Two Years, Eight Auto Products Cases & $287 Million in Settlements

At Beasley Allen, we leverage decades of experience and deep knowledge of auto safety and the automotive industry to support every auto accident case we handle. This helps us identify defects in automobile accident cases. When we find such evidence and support it with further investigation, the cases can evolve and turn into auto products liability cases.

Let’s take a look at some of our recent wins from the last two years. Our last eight cases had less than $2 million TOTAL available in auto insurance, but we secured $287 million.

Settlements Secured

$162 Million – In 2021, a tragic accident occurred involving a van transporting 16 women graduating from a substance abuse addiction community. The van flipped on the interstate and caught fire, partly due to being equipped with the wrong load range tires. We represented five of the wrongful death cases and another four injury cases, securing a $162 million settlement, believed to be Georgia’s largest from a single-automobile accident.
$45 Million -We secured a more than $45 million settlement on behalf of a 9-year-old boy crushed in an automobile vehicle crash and left paralyzed. The lawyers uncovered evidence that an illegal lift kit installed in a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited contributed to the child’s injuries, including paraplegia.
$37 Million – A $37 million settlement was obtained for a critically injured client in a heavy truck accident caused by a tire tread/belt separation.
19.5 Million – We secured a $19.5 million settlement for a wrongful death resulting from an auto defect. The victim, in this case, should have survived the collision. Instead, the defect turned a relatively minor accident into a fatal one.
$2.7 Million – Beasley Allen reached a $2.7 million settlement for Tocarious Johnson’s family after the young man was killed by exploding shrapnel from a defective Takata airbag inflator.

Additional confidential settlements include:

$11 Million
$5.75 Million
$4.3 Million

Putting Our Resources to Work for You

What sets Beasley Allen apart? We recognize that each case is unique, and we collaborate closely with our clients to craft personalized legal strategies that align with their specific needs and objectives.

We’ve successfully handled hundreds of auto product liability cases. By combining our resources and knowledge, we ensure the best outcomes possible for our clients. We are thankful for our relationships with other lawyers who continue to trust us to team up and help their clients.

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Recent Auto Products Cases Resulting In $447 Million In Settlements and Verdicts

Let’s take a look at some of our recent wins from the last two years. These cases had less than $3 million TOTAL available in auto insurance, but we secured $447 million.

Settlements & Verdicts Secured:

$162 Million Settlement – In 2021, a tragic accident occurred involving a van transporting 16 women graduating from a substance abuse addiction community. The van flipped on the interstate and caught fire, partly due to being equipped with the wrong load range tires. We represented five of the wrongful death cases and another four injury cases, securing a $162 million settlement, believed to be Georgia’s largest from a single-automobile accident.
$160 Million Verdict – Our attorneys secured a $160 million verdict after a defective design changed our client’s life forever. What started as an ordinary workday for Leonard Wiley Street turned catastrophic when his heavy truck was forced off the road after an impact caused by a pick-up truck. This resulted in a rollover that fractured his neck due to the significant roof crush and the lack of an automatic pull-down safety seat in the cab, ultimately leaving him an incomplete quadriplegic.
$45 Million Settlement – We secured a more than $45 million settlement on behalf of a 9-year-old boy crushed in an automobile vehicle crash and left paralyzed. The lawyers uncovered evidence that an illegal lift kit installed in a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited contributed to the child’s injuries, including paraplegia.
$37 Million Settlement – A $37 million settlement was obtained for a critically injured client in a heavy truck accident caused by a tire tread/belt separation.
$19.5 Million Settlement – We secured a $19.5 million settlement for a wrongful death resulting from an auto defect. The victim, in this case, should have survived the collision. Instead, the defect turned a relatively minor accident into a fatal one.
$2.7 Million Settlement – Beasley Allen reached a $2.7 million settlement for Tocarious Johnson’s family after the young man was killed by exploding shrapnel from a defective Takata airbag inflator.

