On March 4, 2025, Judge Josephine Staton of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California granted final approval to a nationwide settlement addressing defective fuel pumps in certain Mazda vehicles. This settlement is a significant win for over 1 million owners of nearly 631,000 Mazda vehicles built between 2017 and 2020, with an estimated value of over $172 million.

What’s Included in the Settlement?

• Free Repairs and Replacements: If your Mazda vehicle has a defective fuel pump, you can get it replaced at no cost. This applies to all affected vehicles, whether or not they were previously recalled.
• Extended Warranty: Mazda will provide a 15-year warranty on fuel pumps for over 510,000 additional vehicles that were not previously recalled but contain the defective Denso fuel pumps. For the 120,000 vehicles that were recalled and had their fuel pumps replaced, the warranty extends to 15 years or 150,000 miles.
• Additional Benefits: During repairs, owners are entitled to free loaner vehicles and towing services if necessary.
• Reimbursement Program: There is no cap on reimbursements for fuel-pump-related repairs, ensuring that owners can recover out-of-pocket expenses.

The Defective Fuel Pumps

The issue stems from fuel pumps manufactured by Denso, which contained a defective impeller. This impeller, made from material too porous to withstand its environment, can deform due to excessive fuel absorption, leading to rough engine running, difficulty starting the vehicle, and stalling. These defects have caused dangerous driving conditions and near misses reported by drivers.

In 2020, Denso recalled its defective fuel pumps, which were installed in over 2 million vehicles, including Subarus, Hondas, Mazdas, and Toyotas. Mazda followed with a recall in 2021 for nearly 120,000 vehicles but missed others. This settlement ensures all affected Mazda vehicles are covered.

Related Cases

This settlement is the third of four class actions against auto manufacturers with Denso-made fuel pumps. Our team is dedicated to holding car manufacturers responsible for their mistakes. We’ve secured hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients in recent fuel pump class action cases, addressing serious concerns about vehicle safety and the financial impact on consumers.

• Toyota and Denso: Resulted in an estimated $287 million in economic relief.
• Subaru and Denso: Provided an estimated $380 million in economic relief.
• Honda and Denso: Litigation is ongoing.

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Product Liability Settlement

$4 Million Product Liability Settlement

For more than 45 years, the Beasley Allen Law Firm has been committed to “helping those who need it most.”  

Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling complex cases in courtrooms throughout the United States. In some situations, specific details are too intimate to disclose. 

We never stop working to bring our clients the justice they rightfully deserve. We can work for you too. Contact us for a free case evaluation. You pay us nothing if we do not win for you. 

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A Texas bankruptcy judge has rejected Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J) third attempt to use Chapter 11 bankruptcy to settle thousands of claims that its talc products caused cancer. This decision dismisses the Chapter 11 case of J&J’s unit, Red River Talc, and nullifies a proposed $9 billion settlement deal due to issues with the company’s voting procedures and third-party releases.

The Court’s Decision

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher M. Lopez ruled that voting irregularities before Red River’s bankruptcy filing justified dismissing the case. The ruling followed a two-week trial where parties argued that the “Texas two-step” bankruptcy was filed in bad faith. Judge Lopez found that Red River had rushed into bankruptcy and misapplied its vote-counting procedures, which ultimately jeopardized its Chapter 11 plan to address around 90,000 cancer claims against J&J.

Judge Lopez emphasized that the voting problems were too significant to overlook. He noted that some claimants were given an “unreasonably short time to vote,” and others had their votes switched from “no” to “yes” improperly.  Judge Lopez also ruled that the Supreme Court’s decision in the Purdue case prevented J&J from obtaining third party releases in the bankruptcy for Kenvue and hundreds of retailers, which J&J has stated was essential to the plan.

What It Means For Claimants

The court’s decision means that J&J will return to the tort system to litigate the talc claims rather than pursue an appeal. This ruling is seen as a victory for the claimants, ensuring that their voices are heard and that justice is served. Adam Silverstein, one of the lead attorneys representing the Coalition of Counsel for Justice for Talc Claimants, stated that the ruling shuts down J&J’s attempts to wear down victims through delay tactics and legal loopholes.

At The Forefront

We represent thousands of plaintiffs nationwide who were diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using J&J’s talc-based products. Our relentless pursuit of justice has led to landmark verdicts, compelling J&J to face responsibility with jury-awarded damages totaling over $724 million.

J&J’s efforts to use bankruptcy to settle these claims have now been thwarted three times. The company initially filed for Chapter 11 in 2021, and after the Third Circuit dismissed it, J&J put the talc unit into bankruptcy again in New Jersey. Red River was created last year through a divisional merger that saddled it with liabilities tied to the talc litigation facing J&J.

While J&J maintains that its talc products are safe, the ongoing litigation and court rulings highlight the importance of holding corporations accountable for their actions. We will continue to fight for justice for all those affected.

