Mass Torts

A mass tort is a civil lawsuit that typically involves multiple injured parties filing claims against one or more defendants. These cases usually arise from dangerous products, defective pharmaceuticals, or environmental hazards that cause widespread harm. Unlike class action lawsuits, where plaintiffs are grouped into a single claim, each plaintiff in a mass tort retains an individual lawsuit and receives personalized compensation based on their unique injuries.

The Schenk Law Firm has extensive experience handling complex mass tort cases. Partner Fred Schenk has been appointed to the plaintiffs’ steering committee in the Judicial Council Coordination Proceedings (JCCP) against tech giants like Facebook, Instagram, and Alphabet. These cases focus on holding social media corporations accountable for knowingly promoting addictive behavior among young users, leading to severe mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, and more.

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What is a MassTort?

A mass tort occurs when a group of individuals is harmed by the same product, drug, or exposure. The plaintiffs are treated individually, allowing each to present their own specific injuries and damages.

Mass torts are often pursued when manufacturers fail to warn about the risks associated with their products, such as a pharmaceutical company releasing a drug without proper warnings about its side effects.

By filing individual claims, plaintiffs maintain control over their lawsuits while benefiting from consolidated resources during litigation. This collaborative approach, often facilitated by Multidistrict Litigation (MDL), helps streamline the legal process, reduce costs, and ensure fair treatment for each victim.

Types of Mass Torts We Handle

We are committed to advocating for individuals impacted by corporate negligence and represent clients in various mass tort claims, including but not limited to:

Social Media Addiction:
With increasing concerns over the impact of social media on mental health, particularly among young people, we are pursuing claims against tech companies for designing platforms that exploit addictive behaviors, leading to psychological harm.
Talcum Powder:
Long-term use of talcum powder products has been linked to ovarian cancer and other serious health issues. If you or a loved one has been affected, you may be eligible for compensation.
Hernia Mesh: Defective hernia mesh devices can lead to severe complications such as infection, pain, and the need for revision surgeries. We are here to help those affected by faulty hernia mesh products.
Uber Driver Sex Abuse:
Tragically, some rideshare passengers have experienced sexual abuse by drivers. The Schenk Law Firm is committed to helping victims seek justice and hold companies accountable.
Paragard IUDs:
The Paragard IUD, a widely used contraceptive device, has caused serious injuries, including device breakage that can result in severe internal damage. We represent those harmed by this defective medical device.
Forever Chemicals (PFAS):
PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” have been linked to serious health risks such as cancer and liver damage. These toxic substances have contaminated water supplies and consumer products, and The Schenk Law Firm is fighting for those exposed to these hazardous chemicals.

The Importance of Mass Torts

Mass tort litigation is crucial for addressing large-scale harm caused by dangerous products, pharmaceuticals, or environmental hazards. These cases allow individuals who have suffered similar injuries to come together, pooling their resources to hold corporations accountable.

Mass torts offer a more efficient and cost-effective way for individuals to seek justice, while still allowing each plaintiff to present their unique case and receive personalized compensation.

Mass torts can address issues such as:

Defective medical devices that cause injuries or complications.
Dangerous pharmaceuticals that result in adverse side effects.
Toxic exposure to harmful chemicals that lead to chronic illness or environmental damage.
Defective consumer products that injure or kill users.

For example, when a cosmetic product contains a toxic ingredient that leads to cancer, each affected person can file an individual claim against the manufacturer, proving:

The manufacturer was negligent.
The negligence caused harm or injury.
The extent of the physical and emotional damage suffered.

How Mass Torts Differ from Class Actions

In mass tort cases, each plaintiff is treated as an individual with a unique claim. Unlike class action lawsuits, where a single case represents all plaintiffs, mass tort cases allow each injured person to present their own specific injuries and damages. This approach ensures a more personalized compensation process for each plaintiff while still benefiting from the collaborative resources of a larger group.

Your Fight for Justice Starts Here

The Schenk Law Firm’s mass tort attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of those harmed by corporate negligence. We understand the complexities of these cases and are here to guide you through the process.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your options for seeking justice and compensation.