PFAS lawsuits: how to claim compensation for forever chemical contamination

Updated: December 2025

The poison in your water

For decades, chemical companies knew that PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—were dangerous. They knew these synthetic compounds didn't break down in the environment. They knew PFAS accumulated in human blood and tissue. They knew studies linked these chemicals to cancer, thyroid disease, immune dysfunction, and developmental problems. And they kept manufacturing them anyway, allowing these "forever chemicals" to contaminate drinking water supplies serving hundreds of millions of Americans.

Now the reckoning has arrived. In what represents one of the largest environmental contamination settlements in history, 3M Company agreed in 2024 to pay up to $12.5 billion to public water systems to address PFAS contamination. DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva agreed to pay $1.185 billion. Tyco Fire Products will pay $750 million. BASF Corporation will pay $316.5 million. And this is just the beginning—thousands of individual personal injury lawsuits are pending against manufacturers, with bellwether trials scheduled to set the stage for billions more in compensation.

The contamination is virtually inescapable. PFAS have been detected in the blood of 97 percent of Americans. The Environmental Protection Agency has found these chemicals in drinking water systems serving over 200 million people. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, pregnancy complications, elevated cholesterol, and immune system suppression. Children exposed to PFAS show developmental delays and reduced vaccine response.

If you've been drinking contaminated water, if you've developed a PFAS-linked illness, or if you work as a firefighter exposed to PFAS-containing foam, you may be entitled to significant compensation. This guide explains what PFAS are, how they've harmed you, what settlements are available, and how to file a claim.

Understanding forever chemicals

What are PFAS?

PFAS are a class of more than 14,000 synthetic chemicals containing carbon-fluorine bonds—one of the strongest bonds in organic chemistry. This chemical stability makes PFAS incredibly useful for industrial applications: they repel water, resist heat, and don't react with other substances. It also makes them essentially indestructible in the environment and human body, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals."

The two most studied PFAS compounds are PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), used by DuPont in manufacturing Teflon non-stick coatings, and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid), used by 3M in Scotchgard fabric protectors and firefighting foam. While manufacturers have phased out production of these specific compounds, they've replaced them with other PFAS that may be equally harmful—and the legacy contamination from decades of PFOA and PFOS production continues to affect water supplies and human health.

How widespread is contamination?

The scale of PFAS contamination is staggering. According to the Environmental Working Group, PFAS contamination has been detected in drinking water serving an estimated 200 million Americans across all 50 states. The chemicals have been found in groundwater, surface water, soil, air, and food. They've been detected in breast milk, umbilical cord blood, and the blood of virtually every American tested.

The primary sources of PFAS contamination include manufacturing facilities that produced or used PFAS chemicals, military bases where PFAS-containing firefighting foam was used in training exercises, civilian airports with similar firefighting foam use, wastewater treatment plants that can't remove PFAS from effluent, and landfills containing PFAS-containing products.

| Contamination Source | Estimated Impact | |---------------------|------------------| | Americans with PFAS in blood | 97%+ | | Drinking water systems with detected PFAS | Thousands nationwide | | Military installations with known contamination | 300+ | | States with confirmed contamination | All 50 states | | Public water systems eligible for 3M settlement | ~12,000 |

The tragedy is that this contamination was predictable and preventable. Internal documents from 3M dating back to the 1970s show the company knew PFAS accumulated in human blood. By the 1990s, company scientists had documented the chemicals' toxic effects. Yet 3M continued manufacturing PFAS compounds and selling them to other companies and the public without adequate disclosure of the risks.

Health effects linked to PFAS

The scientific evidence linking PFAS exposure to serious health conditions has grown increasingly strong over the past two decades. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2023 examined studies involving tens of thousands of participants and found significant associations between PFAS exposure and several cancers and chronic diseases.

