Over the years, there have been some big class-action lawsuits, some of which have resulted in companies facing financial and reputational ruin. While many of these may not affect many people directly, there are those that will have a significant impact on people’s health and lives.
Lawyers such as Attorney Paul Napoli specialize in class action and mass torts cases, and get the best deal they can for the families affected. They can be found on specialised law directory sites which try to simplify the process of choosing an attorney, like this one: profiles.superlawyers.com.
1. Time Warner
Investors sued Time Warner in 2005 after it was alleged the company had accounted advertising transactions incorrectly. From 1998 until 2002, it was thought they tried to give the appearance that they were generating revenue. However, this was not the case, and the eventual settlement awarded was $2.5 billion dollars.
- Breast Implants
In 1994, implant manufacturers Coring, Baxter, Bristol-Meyers Squibb/MEC, 3M, settled a class action lawsuit after women complained of suffering from autoimmune disease. The disease attacks healthy cells by mistake, and in this case, was believed to have been caused by faulty implants. These cases lasted for many years, but in the end, a settlement of $3.4 billion dollars was awarded.
- Exxon Mobil
Thousands of people and over 1,300 miles of coastline were affected by a major oil spill at Exxon Valdez. Alaskan natives, landowners and fishermen were all claimed to have been harmed by the huge spill. The company was initially ordered to pay punitive damages and interest to thousands of people that amounted to $5 billion dollars. This amount was later reduced to $500 million.
- Wal-Mart
In a case that has been ongoing since 2000, a female employee filed a lawsuit for sexual discrimination after being denied a promotion after years of excellent work. The case was converted into a class-action lawsuit so that the cases of every female Wal-Mart employee from 1998 could be considered.
- Master Tobacco
In 1998, a settlement was reached between numerous tobacco companies and several states who were trying to recover costs from their Medicare/Medicaid programs. They also wanted to reduce smoking among the under 18s to prevent further problems. The tobacco companies agreed to a $206 billion dollar settlement to avoid any further litigation in the state courts.
- Asbestos
Probably one of the most contentious and lengthy mass torts in U.S history. Since the material was identified as causing diseases such as mesothelioma and other related cancers in the 1920’s, many have launched legal proceedings againt companies. Some litigation has been pending for over 20 years as individuals receive settlements out of court. The problem is worldwide, with many countries imposing strict laws on the use and disposal of asbestos.
There have been many lawsuits aimed at individual companies who are alleged to have been aware of the risks without protecting their employees. There are many websites set up to inform people and fight for those who have been exposed to the disease.
Some of the biggest class-action lawsuits have been health related, but unfortunately, it often seems too little too late as they have only been raised after years of people suffering and even dying before the real cause had been discovered.
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