Back in 1966, something new hit the courts. Instead of a bunch of separate lawsuits, a whole wave of people joined forces to fight the same big problem.
This was the birth of mass torts, a way for lots of people who got hurt the same way to take on a big company together. It made things faster for everyone and gave a stronger voice to people who might not have been heard on their own.
If you’re unfamiliar with the term “mass tort,” you’re not alone. You can visit www.vogelzanglaw.com for a more comprehensive overview of the concept and how it can be advantageous to you.
Nonetheless, this blog post will serve as your one-stop guide to understanding everything about mass torts. We’ll break down the definition, explore the different types of cases that fall under this umbrella, and, most importantly, explain how a mass tort might benefit you if you’ve been injured due to the negligence of a large corporation or entity.
What Are Mass Torts?
Mass torts (short for “mass torts litigation”) are legal actions where a large group of people with similar claims join forces to sue a single defendant (the person or company being blamed). These claims typically involve situations where a product, medication, or practice caused widespread harm.
What are the Major Types of Mass Torts?
Here are the major types of mass torts:
Catastrophic accidents
In situations where plane crashes or a train derailment kills hundreds of people in a single incident, mass torts can come into play.
A mass tort for such a catastrophic accident would involve a group of people who all suffered injuries or lost loved ones in the same event.
The lawsuit would target the entity deemed responsible for the accident, such as the airline, railroad company, or corporation whose negligence caused the industrial disaster.
Dangerous drug
Sometimes, the very medications meant to heal us can cause serious harm. Mass torts can be a crucial tool for those affected by dangerous drugs.
To participate in a mass tort for a dangerous drug, you’d need to show you suffered adverse side effects and that those side effects can be linked to the specific medication.
Product Liability Torts
The things we use every day shouldn’t pose a danger to our health. However, sometimes defective products can cause widespread injuries. Mass torts can be a way for those affected to seek justice.
For example, if a popular children’s toy contains harmful chemicals, a mass tort lawsuit can be filed against the manufacturer, holding them accountable for the faulty product and the injuries it caused.
Toxicity Torts
Sometimes, the danger we face isn’t readily apparent to us. Exposure to toxic substances like lead paint, asbestos, or industrial chemicals can cause serious health problems that may take years to develop.
If a large number of people have suffered this due to one party’s negligence, they can come together to seek joint compensation.
Advantages of Mass Torts
Mass torts are advantageous for a long list of reasons. Here are some of the benefits they offer:
- It puts pressure on the company you’re suing to take things seriously.
- It’s an affordable way to get justice.
- The chances of a quicker settlement are higher with a mass tort.
- By joining a mass tort, you can benefit from the knowledge and experience of other people who have been through a similar situation.
- Mass torts can attract media coverage, which can put pressure on the defendant to settle the case fairly.
- It sends a message that companies can’t get away with harming people and that they will be held responsible for their actions.
- It takes some of the stress off you by spreading the legal burden among everyone involved.
- You might be eligible for a larger settlement than you could have received on your own.
- It provides a sense of community.
Wrapping Up
Mass torts are the perfect opportunity for a large group of people who have been harmed in a similar way to fight for compensation and hold the responsible parties accountable.
There is strength in numbers; no matter how huge the at-fault party is, they would have no choice but to give this group a listening ear.
A competent lawyer is the weapon that this group can use to fight this battle and settle with adequate compensation that can cover the losses of each member of the mass tort.
