As personal injury attorneys, we protect the rights of injury victims and their families, while securing the justice they deserve. Our series “Legal Terms You Should Know” serves to inform readers of the legal tools at their disposal in pursuit of justice.
An Introduction to Mass Torts
Because of the role corporations and other organizations play in our daily lives, we are all stakeholders in their activity. This is true whether we are employed by these companies, use their products, or live in the community in which they operate. As a result, a company’s actions may cause widespread harm that affects hundreds or thousands of individuals. When this happens, those affected may seek legal recourse through a lawsuit known as a mass tort. What is a mass tort, and what makes it unique compared to other types of lawsuits?
What are Mass Torts, and how do they differ from Class Action?
A mass tort is a legal action in which many individuals file lawsuits against one or more defendants for harm caused by wrongful conduct. Unlike a class action lawsuit, where plaintiffs come together to file a single suit, mass tort cases feature individual lawsuits that are combined due to common issues between them. Another key distinction is that class action plaintiffs generally experience identical harms from a shared source, while mass tort plaintiffs incur varying harms from a shared source. Each plaintiff in a mass tort case has their own claim and may receive compensation accordingly based on their unique circumstances.
How do Mass Torts Work?
Mass torts typically arise in situations where a large volume of people are affected by a defective product, medication, environmental disaster, or other corporate negligence. These cases can be complex and involve extensive legal work to establish a pattern of misconduct or harm.
Some of the most common examples of mass tort cases include:
Harm from Defective Drugs or Medical Devices — Medication or medical devices that cause unforeseen side effects or injuries.
Harm from Environmental Disasters — Toxic exposure, oil spills, industrial accidents and other disasters that harm communities.
Harm from Consumer Products — Dangerous products like vehicles, appliances, chemicals and more that injure or kill users.
Because mass tort cases typically involve numerous parties and detailed sets of evidence, they are usually handled in federal court. This process streamlines pre-trial proceedings and discovery for all plaintiffs involved. Still, each case retains its individuality when it comes to trial or settlement.
Why are Mass Torts Important?
Mass torts are an essential tool for holding corporations and other organizations accountable for widespread harm. These cases can also serve as a powerful deterrent against future misconduct. When companies are aware of the litigation risks at hand, they are incentivized to take new precautions to avoid negligence or harmful activity.
Additionally, mass torts provide victims an opportunity to seek justice and compensation that might otherwise be difficult to achieve through individual lawsuits. In a mass tort, plaintiffs pool resources and evidence together, which can strengthen their case and increase their likelihood of success.
I think I have a mass tort claim, what now?
If you believe you’ve been harmed by corporate wrongdoing, seek legal counsel from a firm experienced in handling these complex cases.
At Peter Angelos Law, mass tort litigation is one of our specialties. Our attorneys provide individualized representation while leveraging the collective strength of all plaintiffs involved. We will ensure your case is presented with the care and attention it deserves, and we fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.
Mass torts offer victims a chance at justice. Let us help you navigate the complexities of mass tort litigation and fight for the justice you and your family deserve.
Contact Peter Angelos Law today for a free consultation.