If you’ve ever watched the news, you’ve probably heard of class action lawsuits. In these lawsuits, a large number of plaintiffs band together to sue a single company for a specific action. However, you might not be as familiar with its cousin, the mass tort lawsuit.
There are plenty of misconceptions about mass tort cases. Fortunately, as a trusted mass tort lawyer in Colorado, McDivitt Law Firm is here to set the record straight:
What Are Mass Tort Lawsuits?
A mass tort lawsuit is a case in which multiple plaintiffs who have been similarly wronged by the same party file individual lawsuits against that party. Unlike class action lawsuits, which treat all plaintiffs as a single entity, mass tort lawsuits are tried individually.
Because every plaintiff in mass tort lawsuits has their case heard, they face a higher burden of proof than plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit. Specifically, mass tort lawsuit plaintiffs must be able to prove certain facts, such as how they were wronged by the defendant.
How Mass Tort Lawsuits Work
When a harmful product or corporate action affects hundreds or even thousands of people, lawyers investigate whether it makes sense to file a mass tort lawsuit. Here’s how the process of investigating and filing one of these suits generally unfolds:
- Investigation Begins – A mass tort lawyer in Colorado will start by researching the product or incident. They’ll collect evidence, talk to victims, and determine whether the situation has the makings of a mass tort case. They may file initial lawsuits on behalf of individuals while continuing to gather data.
- Federal Court Consolidation (MDL) – Many mass tort lawsuits get consolidated into something called a Multi-District Litigation (MDL) in federal court. This helps streamline pre-trial proceedings, like collecting documents and expert testimony. Each plaintiff still has their own case. Consolidation just helps lawyers do the shared groundwork more efficiently.
- Bellwether Trials – A few individual cases—called “bellwether trials”—are selected to go to trial first. These trials help lawyers gauge how juries might respond to the larger case being assembled, and often lead to settlements. If the outcomes favor the plaintiffs, companies may be more willing to negotiate a global settlement for the rest of the claimants.
- Individual Resolution – Once settlements are offered, each person involved can choose whether to accept or continue their case individually. Since each person’s damages are unique, compensation is typically based on the severity of the harm inflicted.
Benefits of Joining a Mass Tort Lawsuit
Joining a mass tort lawsuit gives you the chance to fight back against major corporations that would otherwise overpower individuals in court. With the strength of numbers and a skilled mass tort lawyer in Colorado on your side, the scales start to tip in favor of the plaintiffs.
Here’s why joining a mass tort lawsuit makes sense:
- Strength in Numbers: When hundreds or thousands of people come forward, it becomes clear that the issue isn’t isolated. The publicity from a mass tort lawsuit pressures the offending company to respond and creates a stronger legal case for each plaintiff.
- Access to Experts: A mass tort team pools resources to bring in top medical, scientific, and industry experts—something that would be unaffordable for most people on their own.
- Shared Costs, Bigger Impact: Because many cases are handled together, costs like expert fees, court filings, and investigations are shared, reducing your financial burden.
- Individualized Compensation: Unlike a class action, you’re not just a number. Your injuries, your medical bills, and your pain are evaluated separately, giving you a fair shot at the compensation you truly deserve.
The Role of a Mass Tort Lawyer in Colorado
Our mass tort lawyers in Colorado are more than just legal representatives—they’re advocates, guides, and fighters. We level the playing field to make sure victims aren’t silenced by the power or money of large corporations.
As soon as you begin working with McDivitt Law, your mass tort lawyer will review your story, gather your medical records, connect you with experts, and help you understand every part of the legal process. They’ll keep you informed as the case progresses and fight to get you the compensation you’re owed.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you believe you’ve been harmed by a defective product, dangerous medication, or any large-scale corporate wrongdoing, don’t wait to get help. The faster you file a claim, the more likely important evidence will still be available to improve your case.
Click the button below to schedule a free consultation with a trusted mass tort lawyer from McDivitt Law. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you understand if joining a mass tort lawsuit is right for you.