When a dangerous or defective product has harmed a group of individuals, the attorneys at Brown & Brown, LLP, can help. Our team has experience across a range of practice areas and the knowledge and skills needed to pursue justice through mass tort litigation.
To find out if you have a mass tort case, please contact Brown & Brown today. We help clients from St. Louis, MO (314-333-3333 or 573-333-3333) and Illinois (618-888-8888).
What Is a Mass Tort?
A mass tort is a single wrongful act (tort) that injures many victims, leading numerous plaintiffs to sue one or more defendants who acted negligently. In the majority of these cases, plaintiffs sue because of injuries caused by one common product, such as:
- A dangerous or defective medical device
- AÂ dangerous pharmaceutical drug or medicine
- AÂ dangerous or defective consumer product
If the court determines that the various lawsuits share sufficient commonalities to constitute a mass tort, all cases will be transferred to a single court and assigned to the same judge.
Mass Torts vs. Class Action Lawsuits
A mass tort is not the same thing as a class action suit. They are similar in the sense that they both involve several people who were injured by a common product. Both start as individual lawsuits, too, and are later combined into a single action.
That said, there are also some essential distinctions, including the following:
- In a mass tort lawsuit, each plaintiff is treated as an individual, whereas in a class action, they are not.
- In a mass tort lawsuit, every plaintiff must prove their own set of facts, including how the defendant’s product or service injured them. In a class action, the plaintiffs are represented by a class representative.
- Class action lawsuits generally result in a single judgment, while mass tort claims can yield separate judgments for each individual.
Types of Injuries Commonly Involved in Mass Tort Cases
Mass tort cases often involve injuries caused by defective or unsafe products. While the source of harm may be the same, the severity and long-term impact can vary from person to person. Common injuries seen in mass tort litigation include:
- Organ damage involving the liver, kidneys, lungs, or heart
- Cancer linked to prolonged exposure or use
- Neurological injuries, including memory loss or nerve damage
- Cardiovascular events like heart attacks or strokes
- Internal bleeding or hemorrhaging
- Chronic pain or permanent disability
- Congenital disabilities or reproductive harm
- Severe allergic reactions or immune system complications
Mass Tort – Dangerous Medical Devices
All medical devices are subject to approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Every year, companies spend millions of dollars on research and development for their products. When products fail to receive FDA approval, these companies stand to lose billions of dollars.
This situation creates a powerful incentive for companies to do whatever it takes to bring their products to market, sometimes at the expense of the safety of those who buy them. When companies value profits over consumer safety, the results can be devastating.
Mass Tort – Dangerous Drugs and Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceutical manufacturers have an obligation to conduct exhaustive research to uncover potential side effects before any product is sold to the public. However, instead of helping people overcome disease and illness, some drug manufacturers have actually caused harm.
Prescription and over-the-counter drugs seriously injure thousands of people every year. In some cases, the effects can be fatal.
Dangerous drug recalls can protect some individuals from harm, but they often come too late for many individuals. If you have suffered harmful effects from unsafe drugs, you need a skilled lawyer on your side.
Benefits of Mass Tort Lawsuits Instead of Class Action Lawsuits for Dangerous Medical Devices, Drugs, and Pharmaceuticals
A dangerous medical device or drug can affect each person who uses or takes it differently, even when the underlying defect is identical. If a medication is linked to multiple types of cancer, some people may develop one condition, others may develop several, and the severity can vary widely. Differences in a person’s body, overall health, and medical care can also lead to different treatment plans and outcomes.
A mass tort lawsuit allows each claim to be evaluated individually while combining similar cases into a single court for efficiency. This approach helps ensure compensation reflects each person’s true injuries, rather than requiring everyone to share the same outcome, as often happens in class-action lawsuits.
How Mass Tort Attorneys Can Help
Mass tort lawsuits have different rules from class action lawsuits and individual lawsuits. You need an attorney who is not only familiar with the type of case and injuries you have but also experienced in handling mass torts specifically.
A skilled mass tort attorney helps you collect evidence and depose defendants. They also keep track of deadlines and file the appropriate documents to enter and remain part of the lawsuit.
Why Choose Brown & Brown, LLP, for Help With Mass Tort Cases in St. Louis and Illinois?
Brown & Brown brings decades of experience and a client-first mindset to mass tort cases in St. Louis and nearby Illinois. Founded by brothers Dan and Ed Brown in 1993, our firm has spent more than 30 years helping injured individuals pursue accountability and financial recovery.
Our attorneys understand the complexities of mass tort litigation and provide focused, one-on-one attention throughout the process. Clients benefit from free consultations, a contingency-fee structure, and hands-on support from start to finish. With offices serving Missouri and Illinois — and the ability to meet clients at home or in the hospital — Brown & Brown remains accessible, responsive, and committed to making a meaningful difference.
FAQs
Can I File a Mass Tort Claim if My Injuries Are Different From Those of Others Involved?
Yes. Mass tort cases are designed to account for differences among injured individuals. While all plaintiffs were harmed by the same product, drug, or medical device, the type and severity of injuries often vary. One person may experience mild complications, while another may suffer long-term or life-altering harm.
Mass tort litigation allows each claim to be evaluated separately, so differences in diagnosis, treatment, recovery time, and overall impact do not prevent you from participating. Your claim is based on how the product specifically affected you.
Do I Need To Prove My Individual Injuries in a Mass Tort Case?
Yes. In a mass tort case, every plaintiff must show how the product caused their specific injuries. Unlike class actions, mass torts do not treat all claimants as one group with identical damages. Medical records, treatment history, expert opinions, and other evidence are used to demonstrate the connection between the product and your injuries. This individualized approach ensures compensation reflects the true extent of your losses (e.g., medical costs, lost income, and the long-term effects on your health and daily life).
What Is Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) in Mass Tort Cases?
Multidistrict litigation, or MDL, is a legal process used to manage large numbers of similar mass tort cases more efficiently. When many lawsuits share common facts — such as claims involving the same drug or medical device — they may be transferred to one federal court and assigned to a single judge. This allows shared issues, such as discovery and pretrial motions, to be handled together. Each case, however, remains separate, and if a settlement is not reached, individual claims may be returned to their original courts for trial.
How Long Do Mass Tort Lawsuits Typically Take To Resolve?
The timeline for a mass tort lawsuit varies widely and depends on several factors, including:
- The complexity of the claims
- The number of plaintiffs involved
- Whether the case settles or goes to trial
Some mass torts may resolve within a few years, while others can take longer, especially when extensive medical evidence and expert testimony are required. MDL proceedings can help streamline early stages, but each claim still moves at its own pace. Attorneys monitor deadlines closely while working toward fair outcomes for each plaintiff.
Contact Our Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation In St. Louis & Illinois
If you’ve been harmed by a dangerous drug or defective medical device, you deserve compensation for your injuries and diminished quality of life. Contact the experienced mass tort attorneys of Brown & Brown, LLP today in St. Louis, Missouri, at 314-333-3333 or 573-333-3333, or in Illinois at 618-888-8888.
