John P. Coale stands as a prominent figure in law, renowned for his relentless advocacy for individuals harmed by corporate negligence and his impactful pursuit of social reform through the legal system. Recognized by CBS’s 60 Minutes as being “at the top of his field,” as noted by Ed Bradley, Coale’s career is marked by significant cases and widespread recognition in publications such as The National Law Journal, GQ, People Magazine, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. His distinguished standing is further solidified by his inclusion in the National Registry of Who’s Who and Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals.
John P. Coale’s ascent to the top ranks of tort lawyers began in 1984 when he championed the cause of thousands of victims in the Bhopal, India gas leak tragedy against Union Carbide. Senator Orrin Hatch lauded Coale on the Senate floor as “one of the leading plaintiffs’ lawyers in the country,” acknowledging his unwavering commitment to plaintiffs’ litigation over the past 25 years (Congressional Record, May 21, 1998, S5267). His extensive resume underscores his dedication to defending the rights of tort victims and his persistent quest for corporate accountability.
The Imperial Foods Chicken Plant fire case exemplifies John P. Coale’s dual approach to justice. Beyond securing substantial settlements for his clients injured in the tragedy where emergency exits were locked, Coale played a pivotal role in prompting Congressional hearings on plant safety. The harrowing testimonies of Coale’s clients, detailing their entrapment in a smoke and fire-filled building and the hazardous working conditions, spurred Congress to enact crucial enhancements to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration enforcement framework. His legal pressure also led to the plant owner’s criminal prosecution and subsequent guilty plea to multiple manslaughter charges.
Perhaps John P. Coale’s most significant achievement lies in his instrumental role in the landmark tobacco litigation. As a member of the Executive Committee for the Castano Tobacco Litigation, he was at the forefront of the legal battle to hold tobacco companies accountable for their deceptive practices regarding the dangers of cigarettes and nicotine addiction. This pioneering effort aimed to change the industry’s long-standing practices of misinformation and denial.
Coale was a key negotiator in the monumental $386 billion tobacco settlement of June 1997. This agreement compelled tobacco companies to not only provide billions of dollars to states but also to fundamentally reform their advertising and marketing strategies, marking a turning point in the fight against tobacco-related health issues. Continuing his commitment to public safety, John P. Coale has also confronted the handgun industry through litigation, effectively raising public awareness about the gun industry’s contribution to violence across American cities.
