Tampa Bay Water’s $21 Million Victory: What This PFAS Settlement Means for You

A landmark victory shows that holding corporations accountable for PFAS contamination is happening right now.

Represented by Ventura Law, Tampa Bay Water successfully settled their lawsuit against 3M, DuPont, and other PFAS “forever chemicals” manufacturers for more than $21 million, marking a significant win for public health and environmental justice. This settlement will help maintain safer drinking water for 2.6 million residents across six counties in Florida.

The breakdown tells the story of corporate responsibility:

  • Approx. 90% of the settlement ($21.7 million) comes from 3M
  • The remaining 10% paid by DuPont and other manufacturers
  • Tampa Bay Water received a 25% increase in their settlement for joining the lawsuit early in 2019

 

 

 

Understanding the “Forever Chemicals” Crisis

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been contaminating our environment for over 70 years. These synthetic chemicals, first introduced by 3M and DuPont decades ago, earned the nickname “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down naturally in the environment or in the human body.  

PFAS chemicals are found in:

  • Firefighting foam (a major source of water contamination)
  • Non-stick cookware 
  • Non-stick coated food packaging
  • Water and stain-resistant clothing 
  • Water and stain-resistant carpets
  • Industrial manufacturing processes
  • Various consumer products

The Health Impact: Why This Matters to You

Scientific research has linked PFAS exposure to:

  • Various forms of cancer, including kidney and testicular cancer
  • Liver damage and decreased liver function
  • Increased cholesterol levels
  • Decreased vaccine response in children
  • Pregnancy complications and decreased fertility
  • Increased risk of high blood pressure in pregnant women

3M, Dupont, and many other manufacturers knew of these risks for decades. As PFAS accumulates in your body over time, even low-level exposure can lead to significant health problems down the road.

Corporate Accountability

“Now we will have the resources that we need to thoroughly test and to treat and remediate any water that doesn’t meet the highest possible standard,” said Tampa Bay Water Chairman Harry. The settlement will help provide crucial resources for ongoing testing, treatment, and remediation to maintain the highest possible water quality standards.

Cohen also emphasized that their water currently meets upcoming EPA regulations, which will require PFAS levels to be around 4 parts per trillion starting in 2031.

This Tampa Bay victory is part of a much larger legal movement. In June 2023, 3M settled for $12.5 billion in a class action resolution over PFAS contamination of U.S.-based public water suppliers nationwide. The company has also pledged to eliminate all PFAS from their products and manufacturing by the end of 2025.

Assess Your Exposure Risk!

The following are high-risk indicators of PFAS contamination. Check out our links and resources for more information: 

✓ Living near military bases, airports, or chemical plants

✓ Living in communities where or nearby where  PFAS contamination has been documented
✓ Using well water or municipal systems with reported PFAS contamination
✓ Working in high-exposure industries (firefighting, airports, military, chemical manufacturing)
✓ Regular use of non-stick cookware, stain-resistant products, or waterproof clothing

Know Your Rights

If you’ve been exposed to PFAS contamination, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering

Major chemical companies are facing thousands of lawsuits for hiding the dangers of PFAS while profiting from contamination.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: 

These conditions have been approved for claims as of July 2025:

  • Kidney cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Testicular cancer
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Ulcerative colitis (a type of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS)

If you have been diagnosed with one or more of these medical conditions and believe you may have been exposed to PFAS, we recommend you call a knowledgeable personal injury law firm to discuss your options!

 

⚖️ What Are Your Legal Rights?

If your water has tested positive for PFAS contamination and you or your family have been harmed, you may have grounds for a legal claim.

 

✅ Who Could Be Held Liable?

  • Chemical manufacturers (such as 3M and DuPont)
  • Government Entities that failed to regulate appropriately
  • Industrial facilities or local municipalities that failed to notify residents or treat the water supply

✅ What Can You Seek in a Lawsuit?

  • Medical expenses and future health care
  • Property damage (including well remediation or home value loss)
  • Loss of income if illness affects your ability to work
  • Pain and suffering
  • Cleanup and filtration costs

🧾 How PFAS Lawsuits Work

  1. Initial Evaluation – A legal team, such as the experienced team here at the Herd Law Firm, PLLC will assess your exposure history, test results, and health symptoms.
  2. File a Claim – A competent lawyer can help you file your claims documents in a timely manner.
  3. Discovery – Your lawyer also can assist you in gathering evidence, including medical documentation and expert testimony.
  4. Settlement or Trial – Some PFAS lawsuits with many claimants are resulting in multi-million, even multi-billion-dollar settlements, including recent ones with 3M and DuPont.

⏳ Don’t Wait – Know the Time Limits

PFAS cases are subject to statutes of limitations, which vary by state. In many cases, the clock starts when you first learn of the contamination or the harm it caused. That’s why it’s crucial to act quickly.

Protecting Your Health and Your Rights

PFAS contamination is no longer a distant environmental problem—it’s a personal one that may be affecting your family right now. The first step is to learn whether your water is at risk. The next step may be to hold polluters accountable and seek compensation for the damage done.

📞 Need Help?

If you think PFAS contamination has affected your or a loved one’s health, consider speaking with a knowledgeable legal professional such as the team here at the Herd Law Firm, PLLC about PFAS-related claims. If you have any questions, call us here at 713-955-3699 or email us at Charles.Herd@herdlawfirm.com to learn more and discuss your options!

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 at the Herd Law Firm, PLLC, 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.

7/31/25

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Let’s Discuss Your Case

If you or someone that you know has contracted COVID-19 while on board a cruise ship, you may be entitled to compensation. If so, call the law offices of the Herd Law Firm, PLLC for a risk-free evaluation of your potential case.

Call 713-955-3699 now!