Alabama Jury Awards $70M in Tyson Foods Lawsuit

Verdict is largest in Walker County history after wastewater spill led to flesh-eating infection

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:27pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a collection of polished metal pipes, valves, and fittings arranged elegantly on a clean, matte black background, conceptually representing the complex industrial infrastructure that can fail and lead to environmental disasters.A jury's record $70 million verdict against Tyson Foods highlights the severe consequences of environmental negligence.Dora Today

A jury in Alabama has awarded a man $70 million in a lawsuit against Tyson Foods Inc. over a 2019 wastewater spill that resulted in him developing a severe flesh-eating bacterial infection. The jury found Tyson Foods and contractor HydraService responsible for the spill of 220,000 gallons of chicken rendering wastewater into the Black Warrior River, the primary drinking water source for Walker County.

Why it matters

This case highlights the significant legal and financial consequences companies can face for environmental incidents that impact public health and safety. The large jury award underscores the seriousness with which courts view such cases, especially when they involve life-threatening injuries to individuals. It also raises questions about Tyson's environmental practices and oversight at its facilities.

The details

Mark Griffin, a boat repairman from Dora, Alabama, sued Tyson Foods in 2020 after being exposed to the contaminated wastewater in the 2019 spill. He was subsequently diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, a severe and potentially deadly bacterial infection. Court records show Griffin still has a bone infection and open wound from the incident. The four-week trial resulted in the jury finding Tyson Farms guilty of wantonness and contractor HydraService negligent in the spill.

  • The wastewater spill occurred in June 2019 at Tyson's Hanceville, Alabama facility.
  • Tyson acquired the Hanceville facility in August 2018.
  • Griffin sued Tyson Foods in 2020 following his exposure to the contaminated water.
  • The jury reached its $70 million verdict on March 27, 2026.

The players

Mark Griffin

A boat repairman from Dora, Alabama who developed a severe flesh-eating bacterial infection after being exposed to contaminated wastewater from a 2019 spill at a Tyson Foods facility.

Tyson Foods Inc.

A major American food production company that owns the Hanceville, Alabama facility where the 2019 wastewater spill occurred.

HydraService Inc.

A hydraulic service contractor that was found negligent by the jury for its role in the 2019 wastewater spill.

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What they’re saying

“Being able to attain this kind of verdict is simply incredible, after all he had been through.”

— Griffin's attorneys

What’s next

Tyson Foods has indicated it plans to appeal the jury's $70 million verdict. The case could set a precedent for how companies are held accountable for environmental incidents that lead to serious public health consequences.

The takeaway

This case underscores the significant legal and financial risks companies face when their operations cause environmental damage and public health issues. It serves as a warning to Tyson Foods and other major food producers to prioritize safety, environmental compliance, and responsible stewardship of natural resources in their facilities and operations.