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PFAS "Forever Chemical" Contamination: See If You Have a Claim

PFAS chemicals have contaminated drinking water near military bases and industrial sites across the country. If you were exposed and have been diagnosed with cancer or serious illness, you may have a legal claim for compensation.

$10.3B+

3M PFAS Settlement with Water Utilities (2023)*

Source: 3M Company press release, June 2023

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EPA Action (April 2024): The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized the first-ever enforceable maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for six PFAS compounds in drinking water in April 2024. The EPA also designated PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA. These regulatory actions reflect the seriousness of PFAS contamination as a public health issue. Source: EPA, April 2024.

What Are PFAS "Forever Chemicals"?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large family of man-made chemicals used in hundreds of industrial and consumer products since the 1940s - including non-stick cookware, food packaging, stain-resistant carpeting, and aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used by military and industrial firefighters.

They earn the name "forever chemicals" for a troubling reason: PFAS do not break down naturally in the environment or in the human body. They accumulate over time, and widespread contamination of drinking water sources has been documented near military bases, airports, and manufacturing facilities across the United States.

Three major resolutions now anchor the PFAS water-utility track. In June 2023, 3M agreed to pay up to $12.5 billion ($10.3 billion present value) over 13 years to U.S. public water systems. In the same period, DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva reached a separate $1.185 billion water-utility settlement. In May 2025, 3M announced an additional $450 million statewide PFAS settlement with the State of New Jersey (payments 2026-2034), and in August 2025, DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva announced a separate $875 million New Jersey settlement resolving all environmental and PFAS claims at Chambers Works, Parlin, Pompton Lakes, and Repauno.

First payments to water utilities under the 3M nationwide settlement began in summer 2025. Phase 2 baseline testing claims are due by January 1, 2026, and treatment-related claims against the 3M fund are due by July 31, 2026. Important context: these settlements address water-utility claims and do not directly compensate individuals who developed cancer or other illnesses from PFAS exposure. Those individual personal injury claims are proceeding separately, particularly through the AFFF firefighting-foam MDL (MDL 2873) and other coordinated tracks, and new claimants are being accepted.

$10.3B

3M nationwide water-utility settlement (finalized 2023; up to $12.5B gross)

3M Company, June 2023

$1.185B

DuPont, Chemours, Corteva nationwide water-utility settlement

Chemours, 2023

+$1.3B

Additional 2025 NJ settlements: 3M ($450M, May 2025) + DuPont/Chemours/Corteva ($875M, Aug 2025)

NJ AG + 3M + Chemours, 2025

Jul 2026

Treatment-claim deadline against 3M water settlement fund

3M settlement claim schedule

⏰ Act Before Your Filing Deadline: Statutes of limitations for PFAS personal injury claims vary by state and may be affected by discovery rules. Because PFAS exposure is often not identified until after a diagnosis, some states apply a "discovery rule" that begins the clock when you discovered - or should have discovered - the connection. Contact us now to confirm your window.

Who May Qualify for a PFAS Lawsuit?

Numerous peer-reviewed studies and regulatory agencies have examined the health effects of PFAS exposure. Conditions associated with PFAS exposure in studies and litigation include kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, high cholesterol, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and immune system disorders.

You May Qualify If You:

Lived near a military base or airport that used AFFF firefighting foam
Lived near a chemical manufacturing plant (3M, DuPont, Chemours facilities)
Consumed water from a public supply later confirmed to contain PFAS
Have been diagnosed with kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, or other qualifying conditions
Were a military service member or civilian worker with documented PFAS exposure

Health Conditions Linked to PFAS Exposure

Conditions associated with PFAS exposure in studies and litigation include: kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease and thyroid cancer, ulcerative colitis, high cholesterol, pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia, and immune system disorders and suppressed immune response. References to health conditions being "linked to" PFAS reflect findings in independent scientific studies and allegations in ongoing litigation, not established medical conclusions.