For kidney cancer, researchers found that overall PFAS exposure increased risk by 18 percent, with high-level exposure increasing risk by 74 percent. For testicular cancer, high-level PFAS exposure was associated with more than double the risk (222 percent increase) compared to those with low exposure. Each 10 ng/mL increase in serum PFOA—a common measure of blood PFAS levels—corresponded to a 16 percent increase in kidney cancer risk and 3 percent increase in testicular cancer risk.

In 2012, a panel of epidemiologists studying communities near DuPont's Washington Works plant in West Virginia—where PFOA had contaminated drinking water for decades—concluded there was a "probable link" between PFOA exposure and six health conditions: kidney cancer, testicular cancer, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, pregnancy-induced hypertension (including preeclampsia), and high cholesterol.

Subsequent research has strengthened these findings. The National Cancer Institute conducted a nested case-control study of active-duty Air Force servicemen—a population with significant PFAS exposure through firefighting foam—and found that elevated blood levels of PFOS were associated with higher testicular cancer risk. This was particularly significant because testicular cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among young adult men and active-duty servicemen.

Beyond cancer, PFAS exposure has been linked to immune system dysfunction including reduced vaccine response, liver damage, thyroid hormone disruption, reproductive problems including reduced fertility and developmental effects in children, and increased cholesterol levels. The biological mechanisms include oxidative stress, hormone disruption, and accumulation in organs—particularly the kidneys, which filter PFAS from blood.

The EPA has classified PFOA and PFOS as "likely carcinogenic to humans" and set maximum contaminant levels for drinking water at just 4 parts per trillion for each compound—essentially the lowest level that can be reliably detected. This regulatory action, finalized in April 2024, represented the first-ever national drinking water standards for PFAS and acknowledged that no level of exposure is truly safe.

The water system settlements

3M settlement: $12.5 billion

On March 29, 2024, the U.S. District Court in Charleston, South Carolina granted final approval to 3M's settlement with public water suppliers—the largest environmental settlement in the company's history. The agreement requires 3M to pay up to $12.5 billion over thirteen years, from July 2024 through April 2036, to help water utilities test for and treat PFAS contamination.

The settlement emerged from litigation consolidated in the MDL (multidistrict litigation) proceedings before Judge Richard Gergel. Approximately 12,000 public water systems were included in the class action. When given the opportunity to opt out and pursue independent litigation, only about 897 systems chose to do so—a relatively low number indicating that most municipalities determined the settlement represented the best path to compensation.

The settlement funds are intended to cover water testing and monitoring costs to detect PFAS contamination, installation and operation of water treatment systems (such as granular activated carbon filters, ion exchange systems, or reverse osmosis), replacement of contaminated wells or development of alternative water sources, reimbursement for past cleanup expenses already incurred by water systems, and ongoing operational costs for PFAS remediation.

The amount each water system receives depends on factors including detected PFAS levels, population served, treatment costs, and whether the system falls into Phase 1 (detected PFAS before the settlement) or Phase 2 (detected or will detect PFAS after the settlement) categories.

Critically, the 3M settlement compensates water systems—not individual residents directly. If you live in a community with PFAS-contaminated water, you may benefit through improved water quality or potentially reduced utility rates as systems receive settlement funds for treatment. But you won't receive a direct payment from this settlement. For personal compensation, you'll need to file an individual claim (discussed below).

DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva settlement: $1.185 billion

DuPont and its spinoff companies Chemours and Corteva agreed to pay $1.185 billion to settle water contamination claims from public water systems. Judge Gergel approved this settlement on February 9, 2024.

The DuPont settlement follows the same general structure as the 3M settlement, providing funds to water utilities for testing and treatment rather than direct payments to individuals. The settlement resolves claims against these companies in the water system MDL, though individual personal injury claims remain separate.

DuPont's PFAS liability stems primarily from its manufacture of PFOA at the Washington Works plant in Parkersburg, West Virginia, where the company produced Teflon from the 1950s until PFOA production ended in 2015. The contamination from this single facility affected drinking water for approximately 100,000 people in West Virginia and Ohio—and internal documents revealed that DuPont knew about the contamination's health risks for decades before taking action.

