When you suffer an injury from a product or event that harmed many others, bringing a lawsuit may seem daunting. Joining a mass tort can be an efficient way to obtain compensation in these cases.
If you want to know how a group action could affect your case, you should seek legal counsel from a mass tort lawyer, such as those from Colling Gilbert Wright. Our firm is well-known and trusted within our local legal community for our attorneys’ skill, professionalism, and fierce advocacy for clients.
What Is a Mass Tort?
When many people suffer the same or similar injuries from a common cause–such as a defective product or an industrial disaster–each injured person has a potential lawsuit. Bringing individual claims is time-consuming and expensive for both sides, and complex litigation can obstruct a court’s procedures.
To make the process more efficient, federal courts may consolidate similar lawsuits from across the country or a specific region. When courts accept this action, the consolidated lawsuits are often referred to as multi-district litigation (MDL) or mass tort action. This form of litigation typically proceeds more quickly and is significantly more cost-effective than pursuing an individual lawsuit.
You must meet specific criteria to participate in a mass tort. The criteria vary depending on the nature of the incident and the harm sustained. For example, a mass tort might be limited to people who took a drug during a set timeframe or who were within a given geographical radius of a chemical fire and experienced specified symptoms. Our attorneys are currently interviewing potential plaintiffs to determine whether they qualify to participate in one of many ongoing mass tort cases.
How the Process Works
The injured parties in a mass tort share the expense of collecting and presenting evidence against the responsible parties, but there is no up-front cost to participate. Legal fees and expenses are deducted from the eventual settlement.
Typically, several individual cases will go to trial, and the juries’ responses to the evidence will influence the settlement amount. You and your fellow plaintiffs will each have the opportunity to prove your losses through your attorneys, and the amount you collect will be determined based on the evidence of harm suffered. Most often, however, you will not need to spend substantial time on the case. Your attorney may collect some information and documentation, but there is usually no need for a deposition or testimony.
Our Experience With Mass Tort Cases
In 2012, the New England Compounding Center (NECC), a compounding pharmacy, sold contaminated steroid shots that caused an outbreak of deadly fungal meningitis. Hundreds of people contracted infections, and 64 died. Our attorneys at The Florida Firm are extremely proud to have been a very active participant in the pursuit of justice for victims of NECC’s egregious conduct. The litigation resulted in a $200 million settlement fund, which the court distributed among the affected parties.
At Colling Gilbert Wright, our experienced mass tort lawyers are dedicated to helping individuals confront powerful corporations and seek the justice and compensation they deserve. We handle a wide range of mass tort cases, including:
- Avandia Injury
- Blackstone Medical, Inc. Lawsuit
- Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
- Complex Litigation
- Xarelto®
- Zofran
- Talcum Powder & Baby Powder
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy
- Asbestos Exposure Claims
- Byetta and Januvia
- Dangerous Playground Equipment
- Dirty Surgical Instruments
- Electronic Cigarette Explosions
- Federal Tort Claims
- Fungal Meningitis Resource Center
- Heart Attack Claims
- Ketek Injury
- Meridia Recall
- Paraquat Lawsuit
- Pesticides Claims
- RV Tire Defect
- Seat Belt Malfunction Claims
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)
- Toxic Tort
If you believe you qualify for one of these cases, you need to contact a qualified legal professional for more information.
When a product harms many people or a mass casualty event occurs, you and others who are affected could pursue a mass tort. Our attorneys are informed of current legal developments and could advise you of whether there is or soon may be an MDL that addresses your situation.
Talk to One of Our Skilled Mass Tort Attorneys Today
If you suffered damages from a defective product or an accident or situation that impacted many others, a mass tort is likely the fastest and most efficient way to obtain compensation. You pay nothing until the defendant settles the case, and you usually do not need to actively participate in the lawsuit once our mass tort lawyer has collected relevant information.
When big corporations put their profits ahead of your safety, you suffer. Participating in a mass tort action is a way to make them pay. Call us today to learn more about ongoing mass tort lawsuits and how to join one.