What Is a Mass Tort and How Does It Work?

Mass tort litigation allows a large number of plaintiffs who have suffered similar injuries from the same defendant — often a pharmaceutical company or manufacturer — to bring their claims in a coordinated fashion.

Unlike class actions, each plaintiff in a mass tort retains their own case and is evaluated individually for damages. This distinction is important: it means compensation is tailored to each victim's specific harm.

For law firms, mass torts represent a significant opportunity. High case volumes, strong settlement potential, and clear liability paths make them one of the most valuable practice areas in plaintiff-side litigation.