Lawyers Fight and Win for Kids to be Protected From Meta
New Mexico Jurors Are the Heroes
Santa Fe, NM — In a major victory for consumers and families, a jury has awarded a $375 million verdict against Meta, finding the social media giant failed to disclose the potential mental health harms its platforms pose to minors.
The case, brought by New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez in partnership with nationally recognized trial firm Motley Rice LLC, resulted in $187.5 million in damages for each of two claims - unfair practices and unconscionable conduct. Jurors imposed the maximum civil penalty of $5,000 per violation, identifying approximately 37,500 violations tied to teen users of Facebook and Instagram in New Mexico.
"This is a watershed moment for accountability in the digital age," said New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association President Feliz Rael. "This verdict sends a clear message: corporations cannot mislead the public - especially when the health and safety of our children are at stake."
A Broader Fight for Truth and Accountability
The case is part of a growing national movement led by trial lawyers to hold powerful industries accountable. From the historic tobacco litigation that exposed decades of deception, to the sweeping opioid settlements that forced reforms in pharmaceutical marketing and distribution, trial lawyers have consistently driven change when other systems failed.
"This verdict stands alongside the most significant consumer protection cases in American history," Rael added. "Trial lawyers don't just win cases—they expose the truth, change dangerous practices, and protect future generations."
Additional Case Against Meta Set for Trial
New Mexico trial attorney Randi McGinn is also representing the state in a separate case against Meta, alongside Chicago-based firm DiCello Levitt, scheduled for trial in September.
That case also alleges violations of the New Mexico Unfair Practices Act, including claims that Meta:
Misrepresented users' control over their personal data
Failed to disclose the sale of user data to third parties
Did not adequately address misinformation and hate speech
Applied its own platform rules inconsistently
"The bottom line is simple," said McGinn. "Meta, under Mark Zuckerberg, repeatedly told users one thing while doing another - prioritizing profit over people. This case is about holding them accountable for that deception."
Protecting the Right to a Jury Trial
The New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association emphasized that this verdict underscores the enduring importance of the civil justice system.
"Every day, trial lawyers stand up for individuals against powerful interests," said Rael. "This case is a reminder that the right to a jury trial is one of the most effective tools we have to ensure fairness, transparency, and justice."
About the New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association
The New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association is dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals and ensuring access to justice through the civil court system.
