Coastal Law, LLC

$37M

Product Liability, Personal Injury

A jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $30 million to Stephen Lanzo, who developed mesothelioma after using their talcum powder products for decades. His wife was awarded an additional $7 million. The lawsuit alleged failure to inform customers about health risks of asbestos in talcum powder.

$6M

Wrongful Death, Premises Liability

Lawsuit based on a Hanahan apartment complex drowning in 2016 settled for $6 million after the federal district court denied the apartment complex’s motion for summary judgment. A three-year-old child wandered into the swimming pool area through an unsecured door, was found face down in the pool, and died a week later. Family sued for wrongful death, alleging negligence and gross negligence due to unsecured gates and a climbable fence.

$28.1M

Product Liability, Personal Injury

A verdict of almost $30 million against tobacco company R.J. Reynolds will stand after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the case. Barbara Izzarelli, a former smoker, developed cancer of the larynx and sued, arguing the company marketed to minors and that Salem cigarettes had addictive nicotine levels. The jury found R.J. Reynolds acted with reckless disregard for customer safety.

$547,129

Slip and Fall, Premises Liability

A woman who tripped on a rug and fell while volunteering at a Myrtle Beach recreation center Bingo game won a $547,128.93 verdict. The court reduced her damages to $300,000 due to the cap imposed by the South Carolina Tort Claims Act. Staff at the rec center had been warned about the rugs being a safety hazard but did nothing.

$97,640

Slip and Fall, Personal Injury

William Huck filed suit against several defendants after he slipped and fell walking into an establishment. Jurors returned a verdict against Avtex for $97,640, which was then reduced by 50% due to comparative negligence, leaving $48,820. Further reductions were expected due to prior secret settlements with other defendants.

$2.1M

Wrongful Death, Police Misconduct

The city and others settled a civil suit for $2,150,000 in the case of Zach Hammond, who was shot and killed by Seneca police officer Mark Tiller during an attempted drug deal. Officer Tiller fired into Hammond's car as he attempted to drive away.