PCB Case Payouts Roil Alabama City

A $300 million settlement of federal claims over PCB contamination in Anniston, Ala., will give plaintiffs an average of $7,725 each while paying their attorneys millions apiece -- including $29 million to the firm of California lawyer Johnnie Cochran Jr...

Attorneys in the case said about 27 lawyers, working for eight law firms, would share the $120 million approved for legal fees. That works out to an average payment of more than $4 million for each lawyer.

After the attorneys and other costs are paid, the 18,447 plaintiffs will get an average of $7,725 and as little as $500 each, according to documents from claims administrator Ed Gentle.

Cochran's firm recruited plaintiffs with TV commercials and a community meeting and helped guide the litigation.