Jury Awards $130 Million to Victims of Toxic Bottled Water

In a landmark decision, a Las Vegas jury awarded approximately $130 million in damages to five people who filed a lawsuit against Real Water, a bottled water company whose product was linked to severe liver illnesses and at least one death. The plaintiffs’ attorney, Will Kemp, expressed hope that this verdict would prompt food and water manufacturers to implement more rigorous safety measures. This case marks the second instance where Real Water has been ordered to pay a nine-figure sum to plaintiffs for damages related to its toxic bottled water, which was found to contain a chemical used in rocket fuel.

The water, marketed as a healthful "alkalized water infused with negative ions," was proven to be anything but safe. Myles Hunwardsen, the lead plaintiff, suffered acute liver failure necessitating a liver transplant, a consequence directly tied to the consumption of Real Water. The jury’s award included $30 million in compensatory damages and a staggering $100 million in punitive damages, reflecting the severity of the company’s negligence.

While the plaintiffs’ attorneys had initially sought $1 billion in punitive damages, the final verdict still serves as a potent reminder of the importance of product safety and corporate accountability. Other defendants in the lawsuit, including major retailers and testing meter companies, had previously reached confidential settlements. The illnesses were traced back to as early as November 2018, predating Hunwardsen’s diagnosis and urgent liver transplant by ten months.

In a separate case in October, Real Water faced over $228 million in damages for similar allegations, including the tragic death of a 69-year-old woman and the severe illness of a 7-month-old boy. With 63 plaintiffs and more than a dozen lawsuits pending against Real Water, the company has come under intense scrutiny from health authorities and faces significant legal challenges ahead.

This verdict underscores the critical need for stringent quality control and transparent business practices in the food and beverage industry, as well as the potential consequences of negligence.