Jury Awards $22 Million in Punitive Damages Despite Favorable Ruling for Johnson & Johnson in Mesothelioma Lawsuit

In a remarkable turn of events in a courtroom, where Johnson & Johnson was facing allegations over its talcum powder, a jury initially tried to award $22 million in punitive damages to the plaintiff, despite finding the company not factually responsible for the harm claimed in the lawsuit. This case, rooted in claims of negligence and misinformation, highlights ongoing debates over product safety and corporate responsibility. The plaintiff, Michelle Felton, represented the estate of Michaeleen Lee, who reportedly used Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder for many years before succumbing to mesothelioma, a cancer typically linked … Read more

Jury Awards $12 Million to Michigan Woman in COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Lawsuit, Citing Religious Discrimination

DETROIT — In a substantial legal decision, a former employee of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan was awarded over $12 million after she was terminated for refusing a COVID-19 vaccine, a decision she argued violated her religious beliefs. The jury, ruling on the case in Detroit federal court, ordered the hefty payout, citing substantial punitive damages against the insurance giant. The majority of the award, totaling $10 million, was allocated for punitive damages, signifying the jury’s stance on the severity of the case. In addition, Lisa Domski, the plaintiff, was compensated with approximately $1.7 … Read more

Jury Awards Totaling Over $263 Million Send Strong Message in Nationwide Racial Discrimination Lawsuits

In recent judicial decisions across the United States, a series of federal juries have handed down significant monetary awards in cases related to racial discrimination in the workplace, spotlighting the ongoing issues of racism in employment and the legal repercussions that can ensue. These cases not only highlight the personal toll on affected workers but also underscore the potential financial impact on companies found guilty of discriminatory practices. A notable verdict came from a Pennsylvania federal jury, which awarded $20.5 million to a Black customer service representative after finding she had been subjected to a … Read more

Skyrocketing Jury Awards in Employment Lawsuits Reflect Shifting Generational Perspectives and Deepening Corporate Distrust

San Diego, CA — A noticeable surge in “nuclear verdicts,” where jury awards exceed $10 million, has been linked to a growing distrust of corporations and a changing demographic within juries, particularly with the increasing presence of Generation Z jurors. This shift is not just reshaping courtroom battles but also causing a sharp rise in insurance premiums, challenging longstanding legal practices and corporate accountability. In a notable recent legal battle, a San Diego jury awarded $11.2 million to a 74-year-old former employee of Octapharma Plasma Inc., who filed a lawsuit for age discrimination and failure … Read more