21.   The bank says it settled to avoid costly litigation.

22.   The idea of the special panel was to resolve issues earlier before they turn into costly litigation.

23.   Watlow conceded no wrongdoing, saying it was settling to avoid costly litigation.

24.   While others facing Barbie lawsuits have settled cases or made changes to avoid costly litigation, MCA fired back with a defamation counterclaim.

25.   While some HHS staffers question whether tobacco companies should have immunity from future lawsuits, protection from costly litigation is hallowed ground for the tobacco companies.

26.   She noted that the company won on several preliminary issues before settling the case to end the costly litigation.

27.   The McLean, Virginia-based trade group said it agreed to settle only to avoid costly litigation.

28.   The White House has pushed for increased taxes on cigarettes and pursued costly litigation against the companies.