Meta Platforms, the company behind Instagram and Facebook, faces thousands of lawsuits claiming it designed its apps to hook children and teens, knowing the harm heavy use could cause. In March 2026, a Los Angeles jury found Meta negligent in the first trial and ordered it to pay damages, including punitive damages.
If Instagram or Facebook use led to depression, an eating disorder, self-harm or a suicide attempt, your family may qualify for compensation.
The Meta Lawsuits at a Glance
- Apps: Instagram and Facebook
- Injuries claimed: depression, anxiety, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, self-harm and suicide
- Federal court: MDL No. 3047 in the Northern District of California, before Chief Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, with 3,824 cases pending against all defendants as of October 1, 2026
- California court: the coordinated Social Media Cases (JCCP No. 5255) in Los Angeles, before Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl
- First verdict: March 25, 2026, about $6 million against Meta and YouTube, with Meta assigned 70 percent of the fault
- Next trial: October 28, 2026 in Los Angeles, against Meta and Snap
Inside the Meta Litigation
The Meta section of this site is organized by topic:
- Meta lawsuits: where the personal injury cases are filed and the key court rulings so far.
- What the lawsuits allege: the Instagram and Facebook features at the center of the claims.
- Internal documents: what Meta’s own research and records have shown, from the Facebook Files to the first trial.
- State attorney general lawsuits: the multistate case, the August 2026 settlement and the New Mexico verdict.
- Meta trials: verdicts, settlements and the trial calendar.
Who May Have a Claim Against Meta
A young person may have a claim if they became addicted to the app before age 18, are now 25 or younger, used it heavily (typically three or more hours a day), and were diagnosed and treated for depression, severe anxiety, an eating disorder, body dysmorphia, self-harm, suicidal thoughts or a suicide attempt. Families who lost a child to suicide at age 21 or younger may have a wrongful death claim.
A parent or guardian brings the claim for a child under 18. Young adults 18 and older can bring their own claims.
Compensation for Families
Compensation in these claims may cover medical and counseling expenses, past and future, along with pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. The settlement Meta reached with state attorneys general in August 2026 pays the states. It does not pay individual families, who must file their own claims.
If you or your child is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Common Questions
Can I still file a claim against Meta?
Yes. New claims are still being filed in federal court and in California state court. No global settlement for individual families has been announced.
Does the state settlement with Meta pay my family?
No. The August 2026 settlement resolves claims brought by state attorneys general, and the money goes to the states. Families must file their own claims to seek compensation.
What happened in the first trial against Meta?
On March 25, 2026, a Los Angeles jury found Meta and YouTube negligent and awarded about $6 million, including punitive damages. Meta was assigned 70 percent of the fault. Both companies have appealed.
Do I need to know exactly how many hours my child spent on Instagram?
No. A rough idea is enough to start. Screen time records and other evidence can be gathered later.
What does it cost to file?
Nothing up front. Claims are handled on a contingency fee basis, so there are no fees or costs unless there is a recovery.