The USA Leaders
November 4, 2026
MAPLEWOOD, Minnesota – 3M will pay up to $7.35 billion over nine years to settle personal injury claims linked to PFAS, also known as forever chemicals. The 3M forever chemicals settlement covers about 99% of current claims and could include 115,000 to 120,000 people.
Announced on November 3, the agreement covers claims linked to PFAS exposure, including exposure associated with aqueous film-forming foam. The PFAS personal injury settlement helps eligible people seek compensation as part of the wider Forever Chemicals litigation.
What Does the $7.35 Billion PFAS Personal Injury Settlement Cover?
The PFAS personal injury settlement covers claims connected to PFAS exposure, particularly those associated with aqueous film-forming foam.
AFFF, or aqueous film-forming foam, is used to control fires involving flammable liquids, including fuel fires. It has been used at military bases, airports, and firefighting training facilities. The claims involve people who say they were exposed to PFAS through these products.
PFAS are manufactured chemicals used in products that resist heat, water, oil, and stains. They are called Forever Chemicals because they break down very slowly in the environment.
The agreement addresses about 99% of current personal injury claims inside and outside the federal AFFF multidistrict litigation. According to 3M, around 115,000 to 120,000 plaintiffs may be eligible. The PFAS personal injury settlement includes claims involving several health conditions, including kidney and testicular cancer.
3M has not admitted liability under the agreement.
How Will 3M PFAS Compensation Be Paid?
3M will make payments over nine years, beginning with $50 million in 2026. No payment is scheduled for 2027, while about 20% of the total is expected during the final two years.
The 3M Forever Chemicals deal is valued at up to $7.35 billion, while its present value is $5.8 billion. This explains why the 3M PFAS compensation figure and the company’s expected accounting charge are different.
The payment for the 3M Forever Chemicals settlement schedule gives 3M more time to meet its financial commitment while creating a framework for eligible claimants. Individual payment amounts will depend on the agreement’s terms and the claims that qualify.
The 3M PFAS compensation arrangement is intended to resolve most current claims covered by the agreement. Remaining and future claims will be handled through separate settlement mechanisms.
What Financial Impact Will the $7.35 Billion Settlement Have on 3M?
The $7.35 billion settlement means 3M will record a $5.8 billion pretax charge in the fourth quarter of 2026. The company said this charge will not change its previously announced financial guidance for 2026.
The 3M PFAS compensation commitment gives investors a clearer view of expected payments through 2034. A defined schedule can help the company plan cash requirements alongside other business investments and obligations.
In 2023, 3M also agreed to pay up to $10.3 billion to U.S. water providers over PFAS contamination claims. That agreement addressed water providers, not the personal injury claims covered by the current settlement.
Why Is Aqueous Film Forming Foam Part of the Forever Chemicals Litigation?
Aqueous film-forming foam is a key part of the Forever Chemicals Litigation because firefighters used it to put out fuel fires at military bases, airports, and other locations.
The Forever Chemicals litigation includes claims from people who say PFAS exposure from firefighting foam led to health problems. Firefighters and military personnel are among the groups connected to these cases.
The 3M Forever Chemicals Settlement addresses about 99% of current personal injury claims in and outside the AFFF multidistrict litigation. It does not mean that everyone who may have encountered PFAS automatically qualifies for a payment. Claimants must meet the settlement’s requirements.
The wider Forever Chemicals litigation has also involved public water providers, reflecting concerns about PFAS reaching drinking water sources. The 2023 agreement with U.S. water systems was separate from this personal injury settlement.
How Will the 3M Forever Chemicals Settlement Address Remaining Claims?
The 3M forever chemicals settlement will move ahead as the company reviews eligible claims and begins payments under the nine-year schedule. Claimants must meet the settlement’s requirements to receive compensation.
3M has said remaining and future personal injury claims will be managed through other settlement mechanisms. The company also said it completed its plan to stop manufacturing all PFAS globally by the end of 2025.
For eligible claimants, the 3M settlement agreement establishes a process for resolving claims. For 3M, it sets out a major financial commitment and a timetable for payments.
The 3M forever chemicals settlement marks a major development in the Forever Chemicals litigation. With up to $7.35 billion committed over nine years, the 3M PFAS personal injury settlement and related compensation framework will shape how these claims are addressed in the years ahead.