Major Defendants and Settlements

Multiple major manufacturers have faced substantial PFAS litigation. In June 2023, 3M agreed to pay up to $12.5 billion ($10.3 billion present value) over 13 years to settle contamination claims brought by U.S. public water utilities. DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva reached a separate $1.185 billion water-utility settlement in the same period. In May 2025, 3M announced a $450 million statewide settlement with New Jersey, with payments running 2026-2034. In August 2025, DuPont/Chemours/Corteva announced a separate $875 million NJ settlement resolving environmental and PFAS claims at Chambers Works, Parlin, Pompton Lakes, and Repauno. First payments under the 3M nationwide settlement began in summer 2025. Critical caveat: these water-utility settlements do not directly compensate individuals who developed cancer or other illnesses from PFAS exposure. Personal injury claims are proceeding separately, including through the AFFF MDL (MDL 2873), and new claimants are still being accepted.

Water-Utility Settlement Claim Deadlines

For water utilities pursuing claims against the 3M nationwide settlement fund, key deadlines include Phase 2 baseline testing claims by January 1, 2026 and treatment-related claims by July 31, 2026. Individual personal-injury deadlines are different and governed by each state's statute of limitations - consult an attorney promptly to confirm what applies to your situation.

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Mass Tort Specialists

We connect claimants with attorneys who handle PFAS and environmental contamination cases and understand the science and legal questions these claims involve.

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Attorneys in our network work on a contingency fee basis - you owe no attorney fees unless they recover compensation on your behalf.

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Attorneys will help gather exposure documentation, medical records, and scientific evidence to build the strongest possible case for your claim.

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PFAS contamination affects communities across the country. Our network of attorneys handles claims in all 50 states, with particular experience in contamination hotspots near military installations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are PFAS chemicals and where are they found?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large family of man-made chemicals used in products like non-stick cookware, food packaging, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foam (AFFF). They are called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down naturally in the environment or in the human body. PFAS contamination in drinking water is most common near military bases, airports, and industrial manufacturing facilities.

How do I know if I was exposed to PFAS?

You may have been exposed if you lived near a military base or airport that used AFFF firefighting foam, near a chemical manufacturing facility, or if your municipal water supply has tested positive for PFAS. The EPA finalized enforceable PFAS drinking water limits in April 2024. A blood test can detect PFAS levels, and many water utilities now test for PFAS. An attorney can help you investigate your potential exposure.

What health conditions qualify for a PFAS lawsuit?

Health conditions most prominently associated with PFAS exposure in studies and litigation include kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, high cholesterol, and pregnancy-induced hypertension. A qualifying claim typically requires documented exposure and a related diagnosis. An attorney can assess whether your specific diagnosis qualifies under current litigation criteria.

Who can be held liable for PFAS contamination?

Depending on the circumstances of your exposure, liable parties may include manufacturers of PFAS chemicals (3M, DuPont/Chemours, and others), manufacturers of AFFF firefighting foam, and the U.S. military for contamination on or near military bases. Major companies have paid billions in settlements related to PFAS contamination of public water systems, and personal injury litigation is ongoing.

Is there an ongoing PFAS lawsuit or settlement?

Yes. PFAS litigation is active. In June 2023, 3M agreed to pay up to $10.3 billion to settle PFAS contamination claims brought by public water systems. DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva reached a separate $1.185 billion settlement with water utilities. Litigation for individual personal injury claims - cancer and other health conditions - remains ongoing, and new claimants are still being accepted.

How long do I have to file a PFAS contamination claim?

The statute of limitations varies by state and depends on when you were diagnosed and when you knew or should have known about the potential connection to PFAS. Some states apply a discovery rule. Because deadlines vary significantly, we strongly recommend requesting a case review promptly to confirm your options.

What compensation can I recover?

Compensation in PFAS cases can include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, and in some cases punitive damages. The amount varies based on the severity of your diagnosis, the extent of your exposure, and other case-specific factors. An attorney can evaluate the full value of your claim.

Do I need medical records to file?

Medical documentation of your diagnosis is an important part of a PFAS case. However, you do not need all records ready before reaching out. An attorney will help you identify what records are needed and how to obtain them. The process begins with a consultation to assess whether your situation meets the current criteria.

Find Out If You Have a PFAS Claim

PFAS contamination has affected communities across the country. If you were exposed and have been diagnosed with cancer or serious illness, you may have a legal claim for compensation. Start with a confidential, no-obligation case review.

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