residents of this Great Lakes and Niagara Falls region find inspiration in its industrial history and Rust Belt resilience.
NYC & Hudson Valley Courts for Southern NY AFFF Lawsuits
Manhattan, Westchester, and Poughkeepsie area AFFF lawyers file 2nd Circuit firefighting foam lawsuits at these three (3) divisional locations of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (NYSD website). Twenty-eight (28) active judges, sixteen (16) senior (semi-retired) judges, and seventeen (17) magistrates preside over the NYSD’s resolution of firefighter PFAS claims.
In addition, the roughly 3 million residents of Manhattan and the Bronx, as well as the 1.3 million residents of Hudson Valley, can file state court AFFF lawsuits at their nearby county courthouses.
Specifically, NYC firefighting foam lawyers can file AFFF lawsuits in Lower Manhattan and on the Grand Concourse in the Bronx, where cancer patients or family are employed in bustling corporate offices. Claims can additionally be filed for firefighters in the quaint Hudson Valley Counties of Westchester in White Plains, Rockland in New City, Orange in Goshen, and Dutchess in Poughkeepsie, NY.
Brooklyn, Queens & Long Island Courts for Eastern NY AFFF Lawsuits
NYC and Long Island area AFFF lawyers file 2nd Circuit firefighting foam lawsuits at these two (2) divisional locations of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York (NYED website). Sixteen (16) active judges, fifteen (15) senior (semi-retired) judges, sixteen (16) magistrates, and two (2) visiting judges preside over the NYED’s resolution of firefighter PFAS claims.
In addition, residents of Eastern New York can file state court AFFF lawsuits at their nearby county courthouses.
Specifically, Long Island firefighting foam lawyers can file AFFF cancer lawsuits in the County of Kings in Downtown Brooklyn, Queens in Jamaica, Richmond in Staten Island, Nassau in Mineola, and Suffolk in Central Islip, NY.
New York Firefighting Foam Lawyers Take a Closer Look
Firefighters in New York have long used aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) to fight fuel-based fires. This foam helps extinguish flammable liquid fires quickly. Airports, military bases, and industrial sites relied on AFFF for decades. But the foam contains dangerous chemicals that now threaten firefighter health.
PFAS in New York’s AFFF Products
AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals resist water, oil, and heat. PFAS do not break down in the body or the environment. Researchers call them “forever chemicals.” They link PFAS exposure to cancer, liver damage, thyroid disorders, and immune dysfunction.
New York Firefighters and PFAS Exposure
New York firefighters applied AFFF during emergencies and training exercises. Many used it without full protective gear. Repeated exposure allowed PFAS to enter their bodies. Older turnout gear also contained PFAS, increasing the risk. Firefighters absorbed these toxins through the skin and lungs.
Military and Industrial Contamination Sites
New York has several PFAS contamination hotspots tied to AFFF. Sites like Stewart Air National Guard Base and Gabreski Air National Guard Base used AFFF for years. Groundwater around these bases tested positive for PFAS. Firefighters stationed at these facilities may face long-term health consequences.
Cancer Risks from AFFF Exposure
Firefighters in New York now face higher cancer rates. PFAS exposure has been linked to testicular, kidney, prostate, and bladder cancer. Several departments have reported clusters of cancer cases among longtime firefighters. Health professionals and fire unions call for early screenings and long-term health tracking. Firefighters can access treatment and compensation under the Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law and other programs. New York AFFF cancer lawsuits have also been filed for financial compensation.
NYS Response and Regulation
New York passed laws to limit PFAS in firefighting foam and gear. State agencies now track PFAS contamination and support environmental cleanup. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) monitors known sites and investigates new ones. The state also funds foam collection programs and safe disposal.
Departments Shift to Safer Alternatives
Fire departments across New York have started phasing out AFFF. Many now use fluorine-free foams (F3) that do not contain PFAS. Departments also invest in better decontamination stations and PFAS-free gear. Firefighter advocacy groups push for more training on chemical exposure and risk prevention.
Support Programs in New York
New York provides health and disability benefits for firefighters. The New York State Pension System includes disability retirement for job-related illness. Volunteer and career firefighters receive cancer coverage through state laws. Departments also offer early screenings, mental health services, and wellness initiatives.
New York AFFF Lawyers Leading the Path Forward
New York firefighters need continued support. Lawmakers must expand presumptive coverage for PFAS-related illness. Firefighters deserve full transparency about chemical risks in their gear and equipment.
Firefighters risk their lives for New Yorkers, and our AFFF lawyers are advocating for them in return.
Call or E-mail our New York AFFF lawyers today.