Companies that made and used per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have paid settlements in hundreds of lawsuits. Thousands more lawsuits are pending in state and federal courts, which could result in billions of dollars in additional PFAS settlements. Chemical companies are paying settlements because citizens and utilities have filed lawsuits alleging PFAS products contaminated water supplies and sickened people across the nation.
The amount each person would receive in a PFAS settlement will vary widely based on each person’s case and injuries. However, King Law estimates PFAS settlement amounts per person may range between $175,000 to $300,000, depending on the individual circumstances of the case.
PFAS Settlement and Payout Amounts – 2025 Updates
June 18, 2025: Science Day in PFAS Lawsuit Marks Progress Toward Settlements
This week, a science day will be held in the group PFAS litigation. This federal litigation is for people who have developed cancer after consuming water contaminated with PFAS. The science day will be a court-room event where the judge is presented with information about the science of PFAS, including how these forever chemicals end up in water supplies and how they harm human health. The science day is an important step in the litigation process. It could bring plaintiffs in these lawsuits one step closer to settlements.
May 20, 2025: Court Grants Extension for Special Needs Claims to Be Submitted in Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) Products Liability Litigation (MDL 2873)
The judge in the Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) Products Liability Litigation (MDL 2873), which oversees the group PFAS litigation, has granted an extension of the Special Needs claims. The submission deadline for the Tyco and BASF Public Water System settlements has been extended to August 21, 2025. As of May 1, 2025, the MDL has 9,342 actions pending, making it one of the largest MDLs in the nation. Individuals who have been affected by water contaminated with PFAS from AFFF, a firefighting foam frequently used on military bases, are encouraged to seek legal counsel to determine whether they may be eligible to take legal action.
May 12, 2025: 3M Agrees to $285 Million Settlement to Resolve New Jersey Claims
The 3M Company has issued a press release stating that it has agreed to resolve PFAS-related claims with the State of New Jersey. The settlement included a pre-tax present value commitment of approximately $210 million to resolve the Chamber Works litigation and $75 million to resolve current and future statewide claims from 2030 to 2050. Chamber Works is an industrial plant in New Jersey operated by 3M and Chemours.
October 21, 2024: Carrier Agrees to $730 Million Settlement to Resolve PFAS Claims
Carrier Global reached a $730 million settlement to resolve PFAS-related fire protection unit claims against its subsidiary Kidde-Fenwal. Kidde-Fenwal filed for bankruptcy in May 2023 after being named a defendant in over 4,400 lawsuits. The claims involved allegations that the firefighting foam products (AFFF) manufactured by the company contained toxic chemicals, including PFAS, which seeped into the soil and contaminated the water supply.
May 20, 2024: BASF Corporation Agrees to Multi-Billion Dollar Settlement to Resolve PFAS-related Public Water Contamination Claims
The BASF Corporation has agreed to a $316.5 million settlement to resolve claims related to PFAS contamination in public water sources. The settlement includes $4 million to be put toward settlement administration costs. The claims were related to Aqueous Film Forming Foam (“AFFF”) products that allegedly contaminated water sources throughout the United States.
June 2, 2023: Chemical Companies Reach $1.18 Billion Deal to Resolve PFAS Water Contamination Claims
Three chemical companies, DuPont de Nemours Inc., The Chemours Co., and Corteva Inc., have reached a $1.18 billion settlement to resolve PFAS water contamination claims. The settlement is related to firefighting foam manufactured by the chemical companies that reportedly contained PFAS. PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they can take thousands of years to break down. Research shows that PFAS exposure can cause significant health concerns, including an increased risk of cancer.
About the PFAS Settlement Amounts:
PFAS Settlement and Payout Amounts – 2025 Updates
What Factors Will Influence My PFAS Settlement?
How to Calculate Your PFAS Settlement Amount
How Will PFAS Settlements Be Distributed to Plaintiffs?
How Long Will It Take to Receive My PFAS Settlement Check?
What Is a PFAS Settlement?
A PFAS settlement refers to the money a plaintiff (the person who filed the lawsuit) receives from the defendant (the company who caused the pollution). A PFAS settlement occurs when lawyers on both sides of a case (and their clients) agree to a settlement deal. If that settlement deal is approved by the courts, the plaintiff(s) in the lawsuit receive compensation.
A settlement agreement resolves the PFAS-related lawsuit, although the defendant typically maintains they did nothing wrong. Many of the legal claims in the PFAS lawsuit allege chemical manufacturers knew or should have known about the dangers associated with PFAS exposure and discharging these chemicals into the environment.
In some instances, settlements are reached in large class action lawsuits or multidistrict litigations (MDL). When a settlement is reached in these cases, the court may determine the groups (tiers) and schedules for payouts. Certain groups or tiers may receive larger settlement amounts based on the severity of their injuries.
How Do PFAS Settlements Work?
