‘King of Torts’ Files Bankruptcy

Melvin Belli, the self-appointed “King of Torts,” has followed one of his prime targets, Dow Corning Corp., into Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Belli filed for bankruptcy Friday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in San Francisco, citing a cash shortage prompted by the collapse of a $4.2-billion agreement to settle injury claims from silicone breast implants with Dow Corning and other manufacturers.

Belli’s law firm listed $1.2 million in debts.