Fueling

Baltimore Wins $274 Million Verdict Against Drug Distributors for Fueling Opioid Crisis

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BALTIMORE — In a significant legal decision, a jury recently sided with Baltimore, finding that two prominent drug distributors played a crucial role in exacerbating the city’s opioid crisis by distributing hundreds of millions of painkillers. The verdict concluded with an award of $274 million in damages to the city, spotlighting the ongoing national debate over accountability in the opioid epidemic. The decision came after the jury found that McKesson Corp. and AmerisourceBergen Corp., which together controlled 60% of Baltimore’s opioid market for roughly a decade, were responsible for the public nuisance by unreasonably flooding … Read more

Wall Street’s New Bet: Private Equity Dollars Fueling Multibillion-Dollar Toxic Tort Legal Battles

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NEW YORK — Private equity funds are quietly powering some of the most headline-grabbing legal battles in the U.S., trading the familiar turf of Wall Street for risky but potentially lucrative courtroom confrontations. Amid increasingly complex and drawn-out lawsuits involving toxic torts, these investment firms are stepping in to fund costly litigation, betting on huge settlements and court awards. Toxic tort cases, covering damages from substances like asbestos and controversial drugs, can span decades and accrue millions in expenses. Plaintiffs’ attorneys traditionally bear these upfront costs, not receiving payment until a case concludes successfully. This … Read more

Facing Justice: Social Media Giants Sued for Allegedly Fueling Addiction in Teens

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San Francisco, CA — A surge in lawsuits against major social media platforms has captured national attention, with claims that companies like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat have developed algorithms that foster addiction, particularly among minors. The allegations center on how these platforms may contribute significantly to mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and even suicidal tendencies among young users. The legal battles have put Silicon Valley on high alert. The judiciary has taken nuanced approaches in different instances, with a mix of rulings that excite industry critics and others that uphold longstanding legal protections for … Read more

Billions on the Line: How Litigation Finance Is Fueling a Surge in Mass Tort Lawsuits

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New York — The expansive world of mass tort litigation has emerged as a major player in the financial sectors influencing both the legal and investment landscapes. A growing interest in these types of cases has led to a significant influx of capital, with litigation funding reaching new heights. Companies have invested nearly $17 billion into various high-stakes lawsuits, including the widely publicized Camp Lejeune and 3M earplug cases, in 2023 alone. This surge in financial backing not only underscores the profitability of such lawsuits but also signals a shift in how legal battles are … Read more