Because per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are dangerous to animal and human health, the companies who made these substances are trying to settle lawsuits filed against them. PFAS settlements are determined by a number of factors. The amount of a settlement can be determined by an individual’s injuries or the extent of the pollution to a water supply or agricultural land.
An experienced attorney can help assess the potential value of a case and any estimated payout. The court must generally approve settlements and may allocate payments based on the damages experienced by individual claimants or a group of claimants with similar injuries.
It is important to note that settlements may take months to be negotiated and paid out. There is no general timeframe for the amount of time it can take to receive a payout, but an attorney can help provide guidance on the legal process and determine how long it may take to receive a settlement.
What Factors Will Influence My PFAS Settlement?
Several factors may influence a PFAS settlement. An attorney can help assess the potential value of a case, including what factors may play a role in determining the estimated payout. For instance, individuals diagnosed with PFAS-related cancer or another chronic illness may be entitled to a larger settlement compared to less severe conditions.
Factors that may determine a PFAS settlement:
- Severity of the Injuries: Individuals who experience more serious health conditions, such as PFAS-related cancer or chronic illness, may be entitled to a larger recovery to help cover the cost of current and future medical bills.
- Quality and Strength of Evidence: PFAS claims usually require significant evidence. Evidence, including a comprehensive set of medical records, proof of a connection between exposure and the injury, and expert testimony, plays a critical role in determining settlement amounts.
- Length of Exposure: Claimants who experienced longer or more intense levels of PFAS exposure may receive increased settlement amounts. For example, firefighters and military servicemembers who were exposed to PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foam may have the right to additional damages as a result of their exposure.
- Negative Impact on Quality of Life: If PFAS exposure negatively affects a person’s quality of life, such as making it difficult for them to return to work or complete normal daily activities, they may be entitled to a larger recovery.
- Attorney Representation: Representation by an experienced attorney can help to ensure the largest possible recovery for a claimant.
How to Calculate Your PFAS Settlement Amount
PFAS settlements are expected to vary significantly depending on the individual factors of each case. However, claimants may estimate their potential payout by determining their damages.
Damages may include economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses are considered actual financial losses such as past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and a loss of future earning capacity that results from your PFAS-related injuries or illness. Non-economic losses are less tangible, but include your pain and suffering and compensation for the negative impact on your quality of life. An experienced attorney can assess a person’s losses due to a PFAS-related illness. The attorney can then estimate what settlement group that individual should apply to.
How Will PFAS Settlements Be Distributed to Plaintiffs?
PFAS settlements are most often distributed through a structured claims process. People sickened by PFAS must submit evidence showing that they suffered actual losses as a result of PFAS exposure. An attorney can help to determine the potential value of the case and how to pursue a settlement.
Once a settlement is approved by the court, particularly in large class actions or multidistrict litigation, the settlement’s funds will be allocated. Settlement funds are usually allocated according to severity of the injury, with more extreme cases typically receiving the highest payouts. Payouts may be disbursed at one time or in phases over a period of time determined by the court.
General process for distribution of PFAS settlement funds to plaintiffs:
- Legal Consultation: The first step in a PFAS settlement requires a legal consultation. An attorney can help to ensure the claimant meets all eligibility requirements and what steps are necessary to secure compensation.
- Submission of the Claim: The next step in the process is to submit the claim to the appropriate jurisdiction. When submitting the claim, it is critical to provide all necessary documentation. Evidence helps to substantiate the claim and ensure compensation is received.
- Legal Review: After submission, claims are then reviewed for approval. During the review process, claims will be analyzed for completeness and to ensure that all legal requirements are met.
- Allocation: Once verified, the claim is placed in the appropriate group or category. Categories are often defined by predetermined criteria such as the severity of the illness or length and duration of PFAS exposure.
- Disbursement of the Funds: The final step in the process is the disbursement of the funds. Payments may be made in phases, depending on the size of the settlement and the number of claimants. Failure to meet submission deadlines, such as not providing adequate documentation can result in the delay or denial of a settlement payment.
How Long Will It Take to Receive My PFAS Settlement Check?
The amount of time it takes to receive a PFAS settlement check will depend on several factors, including the jurisdiction responsible for disbursement, the number of claims, the complexity of the litigation, and the amount of time it takes the court to go through the approval process. It can take a year or more to receive a PFAS settlement check. The best way to determine how long it will take to receive payment is by consulting with an experienced attorney.
Contact a PFAS Lawyer to Pursue Compensation
Individuals who have suffered an adverse health condition such as cancer or a chronic illness after being exposed to PFAS are encouraged to seek legal counsel. The attorneys at King Law have extensive experience handling lawsuits related to PFAS water contamination. We provide personalized assessments of each case. Affected individuals can contact (585) 496-2648 to schedule a free consultation and to explore their legal options.