Suits against large corporations for widespread negligence often escalate quickly into multi-million dollar settlements or awards for catastrophic injury cases in the U.S. We explore some of the most expensive lawsuits ever heard here in this series of lawsuits in U.S. history. Here are some examples:

McDonald's Hot Coffee Case - Stella Liebeck and $2.86 Million

This case has often been mischaracterized as a frivolous lawsuit by the media. But in truth, Stella Liebeck suffered third-degree burns when she dropped a McDonald's cup on her lap in 1992 and refused to cover her medical costs initially. Eventually, though, McDonald's did settle with Stella Liebeck.

Liebeck was awarded 2.86 million dollars in punitive damages following his trial. However, the final settlement amount was significantly less. This case raised issues of corporate responsibility. McDonald's had previously been warned about serving coffee at extremely hot temperatures and received numerous reports regarding burn injuries to customers.

The Tobacco Lawsuits: $206 Billion

In the 1990s, various U.S. states filed lawsuits against the tobacco industry for misinforming the public regarding its risks and concealing nicotine's addictive nature. Eventually, in 1998, 46 states settled with them for a staggering $206 billion. This settlement money would cover Medicaid costs associated with treating smoking-related diseases in these states.

Years were required to win this legal battle, which consisted of multiple lawsuits and investigations. The settlement remains one of the largest ever seen in U.S. legal history and highlights how powerful state collective action against corporate misbehavior can be.

BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Lawsuit - $18.7 Billion

In 2010, it was determined that BP's Deepwater Horizon oil leak, which released millions of barrels into the Gulf of Mexico, was at fault and caused environmental and human injuries, as well as 11 worker deaths due to the explosion that started the spill. The Environmental Defense Fund estimates the environmental disaster cost an estimated USD 18.7 billion in damage.

BP reached an agreement in 2015 to settle claims related to its 2015 oil spill for $18,7 billion with the U.S. Department of Justice, marking the largest ever environmental penalty ever levied, including both civil and criminal sanctions. This lawsuit sought compensation for affected individuals, businesses, and communities while holding BP accountable for their involvement.

Asbestos Lawsuits: $100 Billion

Once an everyday building material, asbestos has now become notorious for being linked with mesothelioma or lung cancer. Illnesses which it was widely used for before being linked with devastating conditions such as asbestosis. Many workers from the construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing industries who were exposed have filed suits against the companies responsible.

Estimates suggest the total cost of asbestos litigation in the U.S. exceeds $100 billion, with most claims filed in the last 40 years and many companies declaring bankruptcy to avoid having to pay these staggering settlements. Asbestos cases often involve multiple manufacturers, contractors, distributors, and lawyers.

Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Lawsuits Totaling Over $4.7 Billion

Johnson & Johnson has been hit with over $4.7 billion worth of lawsuits alleging its products contained asbestos that caused cancers like ovarian cancer. Plaintiffs maintain Johnson & Johnson knew of these dangers for decades and failed to warn the public accordingly.

Johnson & Johnson was recently the subject of several significant jury verdicts, with an award amounting to an initial award of $4.7 Billion being reduced on appeal and settlement negotiations continuing today, making this legal battle one of the costliest legal battles ever waged in this country.

The Flint Water Crisis Lawsuits: $626 Million Settlement 

Residents in Flint, Michigan were exposed to lead-contaminated water due to cost-cutting measures taken by their city government to upgrade its water treatment system, leading to widespread health issues for children who experienced irreparable developmental harm as a result of exposure. Thousands of lawsuits were filed following this exposure which eventually resulted in an $826 Million Settlement between 2014 and 2017 involving several law firms representing them during litigation over this crisis.

Michigan settled the Flint lawsuits in 2020 for $626 million. This settlement provided compensation for medical bills, damage to property, and other harm caused by the crisis. Furthermore, this case brought environmental justice and government accountability into national consciousness.

Some injury lawsuits can have relatively modest settlement amounts, others can go much higher based on severity, number, and/or corporate negligence issues. Such lawsuits serve as powerful reminders about corporate negligence, environmental hazards, and public safety risks; they continue to shape American culture by way of large-scale litigation that impacts both industries and individuals alike.

For inquiries related to traffic accident laws or injury laws, or to hire an accident attorney, contact the legal professionals of Bautista LeRoy LLC through this number 816-221-0382 or email them at [email protected]. Serving Kansas City, MO and KS as well as surrounding areas of Benton County and St. Louis.