Differences Between Mass Tort and a Class Action

 

When a group seeks to hold a company accountable for damages or negligence, they may file a mass tort injury or class action lawsuit. Both types of civil actions are similar as they address issues that affect multiple individuals, making them consumer protection lawsuits. Regulatory bodies can monitor this area but may need help to fulfill this responsibility effectively. For instance, the FDA receives significant funding from the companies it regulates, which can create conflicts of interest. These agencies can halt further harm, but they may not be able to assist victims.

When government officials fail to protect people, lawyers can defend them. Attorneys can obtain injunctions to prevent companies from knowingly selling hazardous products. They can also secure compensation for victims' financial losses, such as medical bills, and non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering. Sometimes, the lawyer can also award punitive damages to these companies.

What distinguishes mass tort cases from class actions? Several key differences exist between the two types of lawsuits, which can impact the total damages awarded and how the money is divided among the plaintiffs involved in the lawsuit.

What is a Mass Tort?

A mass tort is a legal action where individuals file separate lawsuits together in court. Each plaintiff in a mass tort remains an independent party who can direct their case as they see fit. This means that each plaintiff is entitled to the same damages they would receive from a single individual lawsuit.

It is generally difficult to establish a similarity between claims about dangerous drugs and medical devices, as people use them in varying circumstances. However, such issues usually affect a significant number of victims. Recent cases of defective products, such as the Roundup and 3M earplug lawsuits, have harmed tens or even hundreds of thousands of people across the country.

If, for example, a company caused a dangerous chemical spill that affected multiple plaintiffs, they could file a lawsuit against the company in a mass tort injury lawsuit. Each plaintiff could then decide whether the settlement or award would cover their medical costs. If they feel the amount needs to be high, they can reject it even if other claimants accept it.

In mass tort injury cases, plaintiffs may receive compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering. To file a mass tort, all individual plaintiffs must have suffered injuries due to the defendant's negligence in a harmful act, although the range of injuries may differ.

What is a Class Action?

Multiple people bring class action lawsuits against a corporation or other entity, but in a class action lawsuit, the plaintiffs are all part of a single action. Instead of filing individual lawsuits against the same party, they file a claim as a group.

Additionally, in a class action lawsuit, all plaintiffs must have suffered the same injuries or damages. For example, a class action lawsuit is filed against a company because a product it makes contains a carcinogen, and a large group of people get cancer after using the product. All of the plaintiffs would have suffered the same type of harm, getting cancer, although there would be some variation in the types of cancer and the severity of the tumor.

In many ways, a class action lawsuit is a personal injury class action lawsuit. Under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, multiple individual actions can be consolidated into a single class action if:

The claims must be so numerous that the “union of all members is impracticable,” and hearing individual claims would not efficiently use judicial resources. Generally, there should be at least fifteen or twenty victims.

The commonality of the cases is the same: This aspect, common issues of fact and law between all parties, disqualifies many possible class actions. The facts in each case are often different, and different legal doctrines may apply.

-All class action and masstort injury lawsuit claims have a lead or named plaintiff who speaks on behalf of all other victims. New York personal injury lawyers representing this person or entity must represent other victims with the same zeal.

Class action lawsuits often involve financial matters, such as illegal paycheck deductions or interest charges. These issues affect all victims equally, regardless of the facts of the case. Most environmental poisoning claims are also class action matters.

Some claims for dangerous drugs or defective products are also class actions. Collective legal actions, including class-action lawsuits, often benefit victims. These platforms allow victims to pull their resources, making them better able to take on large multinational manufacturers and other companies.

In a class action lawsuit, compensation for damages or injuries is awarded to the entire group, and the group must decide how to divide the compensation. In a mass tort injury case, each plaintiff obtains their own judgment and damages award based on the merits of the individual case.

Which One is Best for My Case?

The best option for filing a mass tort or a class action lawsuit depends on various factors, such as the type of injuries or damages sustained. If you suffered severe injuries or are now disabled, a mass tort injury lawsuit might provide better compensation for your damages.

However, if a large corporation's negligence causes your injuries, joining an existing class action lawsuit against them may be more beneficial. Since your injuries were severe, your share of the ultimate settlement could be more significant. The best approach to determining the most appropriate action for your situation is to seek the advice of an experienced attorney specializing in mass tort and class action cases.

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We evaluate your case and connect you with the appropriate medical professionals who can meet your unique needs. We also provide you with support and guidance throughout the entire process. Contact us right now for more information.