Posted on October 27th, 2025
When it comes to toxic exposure claims, most U.S. courts follow the single claim rule, in which claimants must bring all known injuries, past and present, in a single lawsuit to avoid duplication. However, this principle can be confusing for some specific cases, especially for firefighters struggling with multiple cancers tied to PFAS exposure.
Firefighters are among the most vulnerable to cancers related to PFAS exposure. These 'forever chemicals' can be found in firefighting foams (AFFF) and in their firefighting turnout gears.
Since PFAS exposure can cause health problems that only appear years later, the timing and grouping of claims become crucial. And that's where the single claim rule comes in.
Single claim rule: Where it applies
The single claim rule may apply to firefighters battling with multiple cancers if they intend to file civil lawsuits against known PFAS manufacturers. Also known as the single action rule, claimants usually have to bring all known claims against a person, company, or institution in one lawsuit.
Under this legal doctrine, you cannot sue the same plaintiff multiple times for different injuries or diseases tied to the same exposure event unless for a legitimate reason. The most prominent example of the single claim rule involves the ongoing PFAS multidistrict litigation (MDLs). These consolidated proceedings are designed to streamline the legal process. Doing so, they usually require claimants to present all related claims in one action.
Exceptions to the single claim rule
Firefighters grappling with multiple cancers should also know that their legal options are not limited to filing lawsuits. They may seek other avenues for compensation through the following means:
- Filing disability claims before the Department of Veterans Affairs (for retired military firefighters)
- Filing administrative claims covered under state-specific presumptive cancer laws and workers' compensation benefits
These initiatives allow easier access to benefits and compensation for certain cancers presumed to be job-related. As such, they are not considered lawsuits with defendants.
Additionally, since many of the PFAS-related diseases tend to develop and show symptoms years or decades after initial exposure, some courts allow exceptions to the single claim rule.
A firefighter diagnosed with cancers linked to PFAS exposure may be allowed to file a new claim if a later cancer diagnosis was not reasonably discoverable when the original case was filed. For example, a firefighter who initially sued for PFAS exposure-related thyroid cancer and was eventually diagnosed with liver cancer may be permitted to bring another claim for the latter illness.
Cancers linked to prolonged exposure to PFAS include:
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Male breast cancer
- Thyroid cancer
Likewise, the single claim rule does not directly apply to firefighters enrolled under certain federal programs, such as the World Trade Center Health Program or Victim Compensation Fund. These programs explicitly prohibit claimants from filing separate civil lawsuits for the same injuries.
File your PFAS exposure claims with the help of ELG Law
If you are looking for assistance in filing PFAS exposure claims, then you have come to the right place. For over 30 years, ELG Law has provided legal support to countless victims of toxic exposure, including many firefighters. You can count on our experienced team to guide you every step of the way. We can help you get started by determining your eligibility at no cost. Contact us today to know more.