Tyco Fire Products and BASF settlements

In November 2024, Judge Gergel approved two additional PFAS settlements totaling over $1 billion.

Tyco Fire Products, a subsidiary of Johnson Controls International, agreed to pay $750 million to resolve claims from public water systems. Tyco manufactured aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)—firefighting foam containing PFAS that has been used at military bases, airports, and fire training facilities worldwide. When this foam is used in firefighting or training exercises, PFAS compounds wash into soil and groundwater, contaminating nearby wells and municipal water supplies.

BASF Corporation agreed to pay $316.5 million to settle water contamination claims. BASF produced PFAS chemicals used in various industrial applications that contributed to water supply contamination.

These settlements bring the total water system settlement amount to over $15 billion, with additional defendants potentially contributing to future settlements.

State-specific settlements

Beyond the national class action settlements, some states have pursued independent litigation resulting in significant additional compensation.

In August 2025, DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva agreed to pay $2 billion to settle claims brought by the state of New Jersey. This settlement resolved the state's claims that these companies contaminated New Jersey's drinking water, rivers, and lakes with PFAS. The amount was significantly higher than New Jersey would have received through the national class action settlement, reflecting the state's aggressive litigation strategy.

3M separately agreed in May 2025 to pay up to $450 million to New Jersey over a 25-year period, resolving the state's claims against the company for PFAS contamination. Combined with the DuPont group settlement, New Jersey secured over $2.4 billion specifically for PFAS remediation in the state.

Other states including Michigan, Minnesota, and North Carolina have filed or are pursuing similar independent litigation against PFAS manufacturers.

Important deadlines

If your water system hasn't yet filed a claim, time is running out. Phase 2 water systems—those that detected PFAS after the settlement date or haven't yet tested—must file claims by January 1, 2026 to receive compensation for baseline testing costs. Claims against the DuPont fund for treatment costs must be filed by June 30, 2026. Claims against the 3M fund must be filed by July 31, 2026.

Water system administrators should visit the official settlement websites and consult with legal counsel to ensure they meet all deadlines. Individual residents should contact their local water utility to confirm whether the system is participating in the settlement and what benefits may flow to the community.

Personal injury lawsuits

The firefighting foam MDL

While water system settlements compensate municipalities, individuals who have developed PFAS-linked diseases have their own path to compensation through personal injury litigation. The largest collection of these cases is consolidated in MDL 2873 in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, overseen by Judge Richard Gergel.

As of December 2024, approximately 7,370 personal injury cases were pending in the MDL. Then the floodgates opened. In response to a "Filing Facilitation Window" established by Judge Gergel—a limited period allowing expedited case filing—more than 37,000 new lawsuits were filed. This surge more than tripled the size of the MDL to over 44,000 cases, making it one of the largest mass tort proceedings in history.

The personal injury cases predominantly involve people who were exposed to PFAS through firefighting foam (AFFF) and subsequently developed serious health conditions. Plaintiffs include career firefighters who used AFFF throughout their careers, military personnel who participated in firefighting training exercises, airport firefighting crews, residents living near military bases or airports where AFFF was used, and workers at facilities that manufactured or used PFAS chemicals.

Bellwether trials

To help resolve the massive number of pending cases, Judge Gergel established a bellwether trial process. Bellwether trials involve a small number of representative cases that go to trial first, with the outcomes helping to establish settlement values and legal precedents for the broader litigation.

The Judge limited the initial bellwether pool to 25 potential plaintiffs with specific injuries divided into two groups. Group A includes plaintiffs with kidney cancer or testicular cancer—the conditions with the strongest scientific evidence linking them to PFAS exposure. Group B includes plaintiffs with thyroid disease or ulcerative colitis.

