1.   The suit was filed under a provision of the False Claims Act that allows individuals to sue companies defrauding the government.

2.   Falvo was allowed to pursue her claim in federal court because lower courts ruled that individuals could sue to enforce educational privacy under federal law.

3.   For decades, individuals have sued gun manufacturers charging negligence for faulty weapon-making, such as an injury or death caused by a hair trigger.

4.   Individuals could still sue, though.

5.   Individuals generally cannot sue a government agency until they have exhausted all administrative remedies, which for the Pan Am workers would require obtaining the final determination letters.

6.   It also established procedures under which individuals can sue businesses in cases of sexual harassment.

7.   Individuals could sue the tobacco industry in the future, but would have to clear more hurdles.

8.   Opponents, including the White House, said the bill would make it harder for individuals to sue companies for wrongdoing.

9.   Sallen said civil law allows individuals to sue for defamation, and other fields of law allow collection for economic damages under certain circumstances.

10.   Sixty-six percent said the courts generally favor corporations when they are sued by individuals.