Who has the world record for the most lawsuits?

Asked by: Dr. Abelardo White  |  Last update: June 6, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (49 votes)

Jonathan Lee Riches holds the informal world record for the most lawsuits filed by an individual, with thousands of bizarre, frivolous filings against everyone from celebrities to inanimate objects, famously even suing the Guinness Book of World Records when they planned to recognize him for it. While Guinness recognizes him as the "most litigious man," there isn't an official "highest case" record, but Riches' sheer volume makes him the standout, having sued Bill Gates, the Pope, the Lincoln Memorial, and even the concept of Black History Month.

Who is the most sued person in the world?

Jonathan Lee Riches is a convicted fraudster known for the many lawsuits he has filed in various United States district courts. Riches was incarcerated at Federal Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky, for wire fraud under the terms of a plea bargain.

What is the world record for the most lawsuits?

So far the number of cases filed by him in different courts has reached close to 2600. Jonathan Lee riches name is also recorded in the Guinness book, you will be surprised after knowing that Jonathan Lee riches also filed a lawsuit against the Guinness book of world.

Who filed the most lawsuits?

Jonathan Lee Riches has filed more than 4,000 lawsuits, earning the world record for the most legal actions brought by a single person. His list of targets includes his own mother, George W. Bush, Bill Gates, and even Pope Benedict XVI.

What is the most someone has ever been sued for?

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.

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17 related questions found

What was the stupidest lawsuit ever?

We all know the most famous frivolous lawsuit story. Stella Liebeck sued McDonald's back in 1992 when she spilled hot coffee on herself. "But coffee is meant to be hot" we all cry. Dig a little deeper into the case however and it starts to look less frivolous.

Can I get sued for 1000 dollars?

Debt collectors can and often do sue over relatively small amounts, especially if you've ignored repeated attempts to collect the money owed. While lawsuits over a few hundred dollars aren't common, balances in the $1,000 to $5,000 range are often fair game, depending on the creditor and your state's rules.

How many lawsuits has Trump had?

From 1973 and until he was elected president in 2016, Donald Trump and his businesses were involved in over 4,000 legal cases in United States federal and state courts, including battles with casino patrons, million-dollar real estate lawsuits, personal defamation lawsuits, and over 100 business tax disputes.

Who sued Guinness on the world record?

Jonathan Lee Riches has sued over 4,000 people, including Bill Gates and the Pope and when Guinness gave him a world record for it, he sued them too.

Has anyone ever successfully sued a judge?

Notable Case Examples. For instance, there was a case where a federal judge was successfully sued for sexual harassment – an act considered outside his official duties. Another example involved a judge who was sued for defamation after making false statements about an attorney during a press conference.

How much of a 30K settlement will I get?

From a $30k settlement, you'll get significantly less than the full amount, as deductions typically include attorney fees (around 33-40%), case expenses, and payments to medical providers (health insurance, Medicare/Medicaid, or doctors paid via lien), potentially leaving you with around 30-50%, though this varies greatly, so ask your lawyer for a detailed breakdown. 

Who gets sued the most?

Data shows Ob/Gyns are facing more lawsuits 📈 but once again, General Surgeons top the list with a massive 90% reporting they've been sued. 😳 "Surgeons carry higher risk due to the complexity of their work," says Bill Burns from the MPL Association.

Which state sues the most?

California — Often dubbed the lawsuit capital of the U.S., California sees over 1.2 million civil cases annually. This state's robust economy and diverse population contribute to its high litigation rate.

What is the most money won in a lawsuit?

1. Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement – $206 Billion. In the 1990s, more than 40 states sued big tobacco companies for the health care costs linked to smoking. They claimed these companies lied about the dangers and marketed to kids.

What is the most money ever sued?

1. Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement ($206 Billion) In 1998, a groundbreaking legal battle unfolded as 46 states united against America's four largest tobacco companies.

What are the lawsuits against Elon Musk?

In the same month, eight ex-employees, the same eight who were previously fired for penning an anti-Musk letter at SpaceX, filed a lawsuit against Musk alleging sexual harassment. Also in June 2024, a former Twitter executive sued Musk for "cheating" him and other ousted executives out of $200 million in severance pay.

Which law firms are suing Trump?

Litigation:

  • Doe 1 v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
  • Jenner & Block LLP v. Department of Justice.
  • Perkins Coie LLP v. Department of Justice.
  • Susman Godfrey LLP v. Executive Office of the President.
  • Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr v. Executive Office of President.
  • Zaid v. Executive Office of the President.

Do you still owe debt after 7 years?

Though it's a common myth, your debt doesn't disppear after seven years of nonpayment. Most debts drop off of your credit report after seven years, but in many cases, you'll still be on the hook to repay the debt.

Can I sue for $1?

The one dollar amount is significant because that one dollar can trigger a statute which awards the prevailing party fees and costs in certain areas of the law, including areas of civil rights law. These awards of attorney's fees and costs can often be quite large.

What is the 777 rule for debt collectors?

The "777 rule" in debt collection, also known as the 7-in-7 rule, is a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) guideline under Regulation F limiting phone calls: collectors can't call more than seven times in seven days for a specific debt, or call within seven days after a conversation about that debt, unless the consumer requests it. This rule prevents harassment, applies per debt, and helps establish compliance with Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) rules, but collectors can still be found harassing if calls are rapid or poorly timed, even within limits.