In the US, mass tort litigation continues to be dominated by product liability, environmental, and personal injury claims. As of February 2025, there were 275,225 active mass tort MDL cases, with 3M earplug lawsuits making up 99,070 of those.
When a large number of people are harmed by the same product, action, or event, they can collectively file a lawsuit to pursue claims. This is called mass tort. Unlike individual lawsuits, it allows multiple plaintiffs to pursue claims simultaneously while still maintaining their individual cases.
You can claim compensation for financial, physical, and even emotional consequences suffered, according to Ron Austin Law. And because of its complex process, it needs specialized legal strategies to improve the chance of a positive outcome.
Understanding the Basics of Mass Torts
Mass torts are lawsuits with several complainants who have experienced identical injuries from one product, situation, or activity. In this case, you and others can unite your efforts to claim the right against the same defendant, most probably a company or another institution.
This tactic is frequently less time-consuming and costly than all the individual lawsuits since it can gather and share the evidence among the plaintiffs in the pre-trial phase. Each plaintiff retains the right to pursue their own damages despite the cases being consolidated.
You will also find that the mass torts cover many problems, from defective products to disasters in our environment. By knowing mass torts, you can handle these complicated legal situations.
Common Examples of Mass Tort Cases
Mass tort cases include many things. The first one is defective products, which includes faulty medical devices or medications that are no longer suitable for use but, unfortunately, have harmed several users.
Environmental disasters would be another typical example, the kinds of events where the health risks reach entire areas due to the spillage of poisonous waste or pollution. The public might also consider the case of fraud, the cases where big groups of people have been unfairly affected by deceptive advertising.
Mass torts are very much like civil lawsuits since they consist of legal proceedings where people demand payment for damages resulting from negligence, improper conduct, or dangerous products. Settlements in civil lawsuits make it possible for these plaintiffs to submit lawsuits, seek reparations, and make the guilty pay. Whether it is a case between a landlord and tenant or one driver against another, civil litigation cases are typically private in most circumstances, says Gastonia civil litigation lawyer D. Brad Collins.
Mass torts are also associated with calamity cases such as plane crashes or train failures, where many people get injured or lose their lives. All these instances take place under the power of mass torts that unite individuals and let them claim justice for the widespread harm caused by negligence or misconduct.
Managing the Legal Process in Mass Torts
Managing the legal procedure in the case of mass torts will be quite hard and intimidating, especially if you happen to be one among many who are similarly troubled by a single problem. It is very important and necessary to get the opinion of a well-trained lawyer who is familiar with mass tort cases.
The attorney will support you in identifying your rights and, at the same time, the potential claims you may have. Gather all required evidence, like medical records and documentation of your damages. You can trust your attorney to guide you with the steps in filing your case and getting connected with the other plaintiffs.
It is better to get ready for a long legal journey because mass torts usually involve major litigation due to their complex nature. Always keep in touch with your lawyer and be active in the process; never hesitate to ask anything that comes to your mind.
Mass Torts vs. Class Action Lawsuits: Key Differences
Mass torts and class action lawsuits may look the same, but they are different in structure and process.
In a mass tort, the individual plaintiffs still keep their separate claims against a single defendant. This means you can still fight for personalized compensation depending upon one’s specific injury. Each case is treated individually, so each plaintiff may have different verdicts.
On the opposite, a class-action lawsuit gets the claims merged into one big case. In this case, there is a single judgment for the entire group. This shows that one may have less control over the process and the money offered as settlement.
Knowing this will give you an idea of which will best suit your case based on your situation and the type of claims made.
What Should You Consider Before Joining a Mass Tort Claim?
Have you considered the possible consequences that may come with a mass tort claim? Before getting into it, look into your case’s characteristics. Is it close enough to others who are involved?
Consider also the time factor; mass torts might take a decade to settle. Remember the attorney’s fees, as they will be deducted from any award you get. Check out the lawyers working on the case—they do make a difference.
Also, know the possible results; even if one group of plaintiffs gets the money, it does not mean another group will. Consider your personal dedication—this whole thing might take a toll on you. Looking at these aspects will allow you to take a well-informed step as to whether to join the mass tort or not.
You should understand that mass torts differ from class actions. This means your personal claim remains unaffected. Consider all possibilities if you want to become part of a mass tort. Get help from experienced lawyers to protect your rights.