The first bellwether trial was originally scheduled for October 2025, focusing on kidney or testicular cancer claims. However, Judge Gergel postponed the trial to manage the surge of new cases and coordinate scheduling. The judge issued Case Management Order 26H updating the schedule for Group B cases, with discovery running through September 2025 and trial scheduling to follow.

The bellwether trial outcomes will significantly influence settlement negotiations. If plaintiffs win substantial verdicts demonstrating causation between PFAS exposure and cancer, defendants will face pressure to settle remaining cases at higher values. If defendants prevail, it could reduce overall settlement amounts.

Potential settlement values

While no global settlement has been reached for AFFF personal injury claims, legal experts anticipate eventual resolution based on the pattern of other mass tort litigations. Based on similar cases and preliminary settlement discussions, potential compensation ranges have emerged.

For kidney cancer cases, plaintiffs may receive $150,000 to over $1 million depending on factors including age at diagnosis, treatment costs, lost wages, and strength of exposure evidence. Testicular cancer cases may see similar ranges. Thyroid disease and ulcerative colitis cases, while still significant, may settle for somewhat lower amounts given the less severe prognosis compared to cancer.

The exact settlement values will depend heavily on bellwether trial outcomes, the strength of causation evidence in individual cases, the documented extent and duration of PFAS exposure, medical expenses and other economic damages, and pain and suffering impacts.

Attorneys handling AFFF cases typically work on contingency, meaning they receive a percentage (usually 33-40 percent) of any recovery but charge nothing upfront. This allows plaintiffs to pursue claims without financial risk.

Filing your claim

Who qualifies for personal injury claims?

You may qualify for a PFAS personal injury claim if you meet certain criteria. First, you must have a diagnosed PFAS-linked condition. The diseases with the strongest legal support include kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer), ulcerative colitis, liver cancer, and pregnancy-induced hypertension or preeclampsia. Some attorneys are also accepting cases involving prostate cancer, breast cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, though the scientific evidence for these conditions is still developing.

Second, you need documented PFAS exposure. Strong exposure evidence includes occupational exposure as a firefighter, military personnel, or industrial worker who handled PFAS products; residential exposure from living near a military base, airport, or manufacturing facility with known PFAS contamination; or consumption of contaminated drinking water from a system with detected PFAS.

Third, your claim must be filed within the applicable statute of limitations. Most states allow 2-6 years from diagnosis or discovery of the connection between PFAS exposure and your condition. Because this timeline varies significantly by state, consulting an attorney promptly is essential.

Steps to file a claim

The process for filing a PFAS personal injury claim involves several steps. Begin by gathering your medical documentation, including your complete diagnosis records showing the PFAS-linked condition, all treatment records including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and medications, pathology reports and imaging studies, and documentation of medical expenses incurred.

Next, document your PFAS exposure. This includes employment records showing work as a firefighter, military personnel, or in relevant industries; residence history showing time spent near contaminated sites; water testing results showing PFAS in your drinking water; military service records including base assignments; and any blood testing showing elevated PFAS levels.

Consult with a PFAS attorney who handles these cases. Most offer free case evaluations and work on contingency. Major law firms handling PFAS litigation include Napoli Shkolnik, Weitz & Luxenberg, Lieff Cabraser, and Simmons Hanly Conroy. Your attorney will evaluate the strength of your case, gather additional evidence, and file the appropriate paperwork.

Your case will likely be filed in the MDL in South Carolina if it involves AFFF exposure, or potentially in state court depending on the specific facts. Your attorney will handle all procedural requirements and keep you informed of developments.

Firefighter-specific claims

Firefighters face among the highest PFAS exposure levels of any occupation due to regular use of AFFF foam in fighting fires and training exercises. Studies have shown that firefighters have significantly elevated blood PFAS levels compared to the general population, and cancer rates among firefighters exceed those of the general public.

