Are You Owed Money? Check Lawsuit & Settlement Eligibility

You Might Be Owed $3,500+ in Settlement Money — Here’s How to Check for Free 

Every year, millions of Americans miss out on billions of dollars in legal settlements they’re entitled to—often because they don’t know these opportunities exist. 

Whether you’ve used a defective product, lived near a contaminated site, or had your data exposed in a breach, you could be eligible for cash payouts ranging from $50 to over $300,000. 

Best of all, checking your eligibility is free, takes less than 5 minutes, and often requires no lawyer. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top legal settlements available in 2025, explain how to qualify, and provide step-by-step instructions to claim your money safely.

What Are Legal Settlements and Why Do They Matter?

Legal settlements occur when companies agree to compensate individuals harmed by their products, services, or actions without admitting fault. 

These settlements often arise from class action lawsuits (where a group sues on behalf of many) or mass torts (where individuals file claims for similar injuries). 

Settlements are designed to resolve disputes efficiently, avoiding lengthy court battles. Companies set aside billions in “legal reserves” to pay affected consumers, making it possible for you to claim money without hiring an attorney.

Settlements cover a wide range of issues, including:

1. Dangerous Chemicals: Exposure to toxic substances like PFAS in AFFF firefighting foam or glyphosate in Roundup.
2. Contaminated Water: Health issues from polluted water, such as at Camp Lejeune.
3. Defective Products: Faulty medical devices or drugs causing harm.
4. Data Breaches: Unauthorized sharing of personal information by companies like Facebook or Equifax.
5. Consumer Fraud: Misleading ads, subscription traps, or unfair billing practices.

In 2025, settlements are expected to distribute billions to eligible claimants. For example, the Facebook Data Leak Settlement alone has a $725 million fund, though individual payouts average around $30 due to the high number of claims. 

Understanding these opportunities can help you secure compensation for harm you may not even realize you’ve suffered.

How to Know If You Qualify for a Settlement

You don’t need legal expertise to determine eligibility. Ask yourself these questions:

• Did I use a product that was later recalled or linked to lawsuits? Examples include Roundup weedkiller or certain medical devices.
• Was I exposed to harmful substances? This applies to firefighters using AFFF foam or residents near contaminated sites like Camp Lejeune.
• Did a company mishandle my personal data? If you used platforms like Facebook or TikTok, you might qualify.
• Was I misled by unfair business practices? This includes subscription overcharges or false advertising.

If you answer “yes” to any of these, you’re likely eligible for one or more settlements. Below, we detail five major settlements open for claims in June 2025, including eligibility criteria, estimated payouts, and how to file.

5 Major Legal Settlements You Can Claim in 2025

Here’s a detailed look at five active settlements, including who qualifies, potential payouts, and how to file your claim.

1. Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuit

Who Qualifies: Veterans, their families, or civilians who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, between 1953 and 1987 for at least 30 days. The water supply was contaminated with toxic chemicals linked to cancers, birth defects, and other illnesses.

Estimated Payout: $25,000–$300,000, depending on the severity of health impacts and evidence provided.

Case Background: From the 1950s to the 1980s, Camp Lejeune’s water was contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like trichloroethylene (TCE). The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 allows affected individuals to seek compensation. Over 100,000 claims have been filed, with settlements expected to accelerate in 2025.

How to File: Visit the official Camp Lejeune claims site (search “Camp Lejeune Justice Act claim form”). Provide proof of residence or service and medical records linking your condition to exposure. No lawyer is required, but legal assistance can strengthen complex cases.

Deadline: August 10, 2027, but filing early is recommended due to processing times.

2. AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit

Who Qualifies: Firefighters, military personnel, or others with prolonged exposure to aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) containing PFAS chemicals, diagnosed with cancers (e.g., kidney, testicular, or prostate) or thyroid disease.

Estimated Payout: $5,000–$100,000, with top-tier cases potentially reaching $200,000–$500,000 based on exposure and illness severity.

Case Background: AFFF, used in firefighting training and emergencies, contains PFAS (“forever chemicals”) linked to serious health risks. Manufacturers like 3M and DuPont face lawsuits for failing to warn users. As of June 2025, over 6,500 claims are part of a multidistrict litigation (MDL), with bellwether trials set for later this year.

How to File: Contact an AFFF attorney or visit the MDL settlement site (search “AFFF lawsuit claim”). Submit work history and medical records. Claims are tiered based on exposure and diagnosis.

Deadline: Varies by case; consult an attorney to avoid missing deadlines.

3. Roundup Cancer Claim

Who Qualifies: Individuals who used Roundup weedkiller and were diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or other cancers.

Estimated Payout: $10,000–$160,000, depending on exposure duration and medical evidence.