Additional confidential settlements include:

$11 Million
$5.75 Million
$4.3 Million

Putting Our Resources to Work for You

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EPA Removes Harmful Weedkiller to Protect Babies’ Health

In a rare move not seen for almost 40 years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency order suspending all uses of Dacthal weedkiller, which has been linked to serious health risks for unborn babies.

The EPA had made “unprecedented efforts” for years to obtain health risk data from AMVAC Chemical Corporation, the pesticide’s sole manufacturer.

What is Dacthal?

Dacthal, also known as dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA), is a herbicide commonly used on crops like broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and onions. It has been a staple in agriculture for controlling weeds, but recent findings have raised alarming health concerns.

Health Risks

The EPA has found that exposure to Dacthal can lead to severe health issues for unborn babies, including:

Low birth weight
Impaired brain development
Decreased I.Q.
Impaired motor skills

People who work on farms are the most at risk of being exposed to this chemical. However, consumers can also be exposed to residue. DCPA can be absorbed by plants, so it goes beyond the surface level.

These risks are particularly concerning for pregnant women who may not realize they are being exposed to the chemical.

The agency estimates that pregnant women handling DCPA products could be subjected to exposures four to 20 times greater than what’s estimated safe for unborn babies.

What’s Next?

The EPA is planning to permanently ban DCPA products. This process could take a few months if there are no objections, but it might take years if the manufacturer challenges the decision. In the meantime, an emergency suspension is in place to prevent further harm.

Some advocacy groups believe the EPA should have acted sooner. A 2019 study by the University of California at Berkeley found that over half of teenage girls from farmworker communities in California’s Salinas Valley had been exposed to DCPA. The chemical has been banned for use on crops in the European Union since 2009.

Beasley Allen is currently investigating the harmful effects of this weedkiller. We will keep you updated on our findings.

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$11 Million Auto Products Liability Settlement

Product Liability Settlement

$11 Million Auto Products Liability Settlement

For more than 40 years, the Beasley Allen Law Firm has been committed to “helping those who need it most.”

Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling complex cases in courtrooms throughout the United States. In some situations, specific details are too intimate to disclose.

We never stop working to bring our clients the justice they rightfully deserve. We can work for you too. Contact us for a free case evaluation. You pay us nothing if we do not win for you.

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Understanding AFFF Litigation: What You Need to Know

The Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) litigation is currently being overseen by Judge Richard Gergel in the United States District Court of South Carolina. This case is significant due to the widespread impact of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination, which has affected many water sources across the country.

The court has identified several “presumptive injuries” linked to PFAS exposure, including Kidney cancer, Testicular cancer, Hypothyroidism/thyroid disease, Ulcerative colitis, Liver cancer, and Thyroid cancer.

Refresher On PFAS

PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals that can cause a range of health problems. Studies have shown that exposure to PFAS can lead to thyroid problems, an increased risk of certain cancers, and skin irritation.

Recent Developments

On July 19, 2024, the court selected bellwether plaintiffs to represent the broader group of affected individuals. These plaintiffs include:

3 kidney cancer plaintiffs and 3 testicular cancer plaintiffs from a water contamination site in Pennsylvania.
2 thyroid disease plaintiffs and 1 ulcerative colitis plaintiff from a water contamination site in Colorado.

These cases will help set the stage for future litigation and potential settlements.

Contamination Scope

PFAS chemicals are found in things like firefighting foam, stain-resistant carpets, and clothing that repels water. These chemicals have ended up polluting many water sources. The United States Geological Survey has found that at least 45% of our tap water across the country has PFAS in it. Also, about 35 million people in America are drinking water that has more PFAS than what the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says is safe, based on new rules they made earlier this year.

Have you been affected? Our team of attorneys is here to help you get the compensation you deserve. We understand the sacrifices you’ve made and the unexpected challenges you’ve faced. We’re committed to fighting for justice on your behalf and won’t stop until we achieve it!