If you're a firefighter diagnosed with kidney cancer, testicular cancer, or other PFAS-linked conditions, your case may be particularly strong. Key evidence for firefighter claims includes fire department employment records documenting years of service, training records showing participation in exercises using AFFF, exposure logs or incident reports documenting AFFF use, fire department records showing the types of foam products used, and witness statements from colleagues regarding foam exposure.

Many states have enacted "firefighter cancer presumption" laws that create legal presumptions that certain cancers in firefighters are work-related. While these laws primarily affect workers' compensation claims, they also strengthen the general case for PFAS causation in personal injury litigation.

Firefighter unions and associations have been active in supporting members' PFAS claims. If you're a union member, your union may be able to provide referrals to experienced PFAS attorneys and other resources.

Military personnel and veterans

Service members stationed at or near the more than 300 military installations with known PFAS contamination may have claims against PFAS manufacturers. The Department of Defense used AFFF extensively for decades at bases worldwide, contaminating groundwater that service members and their families drank and bathed in.

In October 2025, the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe filed a lawsuit against 3M, DuPont, and other companies claiming contamination of tribal water and wildlife from PFAS. The Band reported switching entirely to bottled water because of the contamination levels. Similar claims are being pursued by communities and individuals near military bases throughout the country.

For military personnel, relevant evidence includes service records showing base assignments, medical records documenting PFAS-linked conditions, base environmental reports documenting PFAS contamination, and any blood testing showing elevated PFAS levels. Veterans may also have claims under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act model, though specific coverage depends on individual circumstances.

The science of PFAS harm

How PFAS damage the body

Understanding why PFAS cause disease helps explain why manufacturers face such significant liability. These chemicals interfere with human biology through multiple mechanisms that have been extensively documented in scientific literature.

PFAS are nephrotoxic—they damage kidney tissue through oxidative stress and accumulate in high concentrations in renal parenchyma (functional kidney tissue). The kidneys filter blood and attempt to remove PFAS, but the chemicals' stability means they resist breakdown and instead concentrate in kidney tissue over time. This prolonged exposure to high PFAS concentrations creates conditions that promote cancerous cell changes.

PFAS also disrupt hormonal systems throughout the body. Studies have documented interference with thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and are essential for normal development. Pregnant women exposed to PFAS face elevated risks of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, conditions that can be life-threatening for both mother and baby. Developmental effects in children exposed to PFAS in utero or through breast milk include delayed puberty, lower birth weights, and potential cognitive impacts.

The immune system effects of PFAS exposure have significant public health implications. Research has shown that PFAS exposure reduces antibody response to vaccines—meaning people with high PFAS levels may not develop full immunity even after vaccination. This finding has been replicated across multiple studies and contributes to the EPA's position that no level of PFAS exposure is truly safe.

Corporate knowledge of harm

Perhaps the most damaging evidence in PFAS litigation involves internal documents showing that manufacturers knew about health risks for decades. 3M conducted blood testing on employees in the 1970s and found PFAS accumulating in their blood. By the 1990s, internal studies documented toxic effects in laboratory animals. Yet the company continued manufacturing PFAS compounds and failed to adequately warn the public or regulatory agencies.

DuPont's conduct was similarly egregious. The company's Washington Works plant in West Virginia released PFOA into the Ohio River and surrounding groundwater for decades. Internal documents showed DuPont knew the chemicals were accumulating in the blood of nearby residents. When one community resident's well water was tested in 1984, it contained PFOA at 1,000 times the level DuPont's own scientists had determined was safe for drinking water. DuPont didn't warn the community.

The C8 Science Panel—a group of independent epidemiologists established as part of a 2004 settlement between DuPont and affected communities—spent seven years studying the health effects of PFOA exposure. Their 2012 conclusion that PFOA had a "probable link" to six diseases provided the scientific foundation for much of the subsequent litigation. The panel's findings have been reinforced by additional research in the years since.

