Mass Tort Lawsuit Overview

A mass tort is a civil lawsuit involving multiple people who were harmed by the same event, product, exposure, or wrongdoing. These lawsuits are focused on helping injured individuals, families, and businesses seek compensation for the losses they suffered.

Mass tort litigation is often used when a single source causes widespread harm to many people. Although the plaintiffs may have been harmed by the same source, the impact on each person may be different.

Mass tort cases are different from class actions. In a class action, claims are usually grouped together and resolved collectively. In a mass tort, each plaintiff’s claim is handled individually because the damages are not the same for everyone.

Although each claim is evaluated separately, certain parts of the litigation may be coordinated or consolidated to make the process more efficient. This can help reduce duplication, streamline discovery, and allow common legal and factual issues to be addressed together while still preserving each plaintiff’s individual claim.

Mass tort litigation allows each person’s claim to be considered based on their specific injuries, losses, and circumstances rather than forcing everyone into the same result. These cases can also provide a way to hold large corporations, manufacturers, utility companies, or other responsible parties accountable when their conduct harms a large number of people.

If you need legal assistance, our seasoned attorneys with Brent & Fiol are ready to help. When you call 415-579-2358 or contact us online, we can explain the relevant law and procedure so that you have a full understanding of your options. We work with clients throughout the Bay Area.