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No more surprises- We recently secured a $1.25 million settlement for Phenix City against Master Meter, Inc. and Empire Pipe and Supply Company after experiencing significant billing chaos. This victory ensures that residents won’t face unexpected charges due to faulty water meters.

Importance of Being Trial Ready

This case had significant legal hurdles which made achieving settlement difficult. Elizabeth Weyerman and Gavin King diligently prepared the case for trial. This settlement happened just hours before the case was set to be tried in Russell County.

The Root of the Problem

The problem started with defective water meter registers that led to incorrect billing. These registers had a software glitch which caused the battery to die much sooner than expected. When the trucks came by to read the registers, they were unable to get a signal because the battery was dead. This led to the computer system creating “estimated bills” based on past months’ usage. Many residents faced surprise charges because of this malfunction. Additionally, the city was required to use much of its own time and money to attempt to fix the problems caused by the defect in the registers. As a result, the City hired Beasley Allen to file a lawsuit on their behalf.

Looking Ahead

The city’s proactive approach, combined with the work of Beasley Allen, ensured that residents’ interests were protected. This victory highlights the importance of accountability and the city’s commitment to its residents’ well-being.

With the settlement secured, residents of Phenix City can now look forward to more accurate water bills and a sense of justice served. Phenix City intends to put these funds towards the purchase of a new water meter system. The resolution of this issue marks a new chapter for the community, free from the surprises and financial burdens caused by defective water metering products. Phenix City’s efforts have set a precedent for addressing similar issues in the future, ensuring that residents’ rights are protected.

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A victory for workplace safety: Kendall Dunson secured a staggering $7.2 million settlement for the family of a Montgomery, Alabama, food processing plant worker who lost his life in a machinery accident.

The Incident

On March 9, 2021, a devastating workplace accident at a food processing facility led to the tragic death of an employee. While cleaning equipment used in the processing of food products, the employee’s clothing became entangled in a rotating shaft, resulting in severe injuries and ultimately his death.

The Lawsuit

We understand the profound impact that workplace injuries and fatalities can have on families. In this case, our dedicated team of attorneys fought tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable. The lawsuit claimed that the machine involved in the accident was unreasonably dangerous and defective. We argued that the manufacturers and co-employees failed to ensure the machine’s safety through proper design, maintenance, and safety measures.

Our goal was to secure justice for the victim’s family by seeking compensation for wrongful death under various legal theories, including workers’ compensation, negligence, and wantonness. We are proud to have provided some measure of relief and support to the grieving family.

Impact & Experience

When our team of lawyers looks into workers’ compensation cases, they often find that the cause is a faulty industrial product. This means that something went wrong with the equipment or machinery at work, causing the accident.

Workplace injuries can have devastating consequences, not only for the injured employees but also for their families. In cases like this, where the injuries are severe or fatal, it is crucial to hire a skilled attorney who can navigate the complexities of the legal system and fight for the rights of the victims. An experienced attorney can help secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, ensuring that justice is served and the responsible parties are held accountable.

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On December 15, 2021, our client, Mr. Martin, experienced a life-altering accident on Interstate 85 caused by a negligent driver with a suspended commercial license. Despite the initial minimal insurance offer, we fought relentlessly and successfully secured a $4.5 million settlement.

The Accident

Mr. Martin was driving his 2008 Chevrolet Silverado when his day took a tragic turn. A tractor-trailer driver, who had a suspended commercial driver’s license, fell asleep at the wheel and lost control of his vehicle. The truck struck the back of Mr. Martin’s car, causing it to roll over and crash off the interstate.

Unfortunately, this caused Mr. Martin to suffer from severe injuries, including pain, mental anguish, disfigurement, and permanent physical impairment. He needed extensive medical treatment and couldn’t perform his usual activities. Sadly, on March 21, 2023, Mr. Martin passed away due to injuries from the accident.

Knowing Your (Case’s) Worth

When dealing with insurance claims, it’s crucial to understand the true value of your case. This involves thoroughly assessing all damages, including medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages. By knowing the full extent of your losses, you can confidently reject inadequate insurance offers that don’t fully compensate you. Remember, insurance companies often aim to settle claims quickly and for as little as possible.

In Mr. Martin’s case, despite the insurance company’s initial offer of minimal compensation, we fought tirelessly to ensure justice for him and his family. We refused to accept the inadequate settlement and pursued the case aggressively, ultimately securing the compensation they deserved.

Importance of Experience

Serious injuries, whether physical or psychological, can have life-altering impacts. Often, these injuries result from negligent or reckless behavior. At the core of our mission as personal injury lawyers is investigating these claims to seek justice for those affected.

Our personal injury lawyers are nationally recognized for their success in representing clients across the country who have suffered serious injuries. We are committed to fighting for the compensation our clients deserve, no matter how challenging the case. When it comes to these claims, having an experienced attorney is important. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

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In today’s fast-paced world, convenience often takes precedence over nutrition. From frozen dinners to prepackaged snacks, ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become a staple in many households. But what exactly are these foods, and why should we be concerned about them?

