Million

$25 Million Libel Verdict Shocks Legal and Media Experts: Oklahoman Misidentifies Announcer in Racist Rant Case

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NORMAN, Oklahoma – A recent $25 million libel verdict against the Gannett-owned Oklahoman has left media and legal experts puzzled. The jury awarded damages to announcer Scott Sapulpa after the newspaper misidentified him as the person responsible for a racist rant during a state girls’ basketball tournament three years ago. The large sum of money awarded has raised questions about the jury’s decision. Norman attorney Stan Ward expressed concerns that the jury may have exceeded the legal boundaries with their significant damages award. Oklahoma does not impose a limit on jury awards for defamation cases, … Read more

Parents Awarded $32 Million After Benton Police Officer Fatally Shoots Teenager

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Little Rock, Arkansas – A jury has awarded $32 million to the parents of a teenager who was fatally shot by a Benton police officer in 2016. The weeklong trial concluded with the jury finding the city of Benton liable for $30 million and former Benton Police Chief Kirk Lane liable for $1 million. Officer Kyle Ellison, who fired the fatal shots, was cleared of claims of excessive force and assault and battery. The civil trial began on January 29 in Little Rock, focusing on the officer-involved shooting death of 17-year-old Keagan Schweikle. Responding to … Read more

Liver Damage Lawsuit Ends in Landmark $130 Million Verdict Against Bottled Water Manufacturer

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Las Vegas, Nevada – A Nevada jury has awarded approximately $130 million in damages to five individuals who suffered liver damage after consuming bottled water sold by a Las Vegas-based company. The product was later recalled from store shelves in 2021. The Clark County District Court jury granted over $30 million in compensatory damages and an additional $100 million in punitive damages to the plaintiffs, including Myles Hunwardsen, who underwent a liver transplant at the age of 29. This marks the second large-sum award in a negligence and product liability case involving AffinityLifestyles.com Inc. and … Read more

Alaska Supreme Court Overturns $2.3 Million Jury Award in Controversial Social Worker Retaliation Case

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An Alaska Supreme Court ruling has invalidated a $2.3 million jury award granted to a former state social worker who had sued her employer for retaliation and wrongful termination. The court upheld the lower court’s decision to deny a motion for a new trial on liability filed by the Office of Children’s Services, while overturning the employee’s award. The agency argued that the jury award duplicated the compensation the plaintiff had already received in workers’ compensation benefits. The Supreme Court determined that there wasn’t enough evidence in the trial record to settle the matter. The … Read more