LET’S FIGHT TOGETHER

Definition and Basic Concept: A mass tort is a civil action involving numerous plaintiffs against one or a few defendants in state or federal court. Unlike individual personal injury lawsuits where one plaintiff sues one defendant, mass torts consolidate many plaintiffs who have suffered similar harm or damages due to the actions or products of a defendant. This legal framework allows for more efficient processing of claims that share common issues of fact or law.

Mass Tort: A legal action where many plaintiffs file individual lawsuits against one or a few defendants based on similar harm or damages caused by the same source.
Class Action: A legal action where one or more plaintiffs file a lawsuit on behalf of a larger group, or "class," of individuals who have suffered similar harm or damages.

Early Developments: 1900s - 1940s: Early instances of mass torts can be traced back to cases involving workplace injuries and industrial accidents. However, the concept of mass tort litigation as it is known today did not fully develop until later.

Emergence of Modern Mass Torts: 1960s - 1970s: The modern era of mass tort litigation began to take shape with cases involving asbestos exposure. The widespread use of asbestos in various industries led to numerous individuals suffering from diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma. These cases highlighted the need for a legal framework to handle large numbers of similar claims.

Exposure or Use: Determine if you have been exposed to a product, substance, or situation that is the subject of mass tort litigation. Common examples include using a specific pharmaceutical drug, receiving a medical device implant, or living near an environmental contamination site.

Injury or Damage: Assess whether you have suffered an injury or damages that are consistent with those reported by other plaintiffs in the mass tort. This can include physical injuries, financial losses, or other harm.