Class-action lawsuits in the United States have emerged as an important tool for holding corporations accountable, and in 2025, these legal actions saw record-breaking payouts. The total settlements for the year exceeded $70 billion, with high-profile cases in sectors ranging from public health and data privacy to consumer protection and antitrust.
In this article, we will examine the top 10 class-action settlements of 2025, their impact on the legal landscape, and the industries affected. We will also explore the broader trends contributing to the record-setting settlements and their implications for businesses, consumers, and the future of class-action litigation.
Top 10 Class-Action Settlements of 2025
| Settlement Name | Amount | Type of Case | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue Pharma Opioid Settlement | $7.4 billion | Opioid litigation | Funds for addiction treatment and recovery efforts. |
| Meta (Facebook) Privacy Violation | $12.6 billion | Data privacy | Compensation for breach of user data privacy. |
| Volkswagen Emissions Scandal | $5.0 billion | Environmental fraud | Payouts to consumers impacted by emissions deceit. |
| Ford Vehicle Defects Settlement | $3.2 billion | Product liability | Compensation for defective vehicle models. |
| Bank of America Mortgage Fraud | $8.1 billion | Mortgage fraud | Reimbursement to affected homeowners. |
| Apple Inc. Antitrust Settlement | $2.5 billion | Antitrust violations | Consumer compensation for price-fixing of apps. |
| Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Case | $4.7 billion | Product liability, cancer claims | Payout to victims of ovarian cancer linked to talcum powder. |
| Wells Fargo Account Scandal Settlement | $3.4 billion | Consumer fraud, unauthorized accounts | Reimbursement and compensation for impacted customers. |
| Equifax Data Breach Settlement | $6.6 billion | Data breach | Compensation for affected consumers. |
| T-Mobile Data Breach Class Action | $2.1 billion | Data privacy, breach | Compensation for users impacted by 2021 data breach. |
In 2025, class‑action settlements in the United States reached an unprecedented $70 billion, driven by landmark cases across sectors. Major settlements like Purdue Pharma’s opioid resolution and Meta’s data privacy payout underscore the growing scale of corporate accountability, reshaping the landscape of consumer and environmental justice.
1. Purdue Pharma Opioid Settlement – $7.4 Billion
The Purdue Pharma opioid settlement remains one of the largest and most significant settlements of 2025. The company agreed to pay $7.4 billion in a settlement resolving claims from over 55 state attorneys general.
The suit accused Purdue Pharma of misleading doctors and patients about the addictive properties of OxyContin. This settlement aims to provide much-needed funding for addiction treatment programs and community recovery efforts.
The legal action has underscored the role of pharmaceutical companies in the opioid crisis and serves as a crucial part of the ongoing efforts to reduce the epidemic’s damage. The settlement also requires Purdue Pharma to make fundamental changes to its marketing practices.
2. Meta (Facebook) Privacy Violation – $12.6 Billion
In 2025, Meta (formerly Facebook) agreed to a $12.6 billion settlement in a class-action lawsuit over allegations that it improperly shared users’ personal data with third-party developers. The suit argued that Meta violated privacy laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
This settlement marks one of the largest payouts in the tech sector and emphasizes the growing concern over data privacy. The funds will be used to compensate affected users, while Meta will also be required to reform its data-sharing practices. This case serves as a landmark moment in the ongoing push for stricter regulations on data privacy.
3. Volkswagen Emissions Scandal – $5.0 Billion
Volkswagen’s emissions scandal continues to cost the company in 2025, as it reached a $5.0 billion settlement. The case revolves around the company’s installation of defeat devices in its diesel cars, allowing them to pass emissions tests while emitting pollutants at illegal levels.
The settlement provides funds to compensate affected consumers, including those who purchased diesel cars between 2009 and 2015. The funds are also designated for environmental restoration and vehicle buybacks. This case highlights the growing importance of corporate accountability for environmental issues.
4. Ford Vehicle Defects Settlement – $3.2 Billion
In another significant product liability case, Ford settled a class action for $3.2 billion over defective transmission systems in certain vehicles. The defects led to stalling, engine failure, and safety risks, particularly for owners of Ford’s Focus and Fiesta models.
The settlement includes funds for repairs, vehicle buybacks, and compensation for affected owners. This case emphasizes the critical role of consumer protection and safety in the automotive industry.
5. Bank of America Mortgage Fraud – $8.1 Billion
In 2025, Bank of America settled a class-action lawsuit for $8.1 billion concerning mortgage fraud that led to widespread foreclosures. The suit accused the bank of inflating home values, falsifying documents, and targeting vulnerable homeowners with predatory loans.
The funds will be used to reimburse homeowners, especially those affected by foreclosures, as well as to provide mortgage relief for others impacted by the fraudulent practices.
6. Apple Inc. Antitrust Settlement – $2.5 Billion
Apple faced significant legal challenges in 2025 over antitrust violations related to its App Store policies. The class-action lawsuit accused Apple of monopolizing the app market by forcing developers to use its payment system, resulting in high fees for consumers.
Apple agreed to a $2.5 billion settlement, which will be used to compensate consumers and adjust its App Store policies to make the platform more competitive.
7. Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Case – $4.7 Billion
In a major product liability case, Johnson & Johnson reached a settlement for $4.7 billion related to claims that its talcum powder caused ovarian cancer. The settlement resolves thousands of individual claims and provides compensation to victims of the disease, with a focus on those who used the company’s Baby Powder.
This case highlights the growing concern over consumer health safety and the accountability of companies manufacturing personal care products.
8. Wells Fargo Account Scandal Settlement – $3.4 Billion
Wells Fargo reached a $3.4 billion settlement in 2025 following allegations of unauthorized account openings. The lawsuit accused the bank of opening accounts in customers’ names without their consent to meet sales targets.
The settlement compensates affected customers and forces Wells Fargo to reform its internal practices to prevent future misconduct.
9. Equifax Data Breach Settlement – $6.6 Billion
Following its 2017 data breach, Equifax agreed to a $6.6 billion settlement to compensate the 147 million people whose personal data was exposed. The breach compromised sensitive information such as Social Security numbers and birthdates.
The settlement provides free credit monitoring for affected individuals and cash compensation. Equifax is also required to implement stronger security measures to prevent future breaches.
10. T-Mobile Data Breach Class Action – $2.1 Billion
T-Mobile faced a $2.1 billion settlement in 2025 due to a data breach that compromised personal information for millions of customers. The breach, which occurred in 2021, exposed sensitive data, including names, phone numbers, and social security numbers.
The funds from the settlement will be used to compensate affected customers and to improve T-Mobile’s cybersecurity practices to prevent future breaches.
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The Rise of Corporate Accountability and Consumer Rights
The record-setting $70 billion in class-action settlements in 2025 marks a turning point in corporate accountability, as companies face increasing legal pressure to address consumer rights, product safety, environmental concerns, and privacy violations.
The top 10 cases of 2025 underscore the growing scope of these collective actions, which are reshaping industries and providing critical compensation to those harmed by corporate misconduct.
As class-action litigation continues to expand in size and significance, it will likely remain a key tool for achieving justice and protecting consumers in the years to come.
