10 Biggest Product Liability Lawsuits
1. Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits
Overall, manufacturers of transvaginal mesh paid $1.5 billion in settlements over 100,000 claims. Transvaginal mesh is supposed to support weakened organs and repair damaged tissue. However, many women experienced side effects like vaginal scarring, fistula formation, and debilitating pain.
2. GM Ignition Switch Lawsuits
General Motors recalled thousands of vehicles due to faulty ignition switches in 2014. The ignition switch would cause the engine to shut off while in motion, making it impossible for the airbags to deploy in the case of an accident. GM paid $870 million in death and injury claims and $900 million to settle with the DOJ.
3. Monsanto Roundup Lawsuits
In 2015, research showed that Roundup was linked to causing cancer. Papers from Monsanto proved that they were aware of the risks and hid them instead of informing customers. When Bayer acquired Monsanto in 2019, they agreed to pay $10.9 billion in settlements.
4. Takata Defective Airbags
Takata airbags were found to be using ammonium nitrate, which destabilizes in heat or humidity, causing the airbags to deploy aggressively or even explode and spray metal shrapnel. More than 40 million cars were affected by this case. Takata was ordered to pay $1 billion to compensate automakers and injured drivers for losses.
5. 3M Hearing Loss
Allegations of 3M knowingly selling defective combat earplugs came about in July 2018, so 3M agreed to pay $9.1 million to resolve these allegations. Since then, more than 100,000 claimants have joined the lawsuit against 3M.
6. Talcum Powder Cancer
In 2018, information was released that J&J was aware their talcum powder products were contaminated with cancer-causing asbestos, but they failed to inform their customers. Litigation continues for this lawsuit, but in June 2020, a Missouri court ordered that the company pay $2.1 billion to women who claimed their ovarian cancer was caused by these products.
7. Zantac Cancer
Zantac and generic forms have been found to increase cancer risk for users. In 2019, the FDA found that Zantac had a 3,000 times greater NDMA in tablets than the recommended amount. Litigation is still pending, but it’s set up to be a huge lawsuit among the others we’ve discussed.
8. Philip Morris Cigarettes
Now Altria Group, Inc., Philip Morris was sued for their cigarettes causing cancer and nicotine addiction. The company was ordered to pay $28 billion in damages and $850,000 in compensatory damages. However, Philip Morris appealed, which was reduced to only $28 million.
9. GM Faulty Gas Tank
Families of 6 victims sued General Motors for a faulty gas tank that caused explosions killing their loved ones. This lawsuit occurred in 1999, and the plaintiffs were awarded $4.9 billion in damages.
10. J&J Opioid Crisis
Product liability lawsuits were brought against Johnson & Johnson for its role in the opioid crisis, but one case in 2019 resulted in the plaintiff being awarded $572 billion in damages. This was the first case where J&J was found liable for its role in the opioid crisis.
Speak to an Attorney Today
If you feel you’ve been wronged and experienced illness or damage from a defective product, you should contact Reynolds and Reynolds law firm in Dallas and Frisco, Texas today. We are experts in product liability lawsuits and can help you navigate this situation.
