Mass tort actions are a type of legal case in which a large number of people have been harmed by the same product or practice. Mass torts are similar to class actions as they are both efficient vehicles for multi-party litigation.
Mass torts involve multiple named plaintiffs who have been injured by the same product or practice. Unlike class actions, mass torts do not require members to have identical or similar injuries. The damages suffered by each plaintiff in a mass tort case are usually unique, but they all arise from the same underlying product or practice. Essentially, a mass tort case is a personal injury case for a large group. A mass tort lawsuit is quicker and more efficient than multiple individual lawsuits. While the lawsuits are grouped together for portions of the legal process, they are still separate in terms of verdicts and settlements.
EXAMPLES OF COMMON MASS TORT ACTIONS
DEFECTIVE DRUGS & MEDICAL DEVICES
Companies that manufacture medical devices and medications have an obligation to provide products that do what they are supposed to do, without any unintended side effects and without putting users at risk of harm. These manufacturers should conduct sufficient testing to identify any flaws in their design or production. If any medical devices or drugs have negative side effects, the manufacturers must warn potential users so they can make an informed decision about using them. Failure to identify and alert customers of defects that can be harmful constitutes negligence by the manufacturer, which may be held liable for damages caused by the medical devices and drugs in question.
CHEMICAL & TOXIC EXPOSURE
Mass tort litigation commonly involves groups of people that are unlawfully exposed to chemicals or toxic substances. Toxic exposure can lead to many physical injuries, including headaches, vision issues, memory and concentration issues, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and pulmonary issues. Although people can recover after the exposure is eliminated, some people suffer long-term effects, or even permanent symptoms.
CATASTROPHIC EVENTS
Catastrophic events, such as building fires or earthquakes, can impact hundreds of lives in seconds. In some cases, corporate violations are exposed when these events lead to personal injuries, property damage, or other losses that should have been prevented. We make sure insurance companies keep their promises to compensate victims and hold responsible parties accountable for damages that may not be covered by insurance. Mass tort litigation commonly involves groups of people that are unlawfully exposed to chemicals or toxic substances. Toxic exposure can lead to many physical injuries, including headaches, vision issues, memory and concentration issues, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and pulmonary issues. Although people can recover after the exposure is eliminated, some people suffer long-term effects, or even permanent symptoms.
DANGEROUS PRODUCTS
Dangerous and defective products are some of the most common subjects of mass tort claims. Manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure that their products are safe and provide adequate information to their consumers, and if they fail to do so on a large scale, these injured consumers can hold these entities responsible.
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