In this two-part article, we are discussing the most common types of mass tort cases. By design, mass tort cases help trial attorneys consolidate the best interest of several people (claimants) who suffered damages into a civil action against the entity that caused this occurrence (the defendant). Because this is an extremely tedious and time-consuming process for an attorney, hiring a specialized professional to assist with the settlement process can be greatly beneficial. As the attorney focuses on the legal nuances of the case, our experts maximize the value of the settlement while also providing settlement planning services that protect those assets long-term.
In the first section of this two-part series, we discussed mass tort cases that involve pharmaceutical drugs. Whether it’s a defective drug that was manufactured and sold, there were unknown side effects associated with the drug, or the drug was poorly marketed, these are common cases. Here are four other common types of incidents that affect several people and can result in a mass tort case.
Medical Devices
Similar to pharmaceutical drugs, another serious issue in the medical field is injuries that occur after a medical procedure. Unfortunately, the medical device industry is poorly regulated and in many cases, devices that are utilized do not undergo significant testing before they are applied. If a defective device is implanted in a patient, this can seriously impact their health and wellness in a variety of ways.
Product Liability
Many people suffer damages because they utilized a defective or harmful product. Whether the manufacturer was at fault, the design of the product was inherently dangerous, or the product failed to provide the consumer with proper instructions or warnings, these negative experiences can lead to a mass tort case. Product liability claims can span from the automotive industry to retail products to the medical industry.
Environmental and Toxic Contamination
There are a variety of ways that the environment and chemical exposure can damage the health of public bystanders. Here are some examples of toxic or environmental contamination mass torts:
- Asbestos, silica, mold, chemical, and fumes exposure
- Contaminated natural resources like soil, water, and air
- Long-term pollution in a redeveloped toxic area
- Failure to mitigate emergency contamination accidents
Large Scale Catastrophe
When a disaster happens, like when a fire occurs in an apartment complex or manufacturing plant, this tragic occurrence can be consolidated into a mass tort. During a large scale catastrophe, a variety of injuries occur that can uniquely impact each victim.
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Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.
