Mass Tort News

Many civil tort claims involve holding one liable party accountable for the injuries that a single victim experienced. But what happens when many people have been harmed in a similar way as the result of a single negligent party? 

In these instances, mass tort claims may be appropriate. In a mass tort claim, many plaintiffs seek financial damages for similar injuries or harm. 

People often confuse this type of legal claim with class action lawsuits. These are different types of legal actions, however.  

In a class action suit, all the injured parties are joined together in a “class,” and a representative presents their claim for damages. By contrast, mass tort cases involve each claimant’s case proceeding independently.  

Mass tort claims typically involve holding large corporations or agencies accountable for the harm resulting from their negligent decisions. Each plaintiff in these cases alleges similar harm and seeks compensation for their damage.  

In the legal world, some of the most notable mass tort news highlights the effectiveness and success of the veteran team at Morgan & Morgan. Our skilled legal experts know how to effectively fight for the recovery our clients deserve.

If you’re looking for the most relevant mass tort news, consider some of the recent cases Morgan and Morgan have handled.

If you or someone you love was injured by the negligence of a large corporation or other entity, don’t wait to pursue justice. Complete our brief online contact form to schedule a free legal case evaluation today.

Understanding Mass Tort Claims

Mass tort lawsuits happen when many individuals have been harmed due to a similar cause. The defendants in civil mass tort cases may be a single party or multiple at-fault parties. 

These cases arise when numerous plaintiffs have sustained the same or similar physical or financial damages. A mass tort case can be filed at the state or federal level. 

Some of the most common causes of civil mass tort cases involve injuries caused by: 

• Dangerous pharmaceutical products
• Defective or faulty consumer products
• Faulty or malfunctioning medical devices
• Toxic conditions or mass disasters 

Courts treat plaintiffs in mass tort cases differently than those in class action suits. Each plaintiff in a mass tort claim is considered individually. As such, the financial damages they receive are based on the specific circumstances of their claim. This holds for each and every plaintiff who elects to file a claim.

It’s important to consult with a qualified attorney to ensure you’re pursuing the full value of your negligence claim.

Negligent actors, especially large companies, frequently attempt to settle claims for much less than they’re worth in an attempt to preserve their profits. An experienced attorney can identify such attempts and take the necessary action to hold the party accountable.

You shouldn’t be stuck with skyrocketing medical bills or property damage costs because of a corporation’s negligence.

If you believe you have a valid claim against a negligent party, speak with a legal expert at Morgan & Morgan. Our team has made mass tort news many times by relying on effective strategies and formidable litigation skills.

Mass Tort News from Morgan and Morgan

Some of the most impressive recent mass tort news and lawsuit victories have resulted from the tireless work of the dedicated legal professionals at Morgan & Morgan.

Our firm has handled a wide range of mass tort cases and fought effectively for the victims of corporate and government negligence. At Morgan and Morgan, we believe that everyone deserves high-quality legal representation and a chance to pursue the compensation they’re due. 

We’ve made mass tort news numerous times by pursuing the following types of cases:

Exactech Ankle and Knee Replacement Recall

Exactech is a global medical device company that manufactures knee and ankle replacement implants. However, in 2022, many of the plastic inserts in these devices were found to be defective and subsequently recalled. 

Some of the products were stored incorrectly before use, causing them to warp. After they were implanted into patients, these defective replacement devices raised the risk of later knee problems for those using them. 

More than 147,000 Exactech knee replacement implants have been used since 2004. As a result, hundreds, if not thousands, of consumers have sustained significant personal and financial harm. 

While the company has offered refunds for the price of the faulty product, this isn’t enough. Those injured due to these faulty Exactech products often faced many additional costs and losses.  

Many victims experienced significant medical issues because of the faulty devices. Some of the most common issues that consumers experienced included:

• Aggravated ankle or knee swelling
• Ankle or knee swelling in a novel location
• Difficulty walking or inability to walk
• Significant and lasting pain in the knee or ankle
• Loss of balance
• Inability to bear weight on the ankle or knee
• Ankle or knee noises, such as grinding, clicking, or scraping 

These symptoms are all indicative of ongoing or increasing knee and ankle problems. 

When a replacement component fails, the cartilage and tendons in the joint may collide and rub together. This can cause significant health issues for the patient and result in significant financial losses. You might also be at risk if you’ve received an Exactech knee or ankle replacement since 2004. 

Some of the Exactech products that faced recall include: 

• Optetrak
• Truliant
• Vantage 

According to a statement released by the company, these products were shipped in vacuum-sealed bags. Possible defects allowed oxygen to warp the knee and ankle inserts, making the products less reliable and putting patients in danger. People should have confidence that the medical devices they depend on are safe and reliable.

Philips Sleep Apnea Machine Suit

People who suffer from sleep apnea experience many difficult symptoms as a result of their condition. Many patients rely on CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines to help them relieve sleep apnea and get a good night’s rest.

However, one sleep apnea machine manufactured by Philips Respironics caused problems for many users. The manufacturer recalled millions of CPAP units because users were unknowingly breathing toxic foam. This foam caused many serious health consequences for users, including: 

• Persistent headaches
• Coughing 
• Asthma
• Upper-airway irritations
• Liver and kidney damage
• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased pressure in the chest
• Sinus infections 

In a few extreme cases, the foam from these defective CPAP machines led to the development of certain types of cancer. Outcomes like these are completely unacceptable, and those who were affected deserve significant financial recovery.  

If you or someone you love was negatively impacted by the toxic foam produced by Philips’ sleep apnea machines, speak with an attorney. The knowledgeable legal professionals at Morgan & Morgan will help you determine whether you have a valid claim against the manufacturer.

Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Tort

From 1953 to 1987, the water at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina was contaminated with high levels of toxic substances. While the government was aware of this issue, it failed to take appropriate action to resolve it.

As a result, many service people and their loved ones stationed at Camp Lejeune during this period now suffer from various illnesses, many of which are life-threatening. Veterans exposed to the contaminated water have developed the following medical issues and conditions:

• Kidney and liver cancer
• Lung cancer
• Spinal cancer
• Breast cancer
• Bladder or esophageal cancer
• Leukemia
• Birth defects
• Infertility
• Parkinson’s disease
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Miscarriage 

Many other types of cancers are possible for those who ingested or contacted the water at Camp Lejeune. If you or a loved one are among them, consult with a knowledgeable attorney from Morgan and Morgan to explore your legal options. 

Compensation is rightfully owed to those who can provide evidence for the following: 

• Current disability
• Injury or illness related to military service
• A connection between the illness or injury and current disability 

Some veterans aren’t required to prove these criteria. Talk to a lawyer at Morgan & Morgan to determine whether you have a case for financial recovery.