1. Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement ($206 Billion)
What happened
- U.S. states sued major tobacco companies for hiding smoking health risks for decades
Who was affected
- Smokers and their families
- State healthcare systems
- Taxpayers
Quick facts
- Still the largest class action settlement in history
- Payments are ongoing
- Completely changed tobacco advertising laws
2. Volkswagen Diesel Emissions Scandal ($30+ Billion)
What happened
- Volkswagen used software to cheat emissions tests
Who was affected
- Diesel car owners worldwide
- Environmental regulators
- Urban populations
Quick facts
- Over 11 million vehicles impacted
- Buybacks + cash payouts issued
- One of the biggest class action lawsuits involving consumer fraud
3. BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill ($20+ Billion)
What happened
- BP drilling rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010
Who was affected
- Fishermen
- Coastal businesses
- Cleanup workers
Quick facts
- Worst offshore oil spill ever
- Over 400,000 claims filed
- One of the biggest environmental class action lawsuits (
4. Enron Securities Fraud ($7.2 Billion)
What happened
- Enron hid debt using accounting manipulation
Who was affected
- Shareholders
- Employees who lost pensions
Quick facts
- Triggered the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
- Major trust collapse in U.S. markets
- A landmark investor class action case
5. Johnson & Johnson Talc Litigation ($4+ Billion)
What happened
- Johnson & Johnson faced claims linking talc to asbestos exposure
Who was affected
- Long-term product users
- Cancer patients and families
Quick facts
- Some single verdicts crossed $1B
- Litigation is still active
- One of the biggest product liability class action lawsuits
6. Wells Fargo Fake Accounts Scandal ($3 Billion)
What happened
- Wells Fargo employees opened unauthorized accounts
Who was affected
- Millions of customers
- Credit scores and financial records
Quick facts
- Over 16 million fake accounts
- CEO resigned
- Major consumer trust fallout
7. AOL Time Warner Shareholder Lawsuit ($2.65 Billion)
What happened
- AOL Time Warner inflated earnings post-merger
Who was affected
- Investors
- Pension funds
Quick facts
- One of the largest investor settlements ever
- Became a merger cautionary tale
8. BP Texas City Refinery Explosion ($1.6 Billion)
What happened
- Explosion caused by ignored safety warnings
Who was affected
- Refinery workers
- Families of victims
Quick facts
- 15 workers killed
- Separate from Deepwater Horizon
- Reinforced BP’s safety violations record
9. Facebook / Cambridge Analytica Privacy Case ($725 Million)
What happened
- Meta Platforms allowed misuse of user data
Who was affected
- Facebook users worldwide
Quick facts
- Claims didn’t require proof of harm
- Set precedent for data privacy cases
- One of the biggest digital-era class action lawsuits
10. Equifax Data Breach ($700 Million)
What happened
- Equifax exposed sensitive personal data
Who was affected
- 147 million consumers
Quick facts
- Social Security numbers leaked
- Free credit monitoring offered
- Rounded out the list of biggest class action lawsuits in modern history
FAQs
How does MoneyPilot work with class action settlements?
MoneyPilot helps users find class action settlements they may be eligible for and keeps track of claim deadlines. Instead of searching case by case, everything is organized in one place. A full breakdown is available in
everything you need to know about MoneyPilot.
Does MoneyPilot track deadlines and send alerts?
Yes. MoneyPilot tracks claim deadlines and sends reminders so users can file before settlements close, preventing them from losing out on potential compensation. You can start by
signing up.
Is there an app for MoneyPilot?
Yes. MoneyPilot is available as an app so users can track settlements, monitor deadlines, and manage claims without relying on scattered emails.
What is a class action settlement?
A class action settlement happens when a company agrees to compensate a group of people affected by the same issue, such as overcharging, data breaches, or misleading practices. Learn
how settlements come together.
Do class action lawsuit rules change depending on the state?
Yes. While many follow federal guidelines, states like California can have specific consumer protection laws and different certification standards. Learn about
lawsuits in California.
Do I need to start a lawsuit to get money from a class action?
No. Most people claim money after a settlement is finalized. The biggest risk is missing the filing deadline, not failing to start legal action yourself.