Mass tort is a type of lawsuit that allows multiple plaintiffs to join together in order to seek compensation for damages caused by the same product or company. This type of lawsuit is beneficial for those who have suffered similar injuries as it enables them to share the costs and resources associated with litigation. The goal of a mass tort is to increase efficiency and eliminate unnecessary expenses. By consolidating claims, attorneys can reduce the cost of filing multiple lawsuits, which helps save time and money for their clients.
As the new year begins, many legal professionals are looking towards what mass torts will dominate the court system in 2023. There are a variety of different cases that lawyers may be watching closely in the upcoming months, but here are the top five to watch out for:
- Zantac: The Zantac mass tort was initiated in June 2020, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall for all over-the-counter Zantac products as well as generic ranitidine tablets and capsules sold at major retailers nationwide due to concerns about the presence of a potential cancer-causing agent. Since then, thousands of Zantac victims have come forward to file claims against the manufacturers and distributors of Zantac for their alleged negligence in not adequately warning about the risk associated with Zantac use.
The Zantac mass tort is still developing and much of the litigation is ongoing. However, if you or someone you know has been impacted by Zantac use, it is important to consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible in order to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the optimal outcome from any Zantac-related legal action. With a comprehensive understanding of Zantac’s potential health risks and extensive experience in Zantac mass torts, attorney Adam Miller, The Texas Bulldog, can help Zantac victims seek the compensation they deserve for their losses. - 3M Earplugs: A class-action lawsuit was filed after it was discovered that the company knowingly sold defective earplugs to the US military. These earplugs have been linked to hearing loss and tinnitus in hundreds of veterans, leading to a massive settlement agreement in December 2020. If you or someone you know has been injured from using 3M Earplugs contact The Miller Law Firm today for a free case review by calling 713-572-3333.
- Talc: Talcum powder has been used as an ingredient in some consumer products for decades, but it was recently linked to ovarian cancer as well as rare lung cancers including mesothelioma. Several manufacturers are now facing litigation from thousands of victims. The mass tort talc lawsuit process can be long, complex and expensive. If successful, the plaintiff may be awarded compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, emotional distress, loss of quality of life, and other damages that have been caused by their exposure to talc. As with any lawsuit, it is important for those seeking compensation through a mass tort talc case to ensure they are represented by an experienced lawyer who can guide them through the process. Contact Adam Miller, The Texas Bulldog, for a no cost consultation by calling 713-572-3333..
- Roundup: Monsanto is facing numerous lawsuits over its weed-killer Roundup, which contains the active ingredient glyphosate. This product has been linked to certain types of cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma by thousands of people who have been exposed to it. In a mass tort roundup lawsuit, each plaintiff maintains individual control over their own case. This means that each plaintiff has the ability to accept or reject any settlement offers from the defendant company; however, if one person accepts an offer then every other plaintiff must also accept it in order for it to be valid.
- PPA: Mass tort lawsuits involving the drug phenylpropanolamine (PPA) have become increasingly common in recent years. PPA is an ingredient found in many over-the-counter diet pills, decongestants, and cold medications. In addition to its use as a weight loss supplement, PPA has been linked to serious health problems such as stroke and pulmonary embolism. As more evidence of potential dangers associated with PPA emerged, several mass tort litigation cases were filed against manufacturers of products containing this ingredient. These suits allege that the companies knew or should have known about the risks posed by their products but failed to warn consumers adequately. In some cases, plaintiffs have successfully obtained large awards for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. In others, settlements have been reached out-of-court. The potential risks associated with PPA demonstrate the importance of researching any over-the-counter medication before taking it. It is also important to pay close attention to product labels and warnings as well as consult a physician if you experience any side effects associated with the drug. If you or someone you know has experienced side effects after taking PPA, contact The Miller Law Firm for a no obligation, free case review.
As 2023 continues, these are the five mass torts that legal professionals should be watching closely for potential developments or resolutions. Each case could have a massive impact on many individuals’ lives and may lead to drastic changes in how some companies conduct business. It will be interesting to see how things play out in the coming months.
