3M, Wolverine groundwater contamination $54M class action settlement

3M and Wolverine Worldwide agreed to pay $54 million as part of a lawsuit settlement to resolve claims it provided per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) materials to a manufacturer that contaminated groundwater in Michigan.

The settlement benefits individuals who owned real property within the North Kent Study Area as of Nov. 1, 2017, and who were not supplied with drinking water from a municipal water source.

Several subclasses are included in the settlement, as follows:

• Settlement Subclass 1 ‒ Municipal Water Extension: Class members who were transitioned to municipal water, or are scheduled to transition to municipal water, under the EGLE/Wolverine Consent Decree 
• Settlement Subclass 2 ‒ Filtration Systems: Class members who were offered or received a filtration system from Wolverine or its agents pursuant to the EGLE/Wolverine Consent Decree to treat their well-sourced water and who are not members of Settlement Subclass 1
• Settlement Subclass 3 ‒ Other: Class members who are not in subclass 1 or 2

Wolverine Worldwide is a shoe manufacturer that operated a tannery in Michigan through 2009. At this location, Wolverine reportedly used PFAS from 3M to transform raw hides into leather. 

However, this process may have left dangerous contamination in the local groundwater.

According to a class action lawsuit, Wolverine covered up that it had contaminated the local area with dangerous PFAS chemicals. This contamination allegedly put residents at risk for serious health problems including birth complications, cancer, liver damage, autoimmune conditions, gastrointestinal problems, thyroid issues and other conditions.

3M hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing in this case but agreed to a $54 million settlement to resolve these class action lawsuit allegations.

Under the terms of the 3M and Wolverine PFAS lawsuit settlement, class members can receive a cash payment. 

Payment amounts will vary depending on a number of factors, including the PFAS compounds measured in a class member’s well, whether their property has been connected to a municipal water source, whether their homes will require the use of a home filtration system, how many occupants live in the home, whether the property is vacant and how long the class member has owned the property.

Some class members may receive a proportional share of part of the settlement fund based on these factors while others may receive a flat-rate payment. 

For example, class members whose homes were vacant or not tested can receive a flat-rate payment of up to $5,000. Further details about payment allocation can be found on the settlement website.

The deadline for exclusion and objection is Dec. 5, 2022. 

The final approval hearing for the 3M and Wolverine Worldwide lawsuit settlement is scheduled for March 29, 2023.

In order to receive settlement benefits, class members must submit a valid claim form by Jan. 17, 2023.

Who’s Eligible

Individuals who owned real property within the North Kent Study Area as of Nov. 1, 2017, and who were not supplied with drinking water from a municipal water source.

Potential Award

Varies

Proof of Purchase

No proof of purchase applicable

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

01/17/2023

Case Name

Final Hearing

03/29/2023

Settlement Website

Wolverine3MClassSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

Zimmerman v. The 3M Company
General Administrator
1650 Arch St, Ste 2210
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Info@Wolverine3MClassSettlement.com
833-383-1161

Class Counsel

Esther Berezofsky
MOTLEY RICE LLC

Sharon S. Almonrode
THE MILLER LAW FIRM PC

Defense Counsel

Michael D Daneker
ARNOLD & PORTER KAYE SCHOLER LLP

Daniel L Ring
Michael A Olsen
MAYER BROWN LLP