This evidence of corporate knowledge and concealment supports not only compensatory damages—money to cover actual losses—but also punitive damages designed to punish egregious corporate misconduct. In similar mass tort cases involving concealed health risks, punitive damages have multiplied recoveries significantly.

Geographic hotspots

States with significant contamination

While PFAS contamination has been detected nationwide, certain states face particularly severe problems due to concentrated manufacturing, military activity, or industrial use.

Michigan has experienced widespread PFAS contamination from military bases, airports, and industrial facilities. The state has been aggressive in testing water supplies and pursuing litigation against manufacturers. Residents near the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda and numerous other sites have documented elevated PFAS levels in wells and municipal water supplies.

New Jersey's $2.4 billion in settlements reflects the state's substantial contamination burden. Industrial facilities throughout the state released PFAS into waterways and groundwater for decades. The state's Department of Environmental Protection has identified hundreds of sites with PFAS contamination requiring remediation.

North Carolina faces contamination primarily from the Chemours Fayetteville Works facility, which produces GenX—a replacement PFAS compound that may be equally harmful to human health. The Cape Fear River, which supplies drinking water to hundreds of thousands of residents, has been contaminated with GenX and other PFAS compounds. Litigation against Chemours is ongoing.

West Virginia and Ohio communities near DuPont's Washington Works plant have experienced some of the longest-documented PFAS exposure in the country. The C8 Science Panel studies focused on these communities, and many residents have received settlements for health effects dating back to the 1950s.

California, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and Alabama also face significant contamination from combinations of military bases, manufacturing facilities, and airports.

Military bases with known contamination

The Department of Defense has identified more than 300 military installations with known or suspected PFAS contamination. These include Air Force bases where AFFF was used extensively in firefighting training, Army installations with similar training activities, Navy bases with firefighting operations, and National Guard facilities.

Notable contaminated bases include Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado, where PFAS has been detected in groundwater at levels far exceeding EPA standards; Pease Air Force Base in New Hampshire, which closed in 1991 but left behind contamination affecting the surrounding community; Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, with documented PFAS contamination of wells serving nearby residents; and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, where PFAS contamination compounds the already-documented water contamination that led to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.

Service members stationed at these and other bases, along with their families, may have claims against PFAS manufacturers for health effects resulting from exposure.

Looking forward

Regulatory developments

The regulatory landscape for PFAS continues to evolve. In April 2024, the EPA finalized the first-ever national drinking water standards for PFAS, setting maximum contaminant levels of 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS individually, and a combined standard for mixtures of other PFAS. These standards require water systems to monitor for PFAS and implement treatment if levels exceed the limits.

The EPA's action represents a significant shift in how regulators approach PFAS. For years, the agency issued only non-binding health advisories suggesting safe levels. The new enforceable standards mean water systems must take action, and the settlement funds from 3M, DuPont, and others will help finance the required treatment.

Some states have enacted even stricter standards than the federal requirements. New Jersey, Michigan, and other states with significant contamination have established lower maximum contaminant levels and broader coverage of PFAS compounds.

Future litigation

The personal injury MDL continues to grow, with tens of thousands of cases pending. The bellwether trial process will likely establish precedents that shape eventual global settlement negotiations. Legal experts anticipate a comprehensive settlement of AFFF personal injury claims could occur in 2025 or 2026, potentially worth billions of dollars.

Beyond the current litigation, new claims continue to emerge. As more water systems test for PFAS and find contamination, additional municipalities may pursue claims. As more individuals receive PFAS-linked diagnoses and connect their conditions to exposure, new personal injury cases will be filed. And as the science continues to develop—potentially linking PFAS to additional health conditions—the scope of litigation may expand further.

Cities are also taking action. In March 2025, Fort Worth, Texas filed a lawsuit seeking $420 million in damages from the Department of Defense, 3M, DuPont, and other manufacturers for PFAS contamination of the city's water supply. Similar municipal lawsuits may follow as cities calculate their cleanup costs and seek reimbursement.

