FAQs

What is a mass tort?

A mass tort is a civil action involving numerous plaintiffs against one or a few corporate defendants. Mass tort claims typically proceed as individual lawsuits, filed on behalf of many plaintiffs against one defendant or against a small group of defendants.

What is a class action?

A class action lawsuit is an action in which a large group of people files a complaint against a single defendant. In class action suits, the claim is filed on behalf of the class, or large group of people sharing similar circumstances, injuries and damages. Plaintiffs must show that their experience with the defendant is similar to that of other people in the class. Plaintiffs must also show that their evidence against the defendant is similar to that of the other people in the class. Plaintiffs in a class action suit must prove that the individual compensation for the suit would not be worth the time or money to hire an individual lawyer. They must also prove that proceeding individually would be a waste of the courts time and money. The downside to a class action is the fact that the litigation of such cases does not often yield exceedingly favorable results for the plaintiffs. Oftentimes, little relief is provided to the individual class members.

What is the difference between a mass tort and a class action?

A class action is very similar to a mass tort in that it is a lawsuit that involves a large group of people. In a class action suit, plaintiffs are grouped together with the lawsuit filed on behalf of everyone in the class. In a mass tort, a defendant is sued by a large group of people, but those people actually retain their own individual lawsuits rather than become part of a “class.” With mass torts, an attorney or group of attorneys can represent multiple injured parties in their individual cases while sharing information. Similar cases can then be argued together. Mass torts combine the legal resources of several similar cases to save time and money and to benefit each individual case.

How do mass torts work?

Mass tort cases involve many claims associated with a single product or company. Many mass tort claims involve multiple firms and multiple legal jurisdictions. Mass tort cases often arise from disasters (i.e. train or plane crashes or bridge collapses), defective products, or prescription drugs that cause potentially dangerous side effects.

Most often, mass tort claims proceed with individual lawsuits filed on behalf of many plaintiffs. While lawsuits may move forward individually, the work that is accomplished in the individual proceedings usually benefits the total of all the plaintiff cases involved. A key aspect of mass tort claims is discovery, in which relevant documents, testimonies and other data is collected to build evidential support for your case. The unique circumstances of your case will have a large bearing on the logistics of your case, so don’t hesitate to speak with a mass tort lawyer from Principal Law Group to learn more about how the process could work for you.

What kind of mass tort claims can I file?

Many different types of mass tort claims can be filed in the event that numerous individuals were injured or otherwise harmed by the same product or disaster event. Each type of tort has a different set of expectations affiliated with it. While some mass torts arise out of obvious disasters – a bridge collapse or oil spill – there are others that are the result of government actions, such as recalls and advisories. Other mass torts arise as a result of scientific studies that have revealed dangers to customers. Among the most common of these mass tort claims are mass disaster torts, mass toxic torts, and product liability torts.

How long will my mass torts case last?

As in all court cases, each case is unique. The amount time it will take to settle your claim will depend on the circumstances and specifics of your case.

Are there special courts for mass tort cases?

No, mass tort cases are filed in the same state and federal courts as other tort cases. Where your case will be heard (state or federal) will depend on the circumstances involved with your claim injury.

What is a multidistrict litigation and how does it affect my case?

Multidistrict litigation (MDL) is a federal legal procedure that has been specially designated to accelerate what could otherwise be a long process of handling complex cases such as mass tort claims. MDL can be utilized when mass tort claims involve one or more common questions of fact that are pending in multiple districts. MDL provides a more efficient means of processing cases that could potentially involve hundreds or thousands of plaintiffs in numerous federal courts.

How much can I collect for my injuries?

The amount you can potentially collect for your injuries depends on a variety of factors such as the specifics of your case and the damages you suffered. If you have a potentially valid claim, Principal Law Group may be able to help fight for you and try to get the maximum compensation that you may deserve.

What if I don’t know if I have a claim or a case?

If you believe that you or someone you know has the right to a mass tort claim due to a disaster, product liability, or prescription drug, don’t be afraid to seek help. Call Principal Law Group today to find out if you are eligible for compensation.