Is My Claim a Mass Tort or Class Action?
Class action cases, in which multiple wronged parties come together to file a claim against a defendant, are similar to mass torts but not identical. The main difference is this: In a class action, every member of the class receives the exact same outcome. If there is a settlement, it will be divided evenly among the class, who are all members of the same lawsuit. In a mass tort or MDL case, by contrast, each plaintiff files their own lawsuit so their outcome can be determined based on their specific harms.
Mass torts are more fit for issues where several plaintiffs were wronged but suffered different amounts or types of harm. These cases are commonly filed in the fields of:
When reporting damages in such cases, claimants often sustain different injuries and/or require a variety of treatments to recover. It wouldn’t be fair if someone who just had to go to the ER received the same amount of compensation as someone who spent two weeks in the hospital and missed an additional month of work on top of that. Because each plaintiff presents their case individually in a mass tort case, a judge and jury can decide how much compensation is appropriate for their losses.
If you’re not sure whether your claim would be considered a mass tort or class action, you can ask one of our lawyers in a free consultation. We’re here to help you understand how these cases work and what you can expect if you file.
Call a Nationally Respected Mass Tort Lawyer Today
Ashcraft & Gerel has a strong mass torts and MDL practice section led by
Attorney Michelle A. Parfitt, who has held leadership positions in some of the largest mass tort cases of the past few years. Our team has decades of combined experience, a record of success, and the resources to handle complex litigation against large corporations. We’ve taken high-profile cases to court before—and won.
More importantly, we’re dedicated to helping people find justice when they’ve been wronged by bad actors. Our team has been integral to monumental cases that changed industries and influenced laws. We are dedicated advocates for those who have been harmed, stopping at nothing to ensure their stories are heard.
If you are looking for a firm that will fully represent your interests and fight for you, ask Ashcraft & Gerel how we can help you find justice. We have been serving the seriously injured since 1953.