Unpacking Ultra-Processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods are items that have been significantly altered from their original form. Unlike minimally processed foods like canned vegetables or freshly baked bread, UPFs are laden with artificial additives, preservatives, and sweeteners. They are crafted from substances extracted from whole foods, such as starches and hydrogenated fats, making them far removed from their natural origins. Alarmingly, many of these products are created by companies with a history in the tobacco industry, using their expertise to make foods that are not only addictive but also particularly appealing to children.

Health Risks: More Than Just Empty Calories

While ultra-processed foods may satisfy your taste buds, they often lack essential nutrients and can contribute to a host of health issues:

• Type 2 Diabetes: Diets high in ultra-processed foods are associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. These foods often contain high levels of added sugars and unhealthy fats, leading to rapid glucose spikes and insulin resistance.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to an increased risk of NAFLD. These foods contribute to poor diet quality, high saturated fat intake, and insulin resistance, which are key factors in the development of NAFLD.

The Impact on Children: A Growing Concern

Our children are growing up in a world where ultra-processed foods are everywhere. These foods, often marketed directly to kids, are designed to be irresistible. But behind the colorful packaging and fun commercials lies a serious threat to their health. Ultra-processed foods are not just tasty; they’re engineered to make kids crave more. This can lead to overeating and addiction, pushing out healthier options from their diets

Advocating For a Healthier Future

Understanding the risks associated with ultra-processed foods can help you make better choices for your health and well-being. Beasley Allen is actively investigating cases where ultra-processed foods are linked to serious health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Our focus is particularly on individuals diagnosed before age 18, highlighting the alarming impact of these foods on young people. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

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In 2025, 23 of our firm’s attorneys were honored in four of Lawdragon’s prestigious annual guides:

• The Lawdragon Green 500 – Leaders in Environmental Law
• 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers
• 500 Leading Lawyers in America
• 2025 Lawdragon Hall of Fame

Dee Miles, Head of the Consumer Fraud & Commercial Litigation Section, was inducted into the Lawdragon Hall of Fame. This accolade celebrates lawyers who have pioneered new legal practices, secured civil rights for millions, and transformed the legal profession.

Rhon Jones, Head of the Toxic Torts Section, was featured in The Lawdragon Green 500, recognizing the nation’s top environmental lawyers.

Andy Birchfield, Head of the Mass Torts Section, along with principal attorneys LaBarron Boone and Kendall Dunson, were named among the 500 Leading Lawyers in America, a distinction for attorneys who embody the dynamic spirit of American law.

Additionally, 23 of our attorneys were listed in the 2025 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers guide. Those marked with an asterisk (*) are also members of the Lawdragon Hall of Fame.

The full list includes:

• Evan Allen
• Greg Allen*
• Mike Andrews
• Ben Baker
• Jere Beasley*
• Andy Birchfield
• LaBarron Boone
• Mike Crow
• Kendall Dunson
• Graham Esdale
• Chris Glover
• Larry Golston
• Rhon Jones
• Ted Meadows
• Tom Methvin*
• Dee Miles*
• Parker Miller
• Leigh O’Dell
• Cole Portis
• Dana Taunton
• Joseph VanZandt
• Navan Ward
• Frank Woodson

Lawdragon 500 recognition is a distinct honor given by one of the most respected groups in the profession. The Lawdragon editorial team selects honorees through research and submissions, considering criteria such as top verdicts and settlements and leadership roles in class actions.

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Six attorneys from Beasley Allen Law Firm’s Atlanta office have been named to the 2025 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists for their outstanding achievements and peer recognition.

Our Atlanta office is home to a diverse team of lawyers from all practice areas, dedicated to managing a wide range of cases. Among our recent successes is a landmark $162 million settlement, the largest in Georgia history for a single automobile accident. Additionally, our attorneys handle cases involving severe injuries from medical drugs and devices and advocate for victims of fraud. Our Atlanta team strives to transform business practices to enhance safety for everyone.

Beasley Allen’s 2025 Georgia Super Lawyers:

• Chris Glover – PI Products: Plaintiff
• Parker Miller – PI Products: Plaintiff
• Rob Register – PI Med Mal: Plaintiff
• Thomas Willingham – PI Products: Plaintiff

In addition, two attorneys were included on the Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” list, which recognizes the top up-and-coming attorneys 40 years old or younger who have been practicing for 10 years or less.

Beasley Allen’s 2025 Georgia Super Lawyers Rising Stars are:

• Ben Keen – PI General: Plaintiff
• Preston Moore – PI General: Plaintiff**

**New to the list

While up to five percent of the lawyers in the state are named to Super Lawyers, no more than 2.5 percent are named to the Rising Stars list.

Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a patented multiphase selection process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with independent research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement.

The Super Lawyers lists are published in Super Lawyers Magazines, a Thomson Reuters business, and leading city and regional magazines across the country. The Super Lawyers Magazines also feature editorial profiles of attorneys who embody excellence in the practice of law. For more information, go to superlawyers.com.

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