Introduction The American legal system has seen many groundbreaking accident verdicts over the years. These landmark cases have not only awarded significant compensations but also led to essential changes in laws and safety standards. This article highlights the top 10 most successful accident verdicts in US history, showcasing the impact of legal advocacy and justice.
- Anderson v. General Motors – $4.9 Billion Verdict (1999) This case involved a tragic car accident where a Chevrolet Malibu was hit from behind, causing the fuel tank to explode. The jury awarded a massive $4.9 billion to the victims for their injuries and the negligence of General Motors in vehicle design.
- Dukes v. Philip Morris – $28 Billion Verdict (2002) In a landmark tobacco litigation case, Betty Bullock, a smoker diagnosed with lung cancer, was awarded $28 billion against Philip Morris for failing to warn about the dangers of smoking. This verdict was one of the largest in a personal injury case.
- Garza v. Alcoholic Beverage Control – $1 Billion Verdict (1993) This case involved a drunk driving accident resulting in the death of two teenagers. The jury awarded $1 billion in punitive damages against the Alcoholic Beverage Control for selling alcohol to a minor.
- Baker v. Exxon – $5 Billion Verdict (1989) Following the Exxon Valdez oil spill, one of the most devastating environmental disasters in U.S. history, the jury awarded $5 billion in damages to the fishermen and native Alaskans affected by the spill.
- Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Cases – $4.7 Billion Verdict (2018) In a significant case involving claims that Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products caused ovarian cancer, 22 women were awarded $4.7 billion in damages, one of the largest verdicts in such a case.
- Anderson v. Cryovac – $333 Million Verdict (1996) This case, which inspired the film “Erin Brockovich,” involved the contamination of drinking water with toxic chemicals. The plaintiff was awarded $333 million, the largest settlement ever paid in a direct-action lawsuit in U.S. history.
- Bolger v. Amazon – $70 Million Verdict (2019) In this case, a delivery driver contracted by Amazon caused a severe accident, leading to significant injuries. Amazon was found liable and the jury awarded $70 million in damages.
- Fox v. Monsanto – $289 Million Verdict (2018) A school groundskeeper who developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after using Monsanto’s Roundup weed killer was awarded $289 million in damages, highlighting the potential dangers of chemical exposure.
- Liebeck v. McDonald’s – $2.86 Million Verdict (1994) This famous ‘hot coffee’ case involved a woman who suffered third-degree burns from a McDonald’s coffee. The jury awarded her $2.86 million, leading to widespread debate and changes in the industry’s hot beverage temperatures.
- Owens Corning Fiberglass Corp – $1.2 Billion Verdict (1997) In this case, Owens Corning was found liable for knowingly exposing workers to asbestos, leading to a $1.2 billion verdict – one of the largest in a product liability case.
Conclusion These top 10 successful accident verdicts in US history reflect the power of the legal system in addressing negligence and bringing justice to victims. They have not only provided compensation to those harmed but also led to significant changes in corporate practices and safety standards.
