Landmark court rulings in 2025 are redefining how plaintiffs can seek damages, particularly in complex or novel contexts. Among the most impactful is the Supreme Court’s decision expanding the reach of civil RICO claims to include certain economic harms from personal injuries. This year has also seen state-level rulings that alter traditional liability doctrines.
Supreme Court Broadens RICO in Personal Injury Context
In Medical Marijuana, Inc. v. Horn, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that plaintiffs may recover under RICO for business or property losses stemming from personal injury, such as lost wages or employment. While RICO still does not allow direct recovery for bodily harm, this decision provides a new avenue for plaintiffs affected by misleading or fraudulent conduct.
The case involved Douglas Horn, a trucker fired after testing positive for THC despite using a product labeled as 0% THC. The court held that his economic losses constituted harm to “business or property,” thus qualifying for civil RICO remedies like treble damages and attorney fees. This ruling could revolutionize how mass torts and consumer fraud cases are litigated.
Key Appellate Rulings to Watch
Several state courts also issued decisions with significant implications:
- California: Plaintiffs in product liability cases no longer need direct evidence of defect exposure if circumstantial evidence is compelling.
- Florida: The state Supreme Court limited the “open and obvious” doctrine, reaffirming a duty to warn about concealed hazards.
- Texas: Expanded dram shop liability to include hosts at private events, potentially exposing more parties to liability.
Conclusion
The 2025 court rulings reflect a judiciary increasingly open to expanding traditional liability frameworks. For attorneys, these decisions present new litigation opportunities but also demand careful strategizing around causation and evidentiary standards.
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