Top 10 Biggest Wrongful Death Settlements in the US

Wrongful death settlements can reach staggering figures that most would not expect. We understand that. We also understand that while on this topic, people search for all sorts of information. From the “largest wrongful death settlement” to the “wrongful death lawsuit average settlement,” there are many questions. Fortunately, this article from Sandel Law Firm will answer all of that. Please continue reading below. We’ll highlight the top ten biggest wrongful death settlements in the United States. 

What Is the Highest Wrongful Death Settlement?

Note: Despite our research and efforts, we can not say for certain that this list is 100 percent up to date. However, we do believe that it is as accurate as possible. Please keep that in mind as you read. Secondly, many of the specific details of the settlements are hidden from public view. We tried to obtain as much information for you as possible, particularly on the highest wrong death settlement below. 

$160,000,000.00 - Galdamez, et al. v. U-Haul Co. of Pennsylvania, et al.

• Attorneys: Alan M. Feldman, Daniel J. Mann, Edward S. Goldis of Feldman Shepherd Wohlgelernter Tanner Weinstock & Dodig LLP; Andrew R. Duffy, Robert J. Mongeluzzi, Benjamin J. Baer of Saltz Mongeluzzi Barrett & Bendesky PC
• Type: Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Burn Injury, Negligent Maintenance, Negligent Tort, Strict Liability
• State: Pennsylvania

In July 2014, a food truck owner, Olga Galdamez, and her daughter, Jaylin, died from burn-related injuries in an explosion. The explosion was caused by a leak in one of their propane tanks. Galdamez previously brought her tanks to a U-Haul subsidiary for filling, despite being outdated and missing required safety valves. The tanks were eventually overfilled on that site. That left no room for gases inside the tanks to expand. Through unknown means, their truck and a utility pole caught fire, eventually claiming both their lives and injuring others.Later on, it was decided that a $160 million settlement would be split three ways. One plaintiff will receive $69 million. Another plaintiff will receive $54 million, and the estates of Olga and Jaylin will receive $36.47 million. 

$33,300,000.00 - Plaintiffs v. Recycling Plant Owner

• Attorneys: Clayton Fitzsimmons, Mark Colantonio of Fitzsimmons Law Firm, PLLC
• Type: Dangerous Condition, Negligent Tort, Work Accident, Workplace Safety, Wrongful Death,
• State: West Virginia

$26,000,000.00 - Munoz, et al. v. Driver

• Attorneys: Matthew W. Clark, Gregory L. Bentley, Keith P. More, Jaimi M. Groothuis, Natasha Axelrod of Bentley & More LLP
• Type: Automobile Accidents, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injuries, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death, Brain Injuries, Negligent Torts
• State: California

$20,000,000.00 - Estate of Manzera, et al. v. Frugoli, et al.

• Attorneys: Kevin J. Conway of Cooney & Conway; Timothy J. Cavanagh, Michael Sorich of Cavanagh Law Group
• Type: Car Accident, Motor Vehicle Accident, Negligent Supervision, Wrongful Death, DUI, Negligent Tort, Vicarious Liability, Respondeat Superior
• State: Illinois

$14,350,000.00 - Mendoza v. Los Angeles County

• Attorneys: Garo Mardirossian of Mardirossian & Associates Inc.
• Type: Civil Rights Violation, Excessive Force, Government Negligence, Professional Malpractice, Wrongful Death, Negligent Training
• State: California

$14,000,000.00 - Estate of Bogenberger v. Pi Kappa Alpha Corp, Inc., et al.

• Attorneys: Peter R. Coladarci of Peter R. Coladarci, Ltd.
• Type: Failure to Warn, Wrongful Death, Negligent Tort
• State: Illinois

$13,600,000.00 - Estate of Indugula v. Salesforce.com Inc., et al.

• Attorneys: Luke Ellis, Kristin M. Lucey of GJEL Accident Attorneys
• Type: Premises Liability, Work Accidents, Workplace Negligence 
• State: California

$13,000,000.00 - Schulte v. Mullan, et al.

• Attorneys: Stephen L. Bulzomi, John R. Christensen, Jeremy A. Johnston of Evergreen Personal Injury Counsel
• Type: Automobile Accident, Government Negligence, Motor Vehicle Accident, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death
• State: Washington

$12,000,000.00 - Gruppioni, et al. v. City of Los Angeles

• Attorneys: Gregory L. Bentley, Clare H. Lucich, Matthew W. Clark of Bentley & More LLP
• Type: Automobile Accidents, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Failure to Protect, Hit-and-Run Accidents
• State: California

$11,750,000.00 - Olin v. County of Los Angeles

• Attorneys: Bruce A. Broillet, Alan L. Van Gelder of Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP
• Type: Motorcycle Accidents, Car Accidents, Wrongful Death, Gross Negligence, Negligent Tort
• State: California

At Sandel Law Firm, we specialize in wrongful death cases. If you or a loved one need support, contact us as soon as possible for the representation you deserve. We have free consultations available now.