
Legal Settlement News
The latest legal settlement stories, summarized by AI
Featured Legal Settlement Stories


Norfolk Southern Settles for $310M Over East Palestine Derailment
Norfolk Southern has reached a $600 million class action settlement over the 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which includes payments for environmental cleanup, community health programs, and long-term monitoring. The company will also pay nearly $235 million to cover the EPA's cleanup costs and additional penalties, though it does not admit responsibility for the incident.

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Uvalde Families Reach Settlement with City Over School Shooting
ABC News•1 year ago
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DOJ Reaches $100M Settlement with Nassar Assault Survivors
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Associated Press

The U.S. Justice Department is reportedly set to pay around $100 million to settle claims with approximately 100 individuals who were sexually assaulted by former sports doctor Larry Nassar. The settlement stems from a period when FBI agents mishandled abuse allegations against Nassar, with survivors including prominent Olympic gymnasts. The deal, not yet finalized, follows an internal investigation confirming FBI errors, and comes after Michigan State University, USA Gymnastics, and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee reached substantial settlements with Nassar's survivors.
Hugh Grant Refuses Settlement in Privacy Case Against The Sun Publisher
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Variety

Actor Hugh Grant has settled his privacy case against the publisher of The Sun, Rupert Murdoch's News Group Newspapers, regarding allegations of unlawful information gathering. Grant had claimed that The Sun employed private investigators to tap his phone in 2011. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but Grant stated that the settlement money will be repurposed into the general campaign to expose the worst excesses of the press. He refused to let it be hush money and expressed his ongoing commitment to fighting for a free and accountable press.
"Smartmatic Settles Defamation Lawsuit Against OAN Over Election Conspiracy Theories"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Washington Post

Smartmatic has settled its lawsuit against One America News (OANN) over the network's coverage of the 2020 election, with the terms of the settlement remaining confidential. The lawsuit, filed in November 2021, was part of a series of legal actions against right-leaning networks for airing unproven allegations of voting fraud. Smartmatic's cases against Fox News and Newsmax are ongoing, with the company alleging that the coverage damaged its reputation and caused financial harm. OANN, which denied the allegations, saw its reach diminish after being dropped by cable companies. Dominion Voting Systems also settled with Fox News for $787.5 million, and has a pending case against Newsmax. Fox News and Smartmatic are currently in a dispute over the exchange of internal documents, with a trial expected in 2025.
"Smartmatic Settles Defamation Case with OAN"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by CNN

One America News and Smartmatic have settled a defamation lawsuit related to false claims about the 2020 election, with details of the settlement remaining confidential. Smartmatic alleged that OAN spread lies to increase viewership and revenue, and the case was one of several filed against right-wing outlets post-election. OAN, known for promoting baseless conspiracy theories, has faced legal challenges and was dropped by DirecTV in 2022. While the Smartmatic case is resolved, OAN still faces a separate defamation lawsuit from Dominion over its promotion of election lies.
Norfolk Southern Settles Ohio Derailment Suit for $600 Million
Originally Published 1 year ago — by NPR

Norfolk Southern has agreed to pay $600 million to settle a class-action lawsuit related to the fiery train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, in February 2023, which involved 38 train cars, including 11 carrying hazardous chemicals. The settlement, which does not admit wrongdoing, aims to address potential adverse impacts for individuals and businesses within a 20-mile radius of the derailment, with compensation available for healthcare needs, property restoration, and business loss. The agreement, subject to federal judge approval, is expected to provide substantial compensation to affected residents and businesses, with payments potentially beginning by the end of the year.
"Claim Your Cash: Walmart Shoppers Eligible for $45M Settlement Payout"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by USA TODAY

Walmart is facing a class-action lawsuit over alleged overcharging on certain grocery items, with a $45 million settlement agreed upon. Shoppers who bought eligible products between October 2018 and January 2024 could claim up to $500 by submitting a claim before the June 5, 2024 deadline. Those without receipts can still claim between $10 and $25. Walmart has denied any wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement, which is pending final approval in June 2024.
"George Carlin's Estate Settles Lawsuit Over AI-Generated Comedy Special"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The New York Times

The estate of comedian George Carlin has reached a settlement with podcast hosts who used artificial intelligence to impersonate Carlin for a comedy special. The hosts agreed to permanently remove the special, not use Carlin's image or voice without approval, and the settlement terms include confidential monetary damages. Carlin's estate had accused the hosts of copyright infringement and illegal use of Carlin's name and likeness, highlighting the potential dangers of A.I. technologies. Carlin's daughter expressed hope that the case serves as a warning about the need for appropriate safeguards with A.I. technologies.
"Family Victory: Settlement Reached in Hilton Head Land Dispute"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The New York Times

The family of Josephine Wright, who passed away at 94, has settled a legal dispute with a developer over their ancestral land in Hilton Head, South Carolina. The settlement recognizes the family's ownership of the land, which had been in their possession since the Civil War. The developer, Bailey Point Investments, had sued Wright for encroachment, but the terms of the settlement require the company to cease contacting the family about acquiring the land, fix a roof on the property, put up a privacy fence, and provide landscaping. The property, a gathering spot for generations of Wright's family, holds significant sentimental value beyond its monetary worth.
"UFC Agrees to $335 Million Settlement in Athlete Class-Action Lawsuits"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Variety

TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of UFC, has agreed to pay $335 million to settle two class-action lawsuits filed by former UFC fighters alleging antitrust law violations. The lawsuits claimed that UFC paid fighters less than they were entitled to and engaged in anticompetitive actions. The settlement will be paid in installments over time and is subject to court approval.
"Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie Families Reach Emotional Distress Lawsuit Settlement"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Newsday

The parents of Gabby Petito have reached a settlement in their emotional distress lawsuit against Brian Laundrie's parents, avoiding a trial that was scheduled for May. The settlement comes after Petito's parents claimed intentional infliction of emotional distress, alleging that Laundrie's parents knew she was dead but ignored pleas to help locate her. The terms of the settlement are confidential, and both parties expressed a desire to move on and honor Gabby's legacy. This resolution follows a previous $3 million settlement in a wrongful-death lawsuit against the Laundrie estate.