3M settles ‘forever chemical’ personal injury claims for $7B

The manufacturing giant 3M has faced many lawsuits over forever chemicals in their military grade firefighting foam. Forever chemicals are perfluoroalkyl and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that stay in the environment for hundreds of thousands of years and don’t break down. They are associated with medical problems like cancer and other issues connected to fertility, thyroid, liver damage, reduced antibody response to vaccines, kidney and testicular cancer, and the immune system. The firefighting foam lawsuits were joined in multidistrict litigation (Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF) Products Liability Litigation (MDL No. 2873). Recently 3M agreed to settle personal injury claims related to the forever chemicals used in firefighting foam for $7.35 billion. If you have been harmed by forever chemicals, call the seasoned Chicago-based lawyers of Moll Law Group. Billions have been recovered in cases with which we’ve been involved.

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Forever chemicals are used not only in firefighting foam but also in products that are resistant to water, grease, stain, and heat. In reaching a settlement, 3M didn’t admit liability. The settlement payment structure involves a $50 million payment in 2026, no payments in 2027, and around 20% of payments owing in the final two years. 3M anticipates recording a pre-tax charge of $5.8 billion in the fourth quarter.

This most recent settlement is expected to cover 115,000-120,000 plaintiffs and address 99% of personal injury lawsuits. A 2023 settlement with many U.S. public water systems to resolve water pollution claims that were linked to forever chemicals was $10 billion. A settlement was also reached with the State of New Jersey.

The CEO of 3M said that the settlement was a milestone that substantially reduced litigation uncertainty. All remaining and future personal-injury claims, both from within and outside of the MDL, will be managed through various settlement mechanisms. Other companies are also facing lawsuits related to forever chemicals.

3M announced that it had successfully completed its plan to discontinue manufacturing all PFAS around the world by the end of 2025.

Those harmed by PFAS may have a range of theories under which they can pursue compensation for their injuries. Among these are negligence, strict liability, and statutory violations. To establish a product liability lawsuit, our attorneys will need to show that the products containing forever chemicals are defective. Products can be defective in terms of their design, manufacturing, or marketing. Plaintiffs have argued that 3M and other chemical companies knew or should have known about the toxicity of forever chemicals and yet failed to warn consumers.

When we’re able to establish liability, we can recover compensatory damages on your behalf. These include reimbursement for both economic and noneconomic losses. Economic losses include lost wages, replacement services, and out of pocket costs. Noneconomic losses include pain and suffering, lost earning capacity, and emotional distress.

Discuss Your Injuries With a Product Liability Attorney

If you were harmed by forever chemicals, please call the experienced Chicago-based product liability lawyers of Moll Law Group to find out whether you have grounds to sue. Complete our online form or call us at 312.462.1700.