Judge Scolds Plaintiffs For Seeking To Avoid AFFF MDL In Injury Claims

The judge overseeing multidistrict litigation (MDL) on PFAS contamination from firefighting foam is making clear that personal injury claims stemming from exposure to turnout gear and other sources belong in the MDL, admonishing plaintiffs for seeking to skirt the MDL through “artful pleading” that alleges their PFAS exposures have no link to foam. The judge’s position, spelled out in an Aug. 22 case management order , could be welcome news for defendant manufacturers, as keeping the suits in federal court...