PFAS Lawsuit Updates
New Jersey Takes DuPont and Chemours to Trial Over PFAS Contamination
This week, New Jersey began its trial against Chemours and DuPont over PFAS contamination linked to the Chambers Works Facility. While 3M settled earlier in May, these two companies opted to contest the claims in court. The facility, previously used to manufacture Teflon, discharged PFAS-contaminated wastewater into New Jersey’s waters. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to cancers and other health issues in affected communities. If found negligent, DuPont and Chemours could face a substantial verdict. The case is also being closely watched as it may influence outcomes in similar PFAS lawsuits brought by other states and municipalities.
3M Agrees to $450M PFAS Settlement with New Jersey
Just days before trial, 3M reached a settlement of up to $450 million with New Jersey over PFAS contamination of water supplies. The lawsuit, filed in 2019, stemmed from operations at the Chambers Works facility in Deepwater, where PFAS chemicals purchased from 3M were discharged into the environment, contaminating state water supplies. This is New Jersey’s largest PFAS-related settlement to date. The funds, paid in phases, will support agencies like the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. While 3M denies wrongdoing, this settlement sets a significant precedent as other states pursue similar lawsuits against the company.
EPA Announces Comprehensive PFAS Water Contamination Crackdown"
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under Administrator Lee Zeldin, has unveiled a multi-pronged strategy to combat PFAS contamination in water supplies nationwide. The plan focuses on regulating industrial wastewater discharge, introducing effluent limitation guidelines (ELGs) targeting PFAS manufacturers and metal finishers. PFAS—linked to cancer and other serious health conditions—has spurred thousands of lawsuits against producers. This EPA initiative aims to reduce future contamination while addressing ongoing public health risks.
3M Opposes Rehearing in PFAS Jurisdiction Dispute
3M has urged the Fourth Circuit not to revisit a panel decision that kept PFAS lawsuits from Maryland and South Carolina in federal court. The states filed separate actions—one targeting consumer product PFAS contamination, the other focused on military-grade AFFF. 3M argues that all PFAS contamination is chemically indistinct and environmentally commingled, tying both to its federal work. The panel previously agreed, citing a sufficient connection under the federal officer removal statute. The states seek en banc review, asserting their disclaimers of AFFF should allow state court proceedings. The outcome could influence PFAS litigation strategies nationwide.
About PFAS Lawsuits
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been widely used in a wide array of products since the 1950s. They are frequently found in non-stick cookware and even firefighting foams.
Government agencies have found PFAS in drinking water across the country from the chemical leeching into groundwater. Many people are being exposed without even knowing it.
Commonly known as “forever chemical”, the harmful effects of PFAS often take years to manifest but can lead to a variety of serious health conditions. In recent years, research has linked exposure to the chemical to certain cancers, thyroid disease, and immune system disorders.
Many people are unaware of the danger of exposure to PFAS and have failed to link their health issues to the toxic substances. However, legal avenues now exist for individuals who have been adversely impacted by PFAS exposure.
If you or a loved one is struggling to cope with health problems related to exposure to PFAS, there are legal options. You may be able to seek potential compensation for the harm caused by the hazardous chemicals.
Who Prequalifies for the PFAS Class Action Lawsuit?
To participate in a PFAS class action lawsuit, certain requirements must be met. You must meet criteria such as the following:
- Show proof of exposure to PFAS chemicals through tap water ingestion.
- Provide medical records documenting the diagnosis of a health condition linked to PFAS exposure, such as cancer, thyroid disease, or immune system disorders.
- Demonstrate that you have developed a health condition after significant exposure to PFAS.
You may also be eligible if you have been diagnosed with the following cancer(s):
- Testicular Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Ulcerative Cancer
- Liver Cancer
Please note: Exposure to contaminated tap water, the claimant must have consumed contaminated tap water with PFAS chemicals from 1990 to the present.
If you meet the above requirements, you may be entitled to compensation. Various factors impact eligibility, and all cases are unique.
Which Companies Are Involved in the PFAS Lawsuit?
Several companies have been implicated in the PFAS lawsuits. These companies, often involved in the manufacturing or use of PFAS chemicals, face allegations that they failed to warn the public about the dangers of PFAS exposure. The lawsuits claim that these companies were aware of the risks but continued to produce and use PFAS without proper safety measures.
Alarmingly, PFAS chemicals have been detected in tap water supplies across many communities in the United States. Families and individuals are facing widespread exposure through daily water use - often completely unaware of the dangers until they develop health problems.
Contaminated tap water has become a significant source of PFAS exposure, which may have long-term health ramifications.
As more evidence emerges linking PFAS exposure—especially from contaminated tap water—to severe health conditions, the number of cases against these companies will likely grow.
If you or a loved one has experienced health problems due to PFAS exposure, you may qualify to join the class action lawsuit.
How Much Compensation Should You Expect in Your PFAS Lawsuit?
Determining an exact settlement amount in a PFAS lawsuit is challenging because many factors directly impact each case. These factors include:
- The severity of the health condition,
- The extent of PFAS exposure
- Strength of the evidence presented.
The extent to which you've been exposed to PFAS through your tap water can greatly influence your case and potential settlement amount.
As of now, PFAS lawsuits are still in the early stages, and no global settlements or jury trials have taken place. However, based on a large pool of similar environmental contamination cases, potential settlement amounts can be anticipated based on the type and extent of harm suffered by each of the plaintiffs.
If you believe you’ve been affected by PFAS exposure through contaminated tap water, it’s important to act now. Contact us to learn more about your rights and whether you may qualify for the PFAS class action lawsuit.
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