In a landmark decision, a jury in Anchorage found Exxon Corporation and Captain Joseph Hazelwood liable for the reckless behavior that led to the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. The spill, which involved 11 million gallons of crude oil pouring into Prince William Sound, devastated marine life and local economies that relied on fishing and tourism. The jury's ruling came after a lengthy trial and was significant for the affected parties, empowering them to seek up to $15 billion in damages for the losses incurred over the years. The case drew attention to the failures of both the captain and the company in preventing such environmental disasters.

Captain Hazelwood's actions, including operating the ship while allegedly under the influence of alcohol, were scrutinized in the trial, with the jury concluding that his recklessness contributed to the incident. Additionally, Exxon's operational practices were called into question, emphasizing the need for stricter safety regulations in the oil transport industry. The ruling aimed to hold the corporation accountable for its negligence, signaling a shift in how maritime companies could be prosecuted for similar incidents in the future.

The fallout from the verdict did not end with the financial implications for Exxon; it sparked broad discussions about corporate responsibility, environmental protection, and the legal frameworks governing maritime operations. This case became a pivotal moment in environmental law, influencing legislation related to oil spills and environmental protection measures across the United States.