Plaintiff’s lawyers cut a $300 million deal with Monsanto spinoff Solutia to resolve a long-running toxic-tort case in Anniston, Alabama. Under the agreement approved by the court, 27 lawyers are going to split $120 million, with $29 million going to Johnnie Cochran’s firm (Aug. 29 and links from there; much more) and $34 million to Jere Beasley’s Montgomery-based law firm (Dec. 1, 2003; Nov. 16, 1999). “Once the lawyers and other expenses are paid, the awards for each of the Anniston plaintiffs will average $7,725, though some will receive more if their health damages are shown to be greater.” Locals are furious. (“PCB Case Payouts Roil Alabama City”, AP/Washington Post, Mar. 24; Jessica Centers, “PCBs plaintiffs demand answers”, Anniston Star/MSNBC, Mar. 24; Ellen Barry, “Lawyers’ fees eat up much of settlement over toxic chemicals”, Los Angeles Times/Seattle Times, Apr. 14). More: Dr. Elizabeth Whelan of the American Council on Science and Health is dubious about the science underlying the Anniston claims (“The case of the mute scientists”, Washington Times, Feb. 27, 2003, reprinted at ACSH site). Update Dec. 6: Forbes covers aftermath; overall settlement reported at $600 million with lawyers taking $234 million.

Filed under: Alabama, environment, Seattle