INTRODUCTION: THE TOXIC LEGACY OF PFAS

In what is shaping up to be one of the largest environmental mass tort litigations in U.S. history, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination continues to ripple across communities, water systems, and courtrooms nationwide. Known as “forever chemicals” for their extreme persistence in the environment and human body, PFAS have now been detected in the drinking water of more than 165 million Americans, according to newly released EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) findings from June 2025. 

Once used widely in firefighting foams, waterproof textiles, food packaging, and industrial applications, PFAS are now linked to serious illnesses—including cancer, immune suppression, and reproductive harm. The legal consequences are escalating, with thousands of lawsuits underway and billions in settlements already awarded.

If you or a loved one has suffered from PFAS exposure, now is the time to understand your legal rights and options.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Are PFAS, and Why Are They Dangerous?

PFAS are synthetic chemicals used for decades in products such as aqueous film-forming firefighting foam (AFFF), non-stick/Teflon cookware, food packaging, waterproof clothing, industrial materials, and many others. These substances do not break down naturally—hence the nickname “forever chemicals”—and are found in the blood of 99% of Americans, including newborns.

PFAS chemicals were developed in the mid-20th century and used in thousands of products. Common sources include:

• AFFF (firefighting foam, military, airports)
• Industrial discharge (manufacturing, chemical plants)
• Contaminated soil and groundwater
• Food packaging, fast food wrappers
• Waterproof and stain-resistant fabrics

 

The EPA, CDC (Center for Disease Control), and WHO (World Health Organizatin) have identified several health risks associated with PFAS which include (but are not limited to):

• Kidney, liver, testicular, and thyroid cancers
• Ulcerative colitis (a form of IBS)
• Developmental delays
• Infertility and birth defects
• High cholesterol and cardiovascular issues
• Immune suppression and/or reduced vaccine response

 

Major Developments in 2025

PFAS litigation has intensified across the country, with thousands of personal injury and environmental lawsuits pending in state and federal courts. Here are key developments and updates for 2025:

 

1. May 1, 2025 — EPA Announces PFAS Effluent Crackdown
   • EPA rolls out new effluent limitation guidelines (ELGs) for PFAS manufacturers and metal finishers.
   • Goal of reducing industrial wastewater PFAS discharge, a major pathway of contamination in water supplies.
   • 23 States still lack enforceable PFAS limits, leaving 53 million Americans vulnerable to ongoing exposure.

      

2. May 14, 2025 — 3M Agrees to $285 Million PFAS Settlement with New Jersey
   • Just before trial, 3M settles for $285 million with the State of New Jersey over PFAS contamination environmental damage from the Chambers Works facility. 
   • This does NOT address personal injury claims, meaning individual victims still can pursue separate lawsuits against 3M and its partners.
   • Total value of settlement could be over $450 million, depending on future legal liabilities.

      

3. May 23, 2025 — DuPont and Chemours PFAS Trial Begins in New Jersey
   • DuPont and Chemours go to trial for contaminating New Jersey waters with Teflon-related PFAS from Chambers Works.
   • Case focuses on discharge of PFAS into the Delaware River.

      

4. June 12, 2025 — EPA Releases 6th Round of Public Water System PFAS Testing Data
   • 2,991 more sites identified with detectable levels of PFAs (9,323 total known.)
   • 165 million people in U.S confirmed to be exposed.
   • Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimates over 200 million Americans are served drinking water contaminated by PFAS

      

5. July 2, 2025 — Judge Urges Defendants to Settle Ahead of October Bellwether Trials
   • Judge Gergel tells 3M, DuPont, BASF, and Johnson Controls to seriously consider settling over 10,000 claims.
   • The first bellwether trials (“test cases” used to predict/guide handling in court) for kidney cancer claims are scheduled for October 2025.
   • This is a major indicator that courts are ready to push for settlement of these claims, to avoid the time-consuming and expensive trial process.

• • •  

Looking Ahead: Key Milestones to Watch

• August 21, 2025: Extended deadline to submit claims in the Tyco and BASF settlement, which includes over 9,300 lawsuits. Those exposed via firefighting foam—especially on military bases—should act quickly.
• October 2025: First bellwether trial (kidney cancer) scheduled to begin.
• Fall 2025: Possible additional trials for ulcerative colitis, thyroid, or liver cancer claims.
• Late 2025: Potential settlement announcements if pre-trial pressure continues.
• Class Action in Maryland: WL Gore & Associates faces lawsuits over PFAS contamination near its Gore-Tex facilities in Maryland, with claims of cancer rates 700 times EPA limits.  
• Class Action in Texas: Meanwhile, the City of Dallas filed a $228 million suit against chemical giants like 3M and DuPont for polluting municipal water. Dallas follows other major cities—including Philadelphia, Chicago, and San Diego—in seeking compensation for cleanup and damage to public water systems.

How Much Could an Individual Receive in a PFAS Settlement?

While each case is different, Industry wide estimates suggest that individual PFAS settlements may range from $75,000 to $500,000 depending on:

• Severity of illness;
• Length and type of PFAS exposure;
• Medical costs and future care;
• Loss of income or reduced quality of life.

Who Qualifies for a PFAS Lawsuit?

You may be eligible for a PFAS personal injury claim if you?

1. Were exposed to PFAS through:
   • Drinking contaminated water (check UCMR 5 locations)
   • Working with or near PFAS locations (military, firefighting, industrial sites are common sources)
   • Living near airports, military bases, or PFAS factories
     • • •  
2. Have been diagnosed with one or more of the following medical conditions:
   • Kidney, liver, testicular, or thyroid cancer
   • Ulcerative colitis
     • • •  
3. Have supporting documentation:
   • Medical records confirming any of the above diagnoses
   • Proof of residence or occupational exposure

If you live in or near a known contamination zone (identified in the EPA’s UCMR 5 database), your claim may be especially strong.

Steps to File a PFAS Claim:

1. Get Legal Advice:
   Contact a law firm experienced in personal injury mass tort litigation (such as the team here at Herd Law Firm!).

    

2. Gather Documentation:
   Prepare your medical records, proof of residence or work near contaminated areas, and any documentation showing PFAS exposure or related diagnoses. Make sure you provide ALL documentation to your attorney!

    

3. File Within the Deadline:
   Your attorney will advise and help you gather and submit your claim by the legal deadline, the statute of limitations. Federal and state statutes of limitations for certain claims may vary and are subject to change. 

 

READY TO FILE?

The science is clear, the damages are real. And the legal framework is in place.

If you believe you were harmed by PFAS exposure, you have the right to seek justice. Don’t wait! Time may be running out to join existing litigation and secure compensation.

We the Herd Law Firm, PLLC, we support every man, woman, and child exposed to contaminants, and believe you deserve quality, attentive legal representation. We are proud to be able to aid our veterans, their families, and others exposed to toxins in seeking restitution for their injuries.

 Resources & Links:

• EPA PFAS Portal: https://www.epa.gov/pfas
• UCMR 5 Water System Contamination Map: https://epa.maps.arcgis.com 
• EWG PFAS Contamination Interactive Map: Interactive Map: PFAS Contamination Crisis: New Data Show 9,323 Sites in 50 States 
• AFFF MDL Docket Info: https://www.jpml.uscourts.gov/mdl-2873 

Together, we can fight back against the “forever chemicals” threatening our health, our water, and our future.