What Is a Mass Tort?
Generally speaking, a mass tort is a type of civil action, as opposed to a criminal action, that involves multiple plaintiffs (or injured parties) and a single defendant. In some cases, a mass tort may involve several common defendants.
Mass torts are similar to class action lawsuits in that multiple people who have suffered damages seek compensation from a liable entity. However, unlike in class actions, mass torts allow each individual plaintiff to recover compensation based on their own set of damages. In other words, a successful class action claim results in one settlement or verdict which is then distributed among all participating plaintiffs, whereas plaintiffs in a mass tort can seek compensation that correlates to their actual damages.
Mass torts also tend to be smaller than class action lawsuits, with fewer plaintiffs. That being said, mass torts can still comprise large groups of injured parties. However, these injured parties are all treated as individuals, rather than as one large class.
Why Participate in a Mass Tort?
Mass torts are often beneficial to victims of defective drugs and medical devices, as these items tend to cause varying types and degrees of harm to victims. Because mass torts allow plaintiffs to seek individual damages, this makes them an ideal option for large groups who have been adversely affected by a pharmaceutical company’s negligence or a drug manufacturer’s misconduct.
A mass tort allows you to participate in pre-trial proceedings alongside other plaintiffs. Your attorney will be able to share investigation findings, discoveries, and resources with others involved in the action, as well as work collaboratively with other attorneys to craft legal strategies aimed at achieving swift and favorable resolutions.
Contact Ball, Kirk & Holm, P.C. Today
If you or someone you love was diagnosed with cancer after taking Zantac or after using talcum powder, if you were injured due to faulty 3M earplugs, or if you were harmed or suffered losses due to any other defective or dangerous product, contact Ball, Kirk & Holm, P.C. to learn how our Waterloo mass tort lawyers can help. Our firm is willing to go above and beyond for our clients, leaving no stone unturned in our pursuit of the justice and fair financial recoveries they deserve.
Since 1958, we have been proudly serving individuals and families throughout the state of Iowa. We are available to take your call at any time and can sit down with you to listen to your story and learn about your legal goals.
Please call our office at (319) 220-0416 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our team today. We represent claims in Iowa City, Waterloo and throughout the state!