Mass Tort Litigation In Indiana

When corporate negligence causes widespread harm, those responsible should be held legally accountable. At Hovde Dassow + Deets, our Indianapolis mass tort attorneys have successfully represented countless clients in complex litigation against major manufacturers, corporations, and other powerful entities. We frequently handle mass torts involving defective products, toxic exposure, dangerous medications, and more.

Our goal is to maximize every individual client’s recovery so that they can move through the healing process. To date, we have secured more than $300 million in compensation for our clients and are recognized as one of Indiana’s leading mass tort law firms, thanks to our careful analysis of claims, meticulous case preparation, and aggressive approach to litigation.

If you have been injured or if someone you love died due to another entity’s widespread negligence or wrongful conduct, call 888-229-1778 or contact us online for a free consultation.

What Is A Mass Tort?

A mass tort is similar to a class action in that it allows a group of people to file a consolidated lawsuit against a single entity. Unlike a class action lawsuit, however, mass torts do not result in a single settlement or verdict which then must be split among all participating parties; instead, a successful mass tort allows each participating plaintiff to receive a personalized settlement or verdict specific to their situation. This makes mass torts practical in situations in which multiple people are uniquely harmed by a singular cause.

For example, a defective medical device is likely to cause varying degrees of injury in different individuals who receive the device. While one patient may experience relatively mild complications, another could face life-threatening bodily injury or even death due to the same defective device. The damages suffered by these patients—such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering—will differ depending on the degree of injury suffered. Mass tort litigation allows victims and surviving family members to seek compensation that is specific to their damages.

What Are The Benefits Of Mass Tort Litigation?

There are several advantages to filing a mass tort compared to engaging in single-plaintiff litigation or participating in a class action lawsuit. Mass tort litigation allows for the consolidation of multiple individual lawsuits against a single defendant, which reduces the overall number of cases moving through the legal system. Additionally, information regarding a single case, including claim investigation and preparation, can be used to support another. This often translates to a more expedited and streamlined process.

When compared to class actions, mass torts offer the advantage of personalized recoveries. A successful class action lawsuit results in a single settlement or verdict that is split among all participating parties, meaning the more plaintiffs who take part in the class action, the lower each individual plaintiff’s recovery. A mass tort, on the other hand, allows each participating party to seek personalized compensation based on the specific damages they have suffered.

Do You Have A Mass Tort Action?

To have a mass tort, or grounds to participate in a mass tort, you must be one of multiple affected parties. In other words, if you were the sole injured party, you do not have a mass tort. Instead, you may file a single-plaintiff personal injury or wrongful death claim. Additionally, all affected parties must have claims against a single entity, such as a negligent corporate entity or manufacturer.

Most mass torts involve the following:

• Defective consumer products, such as auto defects
• Pharmaceutical claims, such as defective drugs or medical devices
• Medical/professional malpractice, such as hospital negligence
• Environmental torts, such as toxic exposure or groundwater contamination

Note that while many mass torts involve bodily injury or death, mass tort litigation may also solely involve monetary harm. For example, an environmental tort involving an oil spill that results in widespread damage to coastlines, thereby negatively affecting nearby businesses, could serve as grounds for mass tort litigation.

Typically, the court will grant permission to file a mass tort action when:

• Multiple plaintiffs are seeking to sue a single party (known as a “tortfeasor”)
• The plaintiffs have suffered similar but different injuries and/or damages
• The plaintiffs’ individual claims relate to a sole cause or negligent/wrongful act

The court will weigh these and other factors—such as the relation of the plaintiffs’ various locations—when determining whether to grant the attorneys’ request(s) to file a mass tort.

Types Of Mass Torts We Handle

At Hovde Dassow + Deets, we have more than 100 years of combined experience handling all types of mass tort actions.

We frequently assist clients with litigation involving:

• Defective Juul E-cigarettes
• Mesothelioma/asbestos exposure
• Defective drugs, such as Risperdal
• Dangerous medical devices
• Harmful consumer products, such as talcum powder
• Defective testosterone therapy treatments
• Environmental torts

When you trust your case to our team, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. As a client, you will always receive personalized attention and communication, and one of our partner attorneys will be directly involved in your case from start to finish.

If you suffered a serious injury, lost a loved one, or were otherwise negatively impacted by something that caused harm to many, reach out to our Indianapolis mass tort attorneys today to learn how we can help. We offer free initial consultations and contingency fees, meaning you don’t pay anything unless we recover compensation for you.

Get started with your free consultation; call 888-229-1778.