Record-Breaking Jury Verdict: Family Awarded $745 Million in Wrongful Death Case
A St. Louis jury has awarded $745 million to the family of Marissa Politte, who was killed in a 2020 crash. The wrongful death lawsuit was brought against Trenton Geiger, Coughing Cardinal, and United Brands. The lawsuit alleges that United Brands, a manufacturer of nitrous oxide chargers known as whippets, and Coughing Cardinal, a local head shop, were involved in an illicit nitrous oxide distribution ring. The jury found United Brands 70% at fault and awarded $700 million in damages for aggravating circumstances, while Coughing Cardinal was found 20% at fault and ordered to pay $25 million. Geiger, who had used nitrous oxide before the crash, was sentenced to six years in prison.