Damages

Maryland Judge Slashes $266 Million Opioid Ruling, Calls for New Trial or Reduced Damages of $51.8 Million

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Baltimore, Maryland — A judge in Baltimore has deemed a jury’s award of $266 million in a public nuisance case against two pharmaceutical companies as excessively high, setting the stage for potential changes in the ongoing opioid litigation. Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Lawrence P. Fletcher-Hill announced on Thursday that he would grant a new trial unless the plaintiff agrees to a significant reduction in the damages, proposing to limit the financial liability to $51.8 million instead. The case centers on accusations that the two drug companies contributed to the opioid crisis plaguing the city, … Read more

Georgia Court Overturns $65 Million Punitive Damages in Fraud Case, Sparks Debate on Limits of State Law

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ATLANTA — A recent decision by the Georgia Court of Appeals has overturned a significant punitive damages award of $65 million that a Fulton County Superior Court jury had previously granted in a fraud case. This ruling raises important questions about the scope of punitive damages under state law. The appellate court determined that the jury’s decision was “grossly excessive” and violated the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. This finding pleased the appellant’s legal counsel, who expressed their gratitude for the court’s attention to the constitutional implications surrounding punitive damages. However, amid their … Read more

Oklahoma Enacts New Laws to Curb Foreign Litigation Funding and Limit Non-Economic Damages

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Oklahoma City, Oklahoma — Recent legislative actions in Oklahoma have introduced new regulations concerning foreign funding in legal disputes and set limits on non-economic damages awarded in lawsuits. These measures, driven by concerns over the effects of foreign influence in the legal system and skyrocketing litigation costs, are anticipated to have significant implications for both plaintiffs and defendants. The new laws stem from growing unease regarding funders based outside the United States who provide financial backing for lawsuits. Such funding can influence legal proceedings, raising questions about fairness and accountability in the judicial process. With … Read more

NSO Group Fights Back: Seeks New Trial Over Court’s Record $168 Million Punitive Damages in Spyware Case

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San Francisco, California — A U.S. jury has awarded nearly $168 million in punitive damages against NSO Group Technologies, a decision that the company describes as excessively punitive and will seek to overturn. The punitive damages awarded in relation to the controversial "Pegasus" spyware far exceed the compensatory damages by a staggering 376 times, which NSO argues necessitates a new trial. NSO contends that the jury’s decision is not only unjust but also reflects a broader animosity toward the firm, rather than being based solely on the specific conduct warranting punitive damages. The company asserts … Read more