What is the most someone has won in a lawsuit?

Asked by: Dasia Considine  |  Last update: January 12, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (59 votes)

The Biggest Lawsuit Ever: The Tobacco Settlement — $206 Billion. The Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement was filed in 1998 against the four largest tobacco companies in the United States and remains the largest lawsuit in history in terms of dollars involved. Defendants included Philip Morris, R. J.

What is the biggest lawsuit win?

1998 – The Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement – $206 Billion. The Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement was entered in November 1998 and is still the largest lawsuit settlement in history.

What is the biggest lawsuit ever won by a single person?

Tobacco Awards

However, there have been two awards to individuals that top the list of personal injury amounts. In 2002, a California jury awarded Betsy Bullock $28 billion who began smoking at 17 and developed lung cancer which spread to her liver at the age of 64.

What's the longest lawsuit ever?

Introduction. Myra Clark Gaines' 19th century fight over an enormous inheritance is still the longest-running civil lawsuit in American history, taking over 60 years to finally find some kind of resolution. The United States Supreme Court called her case "the most remarkable in the records."

Who makes the most money in a class action lawsuit?

The lead class plaintiff or plaintiffs typically receive a more significant share of a class settlement. The reason is that the lead plaintiff does most of the work before, during, and after legal proceedings, playing an active role in hearings, trials, and other court proceedings.

Easiest Way to Get Paid Big for Your Car Accident

39 related questions found

Is winning a lawsuit income?

Generally, settlement funds and damages received from a lawsuit are taxable income according to the IRS.

How to get a million dollar settlement?

Million-dollar personal injury settlements are rare and usually awarded only in cases involving severe injuries and significant damages. Factors common to high-value settlements include the financial, physical, and emotional impacts as well as the at-fault party's ability to pay.

What is the most money lost in a lawsuit?

The Biggest Lawsuit Ever: The Tobacco Settlement — $206 Billion. The Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement was filed in 1998 against the four largest tobacco companies in the United States and remains the largest lawsuit in history in terms of dollars involved. Defendants included Philip Morris, R. J.

Which is the longest case in India?

What are the oldest pending cases at the Supreme Court?
  • State of Assam v Union of India. ...
  • Shamrao Bajirao Pawar v Smt. ...
  • Central Board of Dawoodi Bohra Community v State of Maharashtra. ...
  • M.C. ...
  • M.C. ...
  • M.C. ...
  • Abdul Karim Banday v Union of India. ...
  • Hans Raj Sharma v State of Jammu & Kashmir.

Why do lawsuits take forever?

Factors that generally impact the duration of the case included how complicated the legal issues are, the schedule of the court overseeing the litigation, and negotiations with the defendants' lawyers.

Which country sues the most?

SPEAK TO AN EXPERT! The United States is often thought to be the most litigious country in the world. It does have the largest number of lawsuits. However, the dubious honor of lawsuits per capita belongs to Germany, with 123.2 lawsuits per 1,000 people.

Why sue a broke person?

Essentially, you might think suing someone with no money is futile, but that's not the case. The law protects your rights and allows you to seek compensation if someone causes you harm or loss, regardless of their financial status.

What is the highest wrongful death settlement?

The highest wrongful death settlement was $160 million.

Which lawyers get sued the most?

Areas of Practice With the Highest Frequency
  1. Personal Injury and Property Damage – Plaintiff. ...
  2. Collections and Bankruptcy. ...
  3. Real Estate. ...
  4. Estate, Trust and Probate. ...
  5. Family Law. ...
  6. Business Transaction / Commercial Law.

What injuries pay the most?

The highest-paying car accident injuries often involve severe conditions like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and multiple fractures. These injuries require extensive medical treatment, leading to substantial medical bills and significant pain and suffering damages.

Which lawyer wins most cases?

Settings. Gerry Spence is widely considered one of the most successful trial and criminal attorneys in America. He has never once lost a criminal case — either as a prosecutor or a defense attorney — and he hasn't lost a civil case since 1969.

What is the longest court case ever?

Lasting for more than fifty years, the Myra Clark Gaines litigation is known as the longest case in US history, beginning around 1834 and culminating in a ruling in her favor and against the City of New Orleans in 1889.

Can I leave the country with a pending court case in India?

Unless a Look Out Circular is issued against an accused, airports do not know the criminal antecedents of a person, or if a person is released on bail in a criminal case. Thus, it is not a problem to leave the country if you have a Court case pending.

Which is the oldest court in India?

The Calcutta High Court is the oldest High Court in India. It has jurisdiction over the State of West Bengal and the Union Territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The High Court building''s design is based on the Cloth Hall, Ypres, in Belgium.

Can I sue McDonald's for E. coli?

E. coli can be a very unpleasant infection, and some cases are deadly serious. A customer made sick by food served at McDonald's might be able to sue the company for damages, depending on the situation. Possible damages include the cost of medical bills and potential medical complications if your condition worsens.

What is the most expensive sue?

1. Tobacco master settlement agreement for **$206 billion** [The Largest Ever] In 1998, Philip Morris, RJ Reynolds, and two other tobacco companies agreed to a $206 billion settlement, at a minimum, covering medical costs for smoking-related illnesses.

Can you get sued for $1,000?

The decision to sue often depends on the debt's size (usually a minimum of $1,000), age, and original agreements. Debt collection practices for unpaid credit card balances frequently lead to court cases.

What to do after winning $1 million dollars?

A winner is given the opportunity to choose the cash value of their jackpot prize within 60 days following their approved claim. The payment option you choose will apply to all claimants in a multiple ownership claim. In addition, certain Scratchers games also offer an annuitized grand prize.

What is a 7 figure settlement?

Let's put it this way, seven figures (at least in the US) is $1,000,000. With that large of a payout, you can afford a lawyer.

How do I win my lawsuit?

Whether you represent yourself or hire an attorney, there are things you can do to ensure a good result in your case.
  1. Find the Right Court. ...
  2. Litigate for the Right Reasons. ...
  3. Mediate Instead of Litigate. ...
  4. Communicate With Your Attorney. ...
  5. Be Willing to Negotiate. ...
  6. Follow Court Procedures. ...
  7. You'll Need a Good Lawyer.