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$19 Million Rock ‘n Play Sleeper Settlement

Fisher-Price and its parent company, Mattel, have proposed a $19 million settlement to resolve class action claims related to the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper. This baby sleeper was recalled in April 2019 after it was linked to the deaths of infants.

Settlement Details

The settlement, if approved by a Buffalo federal judge, will create a fund to compensate affected consumers. Here’s how the compensation works:

With Proof of Purchase:
- Current owners: Full price listed on the proof of purchase.
- Previous owners: $25 to $35.
Without Proof of Purchase:
- Current owners: $60, $50, or $40, depending on the purchase date.
- Previous owners: $10.

Rock ‘n Plays Role in Infant Deaths

In April 2019, Fisher-Price recalled all 4.7 million Rock ‘n Play Sleepers it had sold since October 2009 and admitted it was aware of 32 infant deaths.

The lawsuit was initiated by parents, including Samathan Drover-Mundy and Zachary Mundy, whose infant daughter died in one of the sleepers in 2018. They claimed Mattel was aware of the risks but continued to sell the product.

In addition to this multi-district litigation, Fisher-Price and Mattel are also defendants in more than 35 wrongful death suits brought by parents of infants who tragically died in the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper.

Amazon, initially named in the lawsuit, was released from claims after agreeing to assist with discovery. The settlement aims to compensate consumers and encourage them to stop using the sleepers.

Safer Sleep For Babies

This settlement marks a significant step in addressing the safety concerns and compensating affected families.

“After five years of litigation, we’re happy to be able to present to the court a settlement that not only compensates past purchasers for their economic losses, but is designed to incentivize current owners of Rock ‘n Play Sleepers to disable them and participate in the settlement,” said Demet Basar. “Getting these products out of consumers’ hands has been one of the primary goals of this litigation.”

If you own or previously owned a Rock ‘n Play Sleeper, keep an eye out for further updates on how to claim your compensation. The class is represented by Demet Basar, Dee Miles, James Eubank, Paul Evans, and Dylan Martin from Beasley Allen Crow Methvin Portis & Miles PC and Connors LLP.

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Social Media Cases Making Progress in California Courts

We continue to take on some of the biggest names in social media—Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube. The firm is pursuing claims on behalf of thousands of individuals, both adults and minors, who have suffered injuries due to addiction to these platforms.

Beasley Allen is also representing hundreds of school districts that have incurred expenses related to students’ social media addictions.

Cases Selected for Discovery

Two courts in California—the Federal District Court for the Northern District of California and the Superior Court for the County of Los Angeles—have chosen bellwether cases to start the discovery phase. The discovery phase includes gathering information, evidence, and testimony, all in preparation for the trials scheduled to begin in 2025.

Federal District Court

Cases Selected: 12 personal injury cases and 12 school board cases.
Beasley Allen’s Role: Represents three personal injury cases and co-represents four school board cases.

Los Angeles Superior Court

Cases Selected: 21 personal injury cases.
Beasley Allen’s Role: Represents 10 of these personal injury cases.

While the legal process is moving forward, there have been some setbacks as is typical in litigations of this magnitude. The Los Angeles Superior Court dismissed claims from some school boards based on laws from California, Florida, Rhode Island, and Washington. These school board cases are currently on hold pending an appeal.

The Impact of Social Media Addiction

Social media addiction has become a growing concern, affecting individuals and communities in various ways:

Mental Health: Prolonged use of social media can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues like self-harm and suicidal ideation.
Physical Health: Addiction can result in poor sleep patterns, eye strain, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Academic Performance: Students addicted to social media may experience a decline in academic performance and increased absenteeism.
Financial Costs: School districts are incurring additional expenses to address issues related to students’ social media addictions, including counseling services and educational programs.

