What is a Mass Tort Case? An Expert's Guide to Understanding

Mass torts are civil lawsuits that involve multiple plaintiffs alleging similar injuries against the same entity. Learn more about mass torts and how they differ from class action lawsuits.

What is a Mass Tort Case? An Expert's Guide to Understanding

Mass torts are civil lawsuits that involve multiple plaintiffs alleging similar injuries against the same entity. These cases differ from class action lawsuits, as each plaintiff is able to seek compensation for their individual damages. Examples of mass torts include Agent Orange, asbestos exposure, silicone breast implants, the Dalkon Shield, Norplant, Vioxx, Pradaxa, and Takata airbags. In legal terms, a tort is an act that causes harm or violation of a right for which the responsible party has civil liability. A mass tort lawsuit is a lawsuit that involves several plaintiffs alleging similar injuries against the same entity.

Unlike class action lawsuits that divide the settlement equally between all plaintiffs, mass torts allow each plaintiff to seek compensation for their individual damages. When massive tort litigation involves tens of thousands of plaintiffs, only a small portion of those cases will go to trial. Once collective tort litigation has advanced enough that several representative lawsuits have been carried out, judges often issue orders in groups or “waves”, ordering that a certain number of lawsuits be directed to trial. Mass tort actions are not individual cases, but rather groupings of individual lawsuits in which the same issues are alleged against the same defendants and, as such, often involve multi-district litigation. Within the category of defective product liability, dangerous and defective drugs and medical devices contribute to a significant amount of massive tort lawsuits. A massive product liability tort ranges from dozens to hundreds of thousands of plaintiffs who have suffered similar injuries because of the defendant's (or group of defendants) products. These cases can be very complex, since they require an exhaustive analysis of all parties involved to determine who is responsible for what happened and how much each party must compensate its victims (if at all).Mass torts are an important part of civil law and can help many people who have been wronged by the same entity receive justice.

It is essential to understand the differences between mass torts and class action lawsuits in order to make sure you get the best possible outcome for your case. When it comes to filing a mass tort claim, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of these cases. An experienced attorney will be able to assess your case and determine if you have a valid claim. They will also be able to advise you on the best course of action for your case and help you get the compensation you deserve.