A recent jury verdict has marked a significant turning point in litigation against major social media platforms, finding that companies can be held liable for the design of platforms that contribute to addiction and harm among young users. Wagstaff & Cartmell attorneys were part of the trial effort that contributed to this outcome and are now preparing to take a leading role in the next phase of this litigation.

After extensive trial proceedings in Los Angeles, the 12-member jury concluded that social media platforms Instagram and YouTube were negligently designed, and the companies controlling them, Meta and Google/YouTube, failed to adequately warn users of known risks. The $6 million verdict for an individual plaintiff included both compensatory and punitive damages, reflecting findings that Meta and Google/YouTube acted with conscious disregard for user safety. The plaintiff also reached confidential pre-trial settlements with Defendants Snap and TikTok.

The LA case, and others being brought in state in federal courts, represent a critical evolution in how courts and juries evaluate claims against technology companies. Rather than focusing on user-generated content, these cases focus on platform design — including features such as algorithmic recommendation systems, infinite scrolling, autoplay functionality, beautification filters, and other engagement-driven mechanics that foreseeably lead to addiction and mental health harms for users.

Evidence presented at trial included internal company documents, executive testimony, whistleblower testimony, and expert witness testimony. This evidence demonstrated the Defendants’ awareness of the potential risks to young users; their decisions to prioritize engagement and growth over safety; the ways in which the Defendants’ platform designs hook users, particularly children; and how social media addiction impacts users’ lives.

Wagstaff & Cartmell’s Role in the Litigation

Wagstaff & Cartmell has been actively involved in social media litigation from its early stages and represents a broad range of clients, including public entities such a states, municipalities, and school districts, as well as individuals and families alleging harm related to platform design and use.

The firm’s work in this space reflects a broader record of handling complex, high-stakes litigation against major industries. Across prior matters, Wagstaff & Cartmell has driven significant recoveries and industry accountability in cases involving consumer products and public health impacts. Examples include national multidistrict litigations involving JUUL e-cigarettes, ear plugs used by soldiers deployed to conflicts, various medical devices, and various prescription drugs.

What This Verdict Means

This verdict is the first in favor of an individual alleging addiction by major social media companies, due to platform features. A case decided in New Mexico, brought by the Attorney General’s office against Meta under state consumer protection laws, also resulted in a Plaintiff’s verdict. These cases reinforce a central legal theory: that social media companies may be held accountable when their design features are intentionally engineered to maximize engagement at the expense of user well-being, and when those companies fail to provide adequate warnings about potential harms to users.

While the social media litigation remains ongoing, these outcomes provide important momentum and validation for claims brought by individuals, families, schools, and public entities across the country.

Looking Ahead

The litigation is now entering a critical next phase, with additional trials expected to proceed in the coming months.

Wagstaff & Cartmell is preparing to take a leading role in upcoming trials this summer and fall, which will further examine the broader impact of social media platforms on individuals, schools, and communities. Wagstaff & Cartmell attorneys will be on the trial team for the first case brought by a school district against these social media companies, set for trial in Oakland in June 2026. Wagstaff & Cartmell has also been retained as outside counsel for the Tennessee Attorney General’s case against Meta, set for trial in July 2026, in Nashville. Finally, Tom Cartmell is co-lead trial counsel for the next individual injury case to be tried in Los Angeles. That trial date has not yet been set, but the case will likely go to trial this summer or fall.

These cases will examine the effects of social media throughout society, as they examine the impacts of youth social media addiction on individual users, school districts, and consumers across a state.

Why This Matters

The social media litigation represents one of the most significant public health litigations in the country. At their core, the cases address whether social media companies can be held accountable when they knowingly design platforms that create mental health harms for users, and particularly for young users.

For the clients represented by Wagstaff & Cartmell, this litigation is about recognition, accountability, and meaningful change.

The firm remains committed to advancing these cases and ensuring that those affected receive the attention and advocacy they deserve.