IT'S CRITICAL DECISION TIME: PFAS SETTLEMENT DEADLINE IS MAY 2024

The court has started the 90-day clock to file Phase 1 Claims.

PHASE 1 SETTLEMENTS

COULD GET ACCESS TO FUNDING AS EARLY AS THIS YEAR, AND PHASE 2 SETTLEMENTS COULD TAKE 3-4 YEARS.

Those who act under Phase 1 settlements stand to access critical funds as early as this year. However, for Phase 2 settlements, the process could extend, with potential waits of 3-4 years for funding. Let us help you position your community for the most expedient access to necessary resources by acting promptly.

DEADLINE IS MAY 2024

KEY STEPS TO FILE FOR PHASE 1

NOW

MUNICIPALITY/CITY MUST...

Identify qualified counsel to represent

01.

02.

Pass resolution to retain counsel

03.

Sign legal service agreement retaining counsel

04.

Obtain flow rate data, testing data and other documents necessary to file your claim in settlement

05.

Review and complete detailed claim forms with counsel

06.

Prepare and file lawsuit for unsettled claims

DECEMBER 11, 2023

Deadline to Opt Out of Settlement

DECEMBER 14, 2023 FOR DUPONT AND FEBRUARY 2, 2024 FOR 3M

Fairness Hearing in Federal Court to Approve Settlement

MAY 2024 (90 DAYS AFTER JUDGE APPROVES SETTLEMENT)

Deadline to File Claim for Settlement

JULY 2024

Initial Funding into Settlement Fund for Phase One Payments

NOW

MUNICIPALITY/CITY MUST...

Identify qualified counsel to represent

01.

02.

Pass resolution to retain counsel

03.

Sign legal service agreement retaining counsel

04.

Obtain flow rate data, testing data and other documents necessary to file your Claim in settlement

05.

Review and complete detailed claim forms with counsel 

06.

Prepare and file lawsuit for unsettled claims

DECEMBER 11, 2023

Deadline to Opt Out of Settlement

DECEMBER 14, 2023 FOR DUPONT AND FEBRUARY 2, 2024 FOR 3M

Fairness Hearing in Federal Court to Approve Settlement

MAY 2024 (90 DAYS AFTER JUDGE APPROVES SETTLEMENT) 

Deadline to File Claim for Settlement

JULY 1, 2024

Initial Funding into Settlement Fund for Phase One Payments

HOW MUCH COULD MY TOWN OR CITY RECEIVE IN SETTLEMENT?

A Court Appointed Settlement Administrator will consider many factors to allocate funds, including:

Concentration of PFAS

Adjusted flow rates with averaging for three highest rates in a 10-year period

The goal is to calculate a ‘Capital Costs Component’ and an ‘Operations and Maintenance Costs Component’ for each settlement award. From there, your award may also qualify for a 4x multiplier if your PFAS test result reaches a certain level. Individual awards could be substantial, totaling millions of dollars for highly contaminated water systems.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR NATIONAL PFAS LITIGATION

MEET EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER, MIKE STAG

Among a select group, Mike Stag is one of the attorneys in this nationwide case chosen by Judge Gergel for the Executive Committee overseeing the National PFAS litigation.


Mike and his firm, Stag Liuzza, have fiercely advocated for cities and municipalities, notably in the recent national opioid cases. Currently, he's championing the cause for numerous cities and municipalities from multiple states in the PFAS national settlement.


Stag Liuzza is deeply rooted in plaintiff-focused environmental and complex litigation. Notable verdicts include a jury award in excess of $1 billion against Exxon Mobil.


With over 30 years in environmental law, the firm has consistently advocated for cities and municipalities.

LEARN MORE ABOUT

THE IMPACT OF PFAS ON YOUR COMMUNITY

Addressing PFAS contamination isn't just about ensuring clean water; it's a significant financial challenge. Remediation efforts, long-term health care for affected individuals, and potential declines in property values can strain a community's budget.

PFAS cause cancer and other health effects like: 

High Blood Pressure

High Cholesterol

Decrease in Vaccine Response in children

Kidney Cancer

Preeclampsia

Ulcerative Collitus

Testicular Cancer

A water system that properly protects against harmful PFAS can cost municipalities tens of millions of dollars. Failing to file a claim and lawsuit in the MDL could put the bill on your taxpayers.


Stag Liuzza is working with municipalities across the country to hold the chemical companies that polluted the water accountable for PFAS remediation costs.

CRITICAL QUESTIONS FOR CLEAN DRINKING WATER

Federal guidelines on PFAS contamination are expected to tighten in 2023 and will, for many towns and cities, require expensive PFAS remediation.


Learn more about the steps you can take to protect your municipality and its public drinking water systems.

Michael G. Stag

CEO & Managing Member

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT THE NATIONAL PFAS LITIGATION MEANS FOR YOUR TOWN OR CITY

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW SOON SHOULD WE ACT?

The Settlement has strict deadlines with a limited window for Phase One eligible entities to act. Key dates are outlined in our timeline. We project that Phase One claims might need submission by April 2024. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HIRING COUNSEL?

The settlement and claim process is complex. The Settlement considers payments from various funds like the Action Fund, the Supplemental Fund, and the Special Needs Fund. Proper presentation of flow rates and test results is vital. Plus, larger entities might deal with additional PFAS contamination challenges, potentially resulting in more compensation. With payments spanning years, your claim might lead to periodic payments, necessitating regular monitoring. Retaining dedicated counsel ensures your interests are safeguarded.

WHAT ARE PHASE ONE VS PHASE TWO CLAIMS?

Thousands of water systems have been labeled as 'Phase One' eligible in the settlement. These entities face a pressing timeline to gather data, test their water system, fill out the claim form, and submit their claim. It’s expected Phase One will receive payment from the initial fund set up in 2024. Phase Two entities will test and submit their claims later, but they'll be compensated based on a similar formula as Phase One entities.

HOW IS OUR PAYMENT CALCULATED?

The amount of your settlement award depends on a multifaceted formula. The two primary data points are flow rates of your systems, and PFAS testing results. Notably, PFAS testing results exceeding certain levels might yield higher payments.

HOW DO WE HIRE COUNSEL?

Generally, public entities require a resolution to engage specialized legal counsel. A contingency fee agreement secures representation. At this point, legal counsel can begin safeguarding your interests in the settlement and assist in claim preparation and filing.

REACH OUT TODAY

We're here to guide, support, and champion your cause. Reach out to our dedicated team for expert advice, personalized solutions, and unwavering advocacy.


Don't wait; your city's future depends on it.

COPYRIGHT © 2024 STAG LIUZZA, LLC • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED •

Cleangroundwater.com is operated and provided by Stag Liuzza, LLC responsible attorneys Michael G. Stag and Ashley M. Liuzza. Stag Liuzza, LLC is officed in New Orleans, LA, and our attorneys are licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi.


Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice, or to establish an attorney-client relationship with us unless and until a Contract for representation is signed. The attorneys of Stag Liuzza are licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi and may associate counsel licensed in other jurisdictions as necessary.


Past results do not guarantee any similar result or outcome in your claim. Each claim is different.


The best information about the settlement details and deadlines can be found in the court record concerning the settlement and relevant court orders.