How does a mass tort differ from other product liability lawsuits?

A mass tort is a type of product liability action. It is a term that describes what occurs when numerous people have suffered the same injuries or illness from the same type of product defect. Usually, the products are manufactured by one company or a handful of companies.

Mass tort cases typically are consolidated into class action lawsuits, multidistrict litigation (MDL) or multicounty litigation (MCL). If the manufacturer’s liability is established by a jury verdict, or if there is overwhelming evidence of liability, it may result in a large settlement, or “global settlement.”