Wrongful death lawsuits can result in enormous lawsuit payouts, especially when there are what in the legal world are called “collectible defendants” – meaning the defendant has the money to pay. Here are some of the largest in history.
1. Estate of Tyler Thomas v. Joshua Keadle (Nebraska) – $2.64 billion
Tyler Thomas, a college freshman, was murdered in 2010. His family sued the shooter and the college. The verdict awarded
$2.64 billion, though the college was dismissed from liability. Attorney names were not publicly cited.
2. Anderson Family v. GM Fuel Tank Case – $4.9 billion (reduced to about $1.2 billion)
The Anderson family’s Chevrolet Malibu exploded after a rear-end collision. They won $4.9 billion in damages. GM appealed, and the award dropped to about $1.2 billion. Attorneys not named in public summaries.
3. Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement – $206 billion
In 1998, 46 states settled with major tobacco companies for healthcare costs related to smoking. This was the largest settlement in U.S. history, at $206 billion. Cases were led by state attorney general offices.
4. BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill – $20 billion fund
BP created a fund to compensate victims, including wrongful death claims from 11 workers killed in the 2010 explosion. The settlement fund was valued at $20 billion. Attorney names were not highlighted.
5. Kalil McCoy Case – $495 million verdict
Attorney John Michael Phillips won a jury trial in 2019 for the family of Kalil McCoy, who was murdered. The jury awarded $495,123,680.00.
[Wikipedia]
6. Tierney Darden v. City of Chicago – $148 million verdict (settled for $115 million)
Dancer Tierney Darden was paralyzed when an airport shelter collapsed. She won $148,190,997 in 2017, later settled for $115 million.
Her legal team included Patrick A. Salvi, Jeffrey J. Kroll, Tara R. Devine, Patrick Salvi II, and Eirene N. Salvi of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.
[Wikipedia]
7. Darren Mack Wrongful Death Verdict – $590 million
In 2008, a jury awarded $590 million against Darren Mack in his wife’s wrongful death case. $560 million went to their young daughter. Attorney names were not listed.
[Wikipedia]
8. Notorious B.I.G. Wrongful Death Lawsuit – $400 to $500 million sought
The family of the Notorious B.I.G. sued the LAPD and the city of Los Angeles for $400 million, originally seeking $500 million.
The case was ultimately dismissed. Attorneys not prominently cited.
[Wikipedia]
9. Helicopter Crash Wrongful Death Settlement – $100 million
Kansas City attorneys secured a $100 million wrongful death settlement after a helicopter crash. Specific attorney names were not public.
10. Yeardley Love Wrongful Death Lawsuit – $15 million
In 2022, a jury awarded $15 million in compensatory damages to the family of Yeardley Love, split between her mother and sister. Attorney names not included in public summaries.
[Wikipedia]
Summary Table
| Rank | Case Description | Award / Settlement | Attorney(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Estate of Tyler Thomas v. Joshua Keadle | $2.64 billion | Not available |
| 2 | Anderson family v. GM fuel tank explosion | $4.9 billion, reduced to $1.2 billion | Not available |
| 3 | Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement | $206 billion | State Attorney Generals |
| 4 | BP Deepwater Horizon wrongful death fund | $20 billion | Not available |
| 5 | Kalil McCoy wrongful death verdict | $495 million | John Michael Phillips |
| 6 | Tierney Darden v. City of Chicago | $148 million verdict, $115 million settlement | Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. |
| 7 | Darren Mack wrongful death verdict | $590 million | Not available |
| 8 | Notorious B.I.G. family v. LAPD and City of Los Angeles | $400 to $500 million sought | Not available |
| 9 | Helicopter crash wrongful death settlement | $100 million | Not available |
| 10 | Yeardley Love wrongful death lawsuit | $15 million | Not available |