Mass Tort and Complex Injury Litigation

When a drug, medical device, consumer product or environmental exposure harms many people, claims are often coordinated in mass tort proceedings. Each person still has an individual claim based on their own injuries.

We help people evaluate whether their injuries may be connected to products and exposures subject to coordinated litigation and explain how those proceedings work.

Case Types We Handle

Our Mass Tort and Complex Injury Litigation practice includes 9 case types. Select one to learn more.

• Dangerous Prescription Drug LitigationDangerous drug litigation involves many people harmed by the same medication, often coordinated in court.
• Defective Medical Device LitigationMedical device litigation involves implants and devices that failed in many patients.
• Widespread Consumer Product Injury ClaimsWidespread consumer product claims involve products that injured many users nationwide.
• Toxic Exposure Mass TortsToxic exposure mass torts involve many people harmed by the same chemical or substance.
• Environmental Exposure LitigationEnvironmental exposure litigation involves communities harmed by pollution or contamination.
• Pharmaceutical Product Liability ClaimsPharmaceutical product liability claims involve drugs that were defective or sold without adequate warnings.
• Multi-Plaintiff Product Liability CasesMulti-plaintiff cases group individual claims involving the same product to share discovery and resources.
• Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) Injury ClaimsMDL claims are individual federal cases consolidated before one judge for pretrial proceedings.
• Class Action-Related Personal Injury ClaimsClass action-related claims involve situations where group litigation may affect individual injury claims.

Common Causes of Mass Tort and Complex Injury Litigation

• Dangerous prescription drugs
• Defective medical devices and implants
• Widely sold defective consumer products
• Toxic chemical exposure
• Environmental contamination
• Inadequate warnings about known risks

Injuries and Losses We See

• Cancers
• Organ damage
• Device failure and revision surgery
• Neurological injuries
• Wrongful death

Mass Torts, MDLs and Class Actions

In a mass tort, each plaintiff keeps an individual claim, though cases may be grouped for pretrial proceedings in multidistrict litigation (MDL). A class action is different: one case represents many people with similar claims. Whether either applies depends on the product and your injuries. Deadlines still apply to individual claims.

How We Investigate Mass Tort and Complex Injury Litigation Claims

Strong cases are built on evidence gathered early. Depending on the facts, we work to obtain:

• Medical records establishing use or exposure
• Product, prescription and purchase history
• Scientific and regulatory evidence
• Court orders in coordinated proceedings

Who May Be Responsible

More than one party may share responsibility, which can increase the insurance coverage available. Potentially liable parties include:

• Pharmaceutical companies
• Medical device manufacturers
• Consumer product manufacturers
• Companies responsible for environmental contamination

What to Do After an Incident

1. Get medical care
2. Keep the product, packaging and receipt — do not repair it
3. Photograph the product and your injuries
4. Write down how the product was being used
5. Check for recalls and save related notices
6. Speak with an attorney before contacting the manufacturer

Compensation You May Be Able to Recover

Depending on the facts and the law that applies, a claim may include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain, suffering and emotional distress
• Rehabilitation, long-term care and home modification costs
• Property damage and other out-of-pocket losses

Why Acting Early Matters

Every state sets deadlines for filing injury claims, and claims involving government entities can require formal notice within a much shorter time. Video footage, records and physical evidence can be lost quickly. Speaking with an attorney early protects your options.

How Our Attorneys Can Help

We investigate what happened, deal with the insurance companies, document the full extent of your losses and pursue a fair settlement — and we are prepared to go to court when an insurer will not be reasonable. Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis: you pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you. Consultations are free and confidential.