Accidents and other unexpected events can occur at any time, and when they do, the law states that a person who has suffered harm or loss due to the negligence of another person or company can file a claim for compensation through a personal injury case. In this article, we will explore some of the most remarkable personal injury settlements in American legal history. In 1998, 46 states joined forces to take on the four largest tobacco companies in the United States. The lawsuits sought to recover the costs of caring for smokers for life, as well as punitive compensation for the deceptive advertising and unethical business practices of big tobacco companies.
This case resulted in a settlement of an astonishing $206 billion, making it the largest personal injury settlement in history. In 1993, a drunk driver crashed into a Chevy Malibu carrying six members of the Anderson family. The impact of the car accident caused the fuel tank to catch fire and explode, leaving all six family members with severe burns. The family sought compensation from General Motors for damages, but the company fought back. Eventually, they reached a settlement of $105 million. In 1997, a derailed train crashed into a gas station next to the track.
Donald French, the gas station manager, was in his office at the time and he probably never expected even in his wildest dreams for a derailed train to interrupt his day. He was awarded $90 million in damages. In 1998, eight-year-old Robert Middleton was sexually assaulted, gassed and set on fire by Don Collins, who was then 13 years old. Middleton suffered burns on more than 99 percent of her body. The story shocked the world, but the tragic story was far from over.
The court awarded Middleton's family $80 million. In 19k, Force was hit head-on by another vehicle. He suffered a traumatic brain injury that changed his life. He was awarded $77 million. When Maisha Najeeb was just 10 years old, she underwent a procedure at Great Ormond Street Hospital in which medical professionals had to inject dye into her brain. Unfortunately, she suffered an allergic reaction that caused her to suffer permanent brain damage.
She was awarded $71 million. In 1998, Carol Adkins, 44, was injured when a city maintenance truck went out of control and crashed into several vehicles. Carol herself was so seriously injured that, after the accident, she could only communicate by blinking. She was awarded $70 million. A worker from the New York City sanitation department died on the job after being hit by a sweeper. His family was awarded $60 million. A driver who suffered a traumatic brain injury due to a car accident claimed victory in the lawsuit he filed against another driver who passed a red light.
The latter's employer was also sued in the case. He was awarded $58 million. A pedestrian who was hit by a truck owned by a drugstore was awarded $50 million by a New York court. These cases demonstrate how much victims can gain when they fight for their rights and legally go to an experienced personal injury attorney. Research shows that people who present themselves armed with an attorney specializing in personal injury receive 340 percent more than those who try to argue their case on their own.
If you're looking for an experienced personal injury lawyer in Orange County, RMD Law is here to provide you with tireless representation you deserve. Contact us for a free case evaluation and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Leave a Comment