11.   A settlement would allow the companies to stay in business in the United States and would protect them from future lawsuits.

12.   But a major stumbling block with the agreement brokered by state attorneys is that it would give the tobacco industry immunity from future lawsuits.

13.   But German corporations have always insisted on receiving immunity from future lawsuits over such claims, a guarantee that this fund will resolve all claims once and for all.

14.   But family members should be careful not to sign any release that would protect the airline from future lawsuits, lawyers said.

15.   But for future individual lawsuits, the companies would create a fund that they would pay into year after year.

16.   But trial lawyers are generally loath to shut the door on future lawsuits.

17.   By negotiating settlements that cover those who may someday get sick from their products, the companies are able to limit future lawsuits and cap damages.

18.   Cigarette shares dropped as Minnesota began its trial to recoup health-related costs from cigarette companies and analysts said prospects for a law limiting future lawsuits are fading.

19.   Cigarette makers are willing to pay billions of dollars in return for some protection from future lawsuits.

20.   Central to those talks is some limit on liability to future lawsuits.