Case Background: Monsanto (owned by Bayer) faces lawsuits claiming Roundup’s active ingredient, glyphosate, causes cancer. A $10.9 billion settlement fund was established in 2020, with ongoing claims in 2025 for new diagnoses.

How to File: Visit the Roundup settlement website (search “Roundup lawsuit claim”). Provide proof of purchase or use and medical records. No attorney is required for straightforward claims.

Deadline: Ongoing, but filing promptly ensures faster processing.

4. Facebook Data Leak Settlement

Who Qualifies: U.S. Facebook users between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022.


Estimated Payout: $50–$300, though averages are closer to $30 due to 17.7 million valid claims.


Case Background: In 2018, it was revealed that Cambridge Analytica accessed data from 87 million Facebook users without consent, leading to a $725 million settlement. Payouts are delayed due to appeals, with distributions expected in late 2025 or 2026.


How to File: Visit facebookuserprivacysettlement.com. Submit your Facebook handle and payment details. No proof of purchase is required.


Deadline: Closed for new claims (August 25, 2023), but check the settlement site for updates on payouts.

5. TikTok Child Privacy Settlement

• Who Qualifies: Parents of children under 13 who used TikTok and had their data collected.
• Estimated Payout: $100–$450, depending on the number of claims.
• Case Background: TikTok settled a $92 million class action lawsuit in 2021 for violating children’s privacy under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). New claims emerged in 2024, alleging continued violations.
• How to File: Search “TikTok child privacy settlement claim” for the official site. Provide proof of your child’s TikTok use (e.g., account details) and your contact information.
• Deadline: Varies; check the settlement site for updates.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Settlement Claim

1. Identify Relevant Cases: Review the settlements above and others listed on trusted sites like topclassactions.com or classaction.org.
2. Visit Official Settlement Websites: Use Google to find the official claim site (e.g., “Camp Lejeune claim form”). Avoid third-party sites that charge fees.
3. Gather Documentation: Depending on the case, you may need:

• Proof of product use (e.g., receipts, photos).
• Medical records for health-related claims.
• Account details for data breach claims.

1. Complete the Claim Form: Most forms require your name, address, contact information, and details about your eligibility. Some settlements, like Facebook’s, require minimal proof.
2. Submit and Track: After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Track your claim status on the settlement website.
3. Avoid Scams: Only use official settlement sites or trusted legal resources. Beware of emails or ads promising “guaranteed payouts” for a fee.

Why Companies Settle and How You Benefit

Corporations settle to avoid costly trials and negative publicity. For example, Meta paid $725 million to resolve the Cambridge Analytica scandal, while 3M and DuPont face billions in AFFF-related liabilities. These settlements are funded by “legal reserves,” ensuring money is available for claimants. By filing, you not only secure compensation but also hold companies accountable for negligence.

Don’t Miss Deadlines: Act Now

Most settlements have strict deadlines. Missing them means forfeiting your payout. For example, the Camp Lejeune deadline is August 2027, but processing delays make early filing critical. Set a reminder to check legal news sites weekly for new settlements. Subscribing to newsletters from topclassactions.com or settlementresearch.com can keep you informed.


Bonus: Check for Unclaimed Government Funds

Beyond lawsuits, you may be owed money from:

• IRS Tax Refunds: Unclaimed refunds from past years.
• Old Bank Accounts: Dormant accounts or uncashed checks.
• Utility Overcharges: Refunds from overbilling.
• Insurance Policies: Unclaimed benefits from old policies.

Visit usa.gov/unclaimed-money to search for funds owed to you. This free service connects you to state and federal databases.

FAQs About Legal Settlements

Q: How much money will I get from a settlement?
A: Payouts vary based on the settlement fund, number of claimants, and your specific circumstances. For example, top-tier AFFF claims may yield $200,000+, while Facebook claimants average $30.

Q: Do I need a lawyer to file a claim?
A: Most class action settlements (e.g., Facebook, TikTok) don’t require a lawyer. Mass torts like AFFF or Camp Lejeune may benefit from legal assistance for complex cases.

Q: How can I avoid settlement scams?
A: Stick to official settlement websites and avoid paying upfront fees. Check trusted legal news sources for verified claim links.

Q: How long does it take to get paid?
A: Payout timelines vary. Facebook’s settlement, for instance, is delayed until late 2025 due to appeals. Simple claims may pay out within months, while complex cases take years.

Conclusion

Legal settlements offer a unique opportunity to claim compensation for harm caused by corporations, often with minimal effort. By checking your eligibility for cases like Camp Lejeune, AFFF, or Facebook, you could secure payouts ranging from $50 to over $300,000. Use the steps outlined above, stay vigilant about deadlines, and rely on trusted resources to avoid scams. Don’t let unclaimed money slip away—check your eligibility today and take control of what’s rightfully yours.