What mass tort attorneys do

Mass tort lawyers represent the needs of many people harmed by the same negligent action. Mass tort attorneys go up against corporations, airlines, manufacturers, and even pharmaceutical companies. At The Pendergrass Law Firm, we offer mass tort services.

What’s a mass tort, and how does it work?

A mass tort is a civil case in which many people have been wrongfully harmed in similar ways by the negligent actions of a person or other entity. This means that all of the individual victims have claims against the same defendant.

  • To manage the large number of claims, a mass tort lawyer in Atlanta, GA, can combine them in a multi-district litigation. This usually means that they’ll be overseen by the same court and even the same judge. Doing this streamlines the process.
  • The judge usually appoints a plaintiff’s steering committee, which is made up of lawyers who help with the discovery process for all cases. During discovery, information is exchanged between parties, and witness interviews are conducted.
  • It’s common to have a few cases at the forefront to help resolve the mass tort through multi-district litigation. These representative cases help everyone involved see how the process will play out in court.
  • If a defendant in a mass tort case offers a settlement, each person in the mass tort can decide whether to accept it or present individual claims.
  • Keep in mind that a mass tort isn’t the same as a class action suit. A class action suit also includes people who’ve suffered the same kinds of damages. However, this kind of suit involves lumping all of the plaintiffs’ cases together in one big case.
  • In a class action suit, most people involved don’t have much say in what happens. Generally, becoming a member of a class action suit means you’re bound to accept the settlement the group receives.

With a mass tort, you maintain separate claims and have decision-making powers that allow you to accept or refuse settlements.

Common types of mass tort cases

A mass tort can begin for many reasons, but there are a few common types. One of these is defective products.

Manufacturers have a responsibility to offer safe products and provide their customers with all of the information they need to use the products correctly. Failing to do this on a large scale can result in injuries for many people — resulting in a mass tort case.

Large-scale catastrophes often lead to mass tort cases as well. These can include mass fires within an apartment complex, manufacturing plant explosions, and so much more. In these types of mass torts, individuals may have suffered diverse injuries, but the same entity is at fault.

Mass tort cases could also deal with defective drugs or medical devices. Manufacturers might be liable if they did not adequately warn consumers about a drug that could cause a dangerous side effect or a defective medical device that could lead to injuries.

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How a mass tort attorney in Atlanta, GA, can help

Mass torts are inherently complex. One of the most difficult parts of the process is showing that someone was responsible for the injuries you suffered. That means proving negligence.

Different elements go into the process of proving negligence. It begins by demonstrating that the person or entity had a duty of care that they breached.

However, it’s not always so straightforward. Manufacturers often aren’t aware of the potential for issues, so what happens then? That involves product liability laws, which can be even more complicated.

The next step in the process is to prove that the defendant’s negligence led to your injuries. That requires gathering lots of evidence, which a lawyer will know how to do effectively. 
Then, you have to show that you should be compensated for the damages you’ve suffered. A mass tort lawyer in Atlanta, GA, can help you navigate all of this.

The right lawyer will be ready to litigate your case so that you have the best chance to get the compensation you deserve.

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Do you have a mass tort case in Atlanta, GA?

If you’ve suffered injuries because of someone’s negligence and know others who have gone through the same ordeal, turning to a lawyer experienced in mass tort cases is essential.

At Pendergrass Law, we provide the guidance you need. Our lawyers are ready to assess your case and fight for your rights. We’re a boutique law firm that treats each claim with the care it deserves. We never shy away from a complex fight.

Contact our team at Pendergrass Law today to learn more.

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