Protecting yourself

While litigation proceeds, you can take steps to reduce your PFAS exposure and protect your health.

Check whether your water system has detected PFAS using the EPA's PFAS Analytic Tools at epa.gov/pfas or by contacting your local water utility directly. If PFAS have been detected, ask whether the system is implementing treatment and participating in the settlement funds.

If you rely on a private well, consider having it tested for PFAS, especially if you live near a military base, airport, industrial facility, or landfill. Testing costs vary but typically run $200-500 for a comprehensive PFAS panel.

If elevated PFAS levels are found in your water, treatment options include installing a point-of-use filter certified to remove PFAS (look for NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification), using bottled water for drinking and cooking, and advocating for your water system to implement treatment.

If you've been exposed to PFAS and have health concerns, discuss testing options with your healthcare provider. Blood tests can measure PFAS levels, though interpreting results requires understanding that nearly everyone has detectable PFAS. Document your exposure history and maintain records of any health conditions that develop.

Resources and next steps

Official settlement information

For information about the water system settlements, the official 3M PFAS Water Settlement website provides claim forms, deadlines, and distribution information. The DuPont settlement has similar official resources. Water utility administrators should consult these sites and legal counsel to ensure compliance with all requirements.

Finding legal help

If you have a PFAS-linked health condition and potential exposure, consulting with an attorney is the essential first step. Most PFAS attorneys offer free case evaluations and work on contingency. Major firms handling these cases include Napoli Shkolnik, Weitz & Luxenberg, Lieff Cabraser, Simmons Hanly Conroy, and many others. Search for "PFAS lawsuit attorney" or "AFFF firefighter cancer lawyer" to find attorneys accepting cases.

When evaluating attorneys, consider their experience with PFAS litigation specifically, their resources to handle complex cases, their track record in mass tort litigation, and their communication practices and client service.

Government resources

The EPA maintains extensive PFAS resources at epa.gov/pfas, including information about health effects, regulatory standards, and the PFAS Analytic Tools for checking contamination near your location. State environmental agencies often have additional information specific to local contamination sites.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) provides health information about PFAS exposure and can help locate healthcare providers familiar with PFAS health effects.

For veterans concerned about military base exposure, the VA has information about PFAS and can help connect service members with appropriate healthcare and benefits resources.

Conclusion: accountability for forever chemicals

For decades, 3M, DuPont, and other manufacturers prioritized profits over public health. They produced chemicals they knew were accumulating in human blood and tissue. They contaminated drinking water serving hundreds of millions of Americans. They concealed evidence of harm and fought regulations that might have protected communities.

The settlements and litigation described in this guide represent a measure of accountability—billions of dollars to clean up contaminated water supplies and compensate individuals whose health was damaged by corporate negligence. But no amount of money can fully remediate the harm done, restore health to those sickened by PFAS exposure, or remove these persistent chemicals from the environment where they will remain for generations.

If you've been affected by PFAS contamination—whether through contaminated drinking water, occupational exposure as a firefighter or military personnel, or proximity to manufacturing facilities—you have rights. Water systems can recover cleanup costs. Individuals with PFAS-linked diseases can pursue compensation. The law provides mechanisms for holding polluters accountable.

The forever chemicals may persist, but so does the legal system's capacity to deliver justice. Don't let statutes of limitations expire. Document your exposure and health history. Consult with qualified attorneys. And know that you're not alone—millions of Americans share this exposure, and the collective weight of their claims is forcing change.

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This guide provides general information about PFAS contamination and litigation. It does not constitute legal advice. Lawsuits involve complex factual and legal issues that require individual analysis. Consult with a qualified attorney about your specific situation.

Sources: EPA PFAS Resources, National Cancer Institute PFAS Research, PubMed PFAS Health Studies, MDL 2873 Court Documents

Last Updated: December 2025