Looking Ahead

Our goal is to hold these tech giants accountable and seek justice for those affected. The outcomes of these cases could set significant precedents for how social media companies are regulated and how they address the potential harms of their platforms.

As the discovery phase progresses, Beasley Allen attorneys will work diligently to gather evidence and prepare for the upcoming trials. The firm remains committed to advocating for the rights of those affected by social media addiction and seeking meaningful solutions to combat this issue.

Stay tuned for more updates as these cases progress towards trial in 2025.

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Victory Against Company Selling Kids Suicide Chemical

Beasley Allen, along with its co-counsel C.A. Goldberg, PLLC, recently secured a win at the motion to dismiss stage on behalf of four families. These families tragically lost their loved ones due to an Alabama company allegedly marketing and selling sodium nitrite—a dangerous chemical with no known household use.

What is Sodium Nitrite?

Sodium Nitrite is a type of salt with the chemical formula NaNO₂. It looks like a white or light yellow crystal-like powder and it dissolves easily in water. It also soaks up moisture from the air.

Uses: Sodium nitrite is used as a preservative in processed meats and fish products. It’s also used to make dyes, pharmaceuticals, and in organic chemistry labs.
Toxicity: It’s important to use it carefully. Ingesting large amounts is harmful and likely deadly, leading to a condition called methemoglobinemia, which reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.
Safety: Handling sodium nitrite requires extreme precautions. It harmful and likely deadly if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

Knowledge and Negligence

Duda Energy had known since 2019 that its sodium nitrite had no household use and was being promoted on suicide forums like SanctionedSuicide. Despite this knowledge, the company continued to sell the chemical without requiring a business license or implementing other precautionary measures. A Duda executive even admitted in a 2019 letter that the company was aware of the product’s use in suicides but chose to continue selling it as a business decision.

Importance & Future Implications

The recent win at the motion to dismiss stage is a crucial step in seeking justice for the affected families. It highlights the importance of corporate responsibility and the need for stringent regulations to prevent such tragedies. This victory not only brings hope to the families involved but also sets a precedent for future cases involving the irresponsible marketing and sale of dangerous products.

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Judge Denies J&J’s Bid to Disqualify Beasley Allen

On July 19, 2024, Judge John Porto of the New Jersey Superior Court ruled that J&J had not provided “any credible basis” for its claims that Beasley Allen’s Andy Birchfield had formed an unethical alliance with one of the company’s former lawyers.

On the same day, Judge Rukhsanah Singh, working on similar cases in a federal court in New Jersey, asked Johnson & Johnson to explain why she shouldn’t adopt Judge Porto’s order in the federal MDL..

Background on the Bid to Disqualify

J&J has consistently denied plaintiffs’ claims that its talc products contain cancer-causing asbestos, asserting their safety.

In December, J&J filed motions to disqualify Beasley Allen from representing plaintiffs who allege they developed cancer from the company’s talc products.

J&J accused Andy Birchfield of not acting ethically because he worked with James Conlan, who used to be a partner at the law firm- Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath.

Conlan had previously worked on the talc litigation for J&J before leaving legal practice in 2022. However, Judge Porto found no evidence to support J&J’s allegations.

The Road Ahead

“It’s gratifying that the state court found that as individuals, and on behalf of our firm, we can continue to seek justice for the thousands of women and families whose lives have been devastated by J&J’s talc-based powders. The abuse and manipulation of our judicial system by the company and the personal attacks J&J has pursued continue to be exposed as bullying tactics designed to intimidate and silence other lawyers, scientists, organizations, consultants, and members of the news media who have sought and exposed the truth. The deceit and denials by J&J will not deter us from seeking fair and equitable compensation for those victims,” says Andy Birchfield.

J&J is still asking for votes to agree to its bankruptcy plan, which needs a ‘yes’ from 75% of the people involved. The voting deadline is set for July 26, 2024. Despite two previous failed attempts to shed its liability in bankruptcy, J&J continues to try and take advantage of the system.

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