$622M in Damages for the Families of 11 Victims

value life

So what is a reasonable number of dollars to award in a wrongful death case or for a victim’s pain and suffering? The simple answer: millions of dollars. A federal judge in Washington on October 15, 2014 awarded $622 million to the families (estates) of 11 victims of the 1998 bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, resolving the last remaining claims against the governments of Iran and Sudan for their role in the attacks. The case is Owens v. Republic of Sudan, No. 01-2244 (JDB) (Oct. 15, 2014). U.S. District Judge John Bates, a George W. Bush appointee, carefully analyzed precedent and concluded that the families of the eleven deceased victims of the bombings should receive a total of $622 million.

Judge Bate’s carefully analyzed opinion lays bare the complete absurdity of capping non-economic [pain and suffering] damages and loss of consortium damages to $750,000 in Tennessee pursuant to the TN GOP’s power grab (and terribly misnamed) “Tennessee Civil Justice Act of 2011.”

Here’s what the Court ruled in Owens:

“Plaintiffs who suffer serious physical injuries tend to receive a $5 million award; plaintiffs who suffer relatively more serious or numerous injuries may receive $7 million (or more); and plaintiffs whose injuries are relatively less serious or who only suffer emotional injuries may receive something closer to $1.5 million. See Valore, 700 F. Supp. 2d at 84–85; O’Brien, 853 F. Supp. 2d at 47.”

“The commonly accepted framework for solatium [consortium] damages . . . used in Peterson, where spouses of deceased victims receive $8 million, parents of deceased victims receive $5 million, and siblings of deceased victims receive $2.5 million. 515 F. Supp. 2d at 52. And where the victim does not die, but instead only suffers injury, the solatium awards are halved: Spouses receive $4 million, parents receive $2.5 million, and siblings receive $1.25 million. Id. Moreover, this Court has previously held that children of deceased and injured victims should receive awards akin to those given to parents (i.e., $5 million where the victim died, and $2.5 million where the victim suffered injury). See, e.g., Mwila, 2014 WL 1284978, at *5 (“[C]hildren who lose parents are likely to suffer as much as parents who lose children.”).”

If you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one click here to contact us for a confidential case review.

We've Helped Thousands of People Just Like You

We are known for getting life-changing results and fighting to make our communities safer.

Why Choose Us As Your  Attorney?

With us on your side, you can focus on what’s most important – your recovery.

Decades Of Experience

Decades Of Experience

Our Nashville personal injury attorneys have over 75 years of combined practice handling cases involving personal injury, medical malpractice, civil rights, medical device lawsuits, wrongful death, and more.

Excellent Reputation

Excellent Reputation

DRS Law is a well-respected personal injury law firm based in Nashville. Our lawyers have  been selected as a Mid-South Super Lawyer, named one of the Top    100 attorneys in Tennessee in all fields of practice, and is included in the Best Lawyers in America guidebook.

Small Case Volume

Small Case Volume

Unlike many Nashville firms that handle a large volume of cases, we concentrate on a select few cases. With this, our attorneys ensure that every step is taken to obtain the most favorable outcomes for our clients.

We Prepare For Trial

We Prepare For Trial

Every case is meticulously prepared for trial by our trial team and support staff in order to maximize the recovery for our client, whether by settlement or trial verdict. Our proven track record of success has resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements and judgments.