On November 3, 3M agreed to a $7.35 Billion PFAS settlement over 9 years to resolve nearly all personal injury claims involving aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a type of firefighting foam containing toxic "forever chemicals."
The landmark agreement could provide compensation to as many as 120,000 firefighters, military service members, and others who allege that exposure to AFFF caused cancer or other serious illnesses.
“For the thousands of victims who have sought answers and accountability for nearly a decade, 3M’s $7.35 Billion settlement is welcome news."
– AFFF Lawsuit Lawyer
While the proposed AFFF lawsuit settlement marks a major development for victims, questions remain about who qualifies, how much claimants may receive, and when payments could begin.
What's in the $7.35 Billion 3M AFFF Settlement?
The 3M AFFF settlement is intended to resolve approximately 99% of existing AFFF-related personal injury claims against the company, including in the federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) in South Carolina.
The AFFF MDL brings thousands of similar firefighting foam lawsuits before one judge to streamline court proceedings while preserving individual claims.
Key details of the 3M AFFF MDL settlement include:
- Total Value: Up to $7.35 Billion in payments through 2034
- Claims Covered: Existing AFFF-related personal injury claims against 3M, including those filed outside the federal MDL
- Who Qualifies: Eligible claimants who allege that exposure to AFFF caused cancer or other serious illnesses, subject to the settlement's eligibility requirements
- Payment Structure: Payments spread over 9 years, rather than issued as a single lump sum
- No Admission of Liability: 3M maintains the agreement does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing
The 3M AFFF settlement focuses on personal injury claims, not environmental contamination, water cleanup costs, or property damage. Those claims are separate from the new agreement.
To receive compensation, participating claimants must complete the required enrollment process and agree to release covered PFAS-related claims under the AFFF settlement terms.
What the AFFF Settlement Means for Firefighters and U.S. Navy Veterans
Firefighters, military veterans, and airport workers who developed serious illnesses after exposure to aqueous film-forming foam may be among those eligible for the 3M PFAS settlement.
Groups who may be eligible for the AFFF settlement include:
- Municipal and military firefighters who used AFFF during training or active fires
- U.S. Navy veterans and other service members exposed during firefighting training or aboard military ships
- Airport workers exposed to AFFF during firefighting drills or emergency response operations
Eligibility depends on the individual's exposure history, medical diagnosis, and other settlement requirements. Anyone who hasn't filed a lawsuit should consider speaking with an attorney about their legal options.
What Illnesses Qualify for an AFFF Lawsuit Payout?
The 3M firefighting foam settlement identifies 6 qualifying illnesses associated with PFAS exposure from firefighting foam.
The qualifying conditions for a 3M AFFF lawsuit payout are:
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Thyroid disease
- Ulcerative colitis
If you believe you qualify, start gathering medical records, employment history, and any documentation of AFFF exposure.
AFFF Lawsuit Settlement Amounts: How Much Will You Get?
Exact AFFF lawsuit settlement amounts per person have not yet been announced. Although 3M has agreed to pay up to $7.35 Billion, individual compensation will depend on the settlement's claims evaluation and payment requirements.
Factors such as a claimant's diagnosis, documented PFAS exposure, and medical history may affect how much compensation they receive.
Other major PFAS firefighter foam settlements include:
- $10.3 Billion: 3M's 2023 settlement resolving PFAS contamination claims brought by public water systems
- $450 Million: 3M's agreement for a separate PFAS contamination claim brought by the state of New Jersey
- $750 Million: Tyco Fire Products' settlement involving AFFF-related drinking water contamination
- $316.5 Million: BASF's settlement addressing PFAS contamination claims from public water systems
- $730 Million: Carrier Global and Kidde-Fenwal's settlement addressing firefighting foam-related claims
Despite agreeing to pay billions to resolve PFAS litigation, 3M has maintained that their AFFF foam settlements do not constitute an admission of liability. With the latest $7.35 Billion agreement, the company has now committed more than $18 Billion to resolve PFAS claims.
What's the AFFF Lawsuit Payout Date?
3M announced their $7.35 Billion AFFF settlement on November 3, but individual payout dates have not yet been confirmed. Several steps must take place before eligible claimants can receive compensation.
Key steps in the 3M PFAS settlement process include:
- Claimant Enrollment: Eligible claimants must enroll in the settlement and agree to release covered PFAS-related claims against 3M.
- Participation Requirements: The agreement includes minimum participation requirements that must be met for the settlement to move forward.
- Claims Review: Submitted claims must be evaluated under the settlement's eligibility, documentation, and compensation requirements.
- Payment Distribution: Approved claims must be processed before individual settlement payments can be issued.
3M has said it will make payments over 9 years, through 2034, rather than all at once. That means even after the settlement is finalized, your payout date will depend on when your individual claim is reviewed and approved.
Find Out If You Qualify for the 3M PFAS Settlement
If you or a loved one was exposed to firefighting foam and later diagnosed with cancer or another PFAS-related illness, you may qualify for compensation. With the $7.35 Billion 3M PFAS settlement announced, now is an important time to understand your legal options.
Experienced AFFF lawyers may be able to help firefighters, veterans, and others nationwide pursue compensation from manufacturers of toxic firefighting foam.
Call (800) 995-1212 right now or fill out our contact form for a free case review. We're standing by 24/7 to help.
