You want justice if you’ve suffered harm after using a dangerous drug or some other type of defective product. You may be able to obtain that justice, as well as a substantial amount of compensation, by participating in a mass tort. An attorney with The McEwen Law Firm can tell you much more and provide the skilled representation you need.
We have a great deal of experience in this area of law, and we’ve helped our clients obtain millions of dollars. Find out what we can do for you by calling (800) 732-3070 or contacting us online.
What is a Mass Tort Case?
Mass tort cases refer to legal proceedings in which a large group of people similarly affected by a common product or action seeks compensation for their injuries or losses. These cases differ from class-action lawsuits in that each plaintiff’s claim is considered separately rather than being grouped together.
Mass torts involve injuries caused by various products and situations, including defective drugs, medical devices, environmental toxins, and workplace hazards.
Ongoing and Recently Settled Mass Tort Cases
Zantac
Zantac, a popular heartburn medication, has been the subject of numerous mass tort lawsuits in recent years after researchers found it contained high levels of a cancer-causing substance called NDMA. As a result, thousands of plaintiffs filed lawsuits against the manufacturers of Zantac, alleging that the medication caused them to develop various types of cancer, including bladder, stomach, and liver cancer. Fortunately, some of these cases were settled, with payouts ranging from thousands to millions of dollars.
RoundUp
RoundUp, a popular weed killer manufactured by Monsanto, has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. The active ingredient in RoundUp is glyphosate, which the World Health Organization classified as a probable human carcinogen.
In 2018, a California jury awarded nearly $300 million to a school groundskeeper who developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after using RoundUp regularly. Since then, thousands of other plaintiffs have filed lawsuits against Monsanto, and several cases have resulted in significant settlements.
Paraquat
Paraquat is an herbicide commonly used to control weeds and grasses. However, exposure to the chemical lead to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. Plaintiffs have filed numerous mass tort lawsuits against the manufacturers of paraquat in recent years, alleging that the chemical caused plaintiffs to develop Parkinson’s disease. Some of these cases have already resulted in significant settlements, with payouts ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.
Opioids
The opioid epidemic has resulted in mass tort lawsuits against drug manufacturers and distributors. Plaintiffs allege that these companies contributed to the epidemic by downplaying the addictive properties of opioid medications and aggressively marketing them to doctors and patients. Several companies have already reached significant settlements with plaintiffs, including Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin, which declared bankruptcy and settled for $12 billion.
Hip Replacements
Hip replacement surgeries are common, but defective hip implants have caused many patients to suffer severe injuries and complications. In recent years, many people filed mass tort lawsuits against manufacturers of hip replacement devices. These people alleged that the design of the device was defective or improperly tested.
Developing in 2023
Baby Formula & NEC
Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe intestinal disease that can affect premature infants. Some studies have suggested that certain types of baby formula may increase the risk of developing NEC. Because of this, several parties filed lawsuits against baby formula manufacturers. Victims alleged that their products caused plaintiffs’ babies to develop NEC.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Between the 1950s and 1980s, at Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base in North Carolina, various chemicals contaminated the water supply. Those chemicals included benzene and trichloroethylene. As a result, marines and their families who lived at this base suffered severe health problems due to the contamination. Many victims developed different types of cancer. Because of this, they accumulated medical debt and experienced other damages. However, many were able to recover their damages via a settlement.
Tylenol Autism & ADHD
Recent studies have suggested a link between prenatal exposure to acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, and an increased risk of autism and ADHD in children. As a result, several people filed lawsuits against the manufacturers of Tylenol. People allege that the medication caused their children to develop these conditions. Because the manufacturer didn’t warn users about this link, they may be liable for the resulting damages.
EzriCare Eye Drops
EzriCare, a popular brand of eye drops, has been linked to a rare but serious eye infection caused by a bacterium called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The infection can cause permanent vision loss. After experiencing these effects, plaintiffs filed lawsuits against the manufacturer and claimed they developed severe infections after using the product.
Philips CPAP Machines
Philips, a leading manufacturer of CPAP machines used to treat sleep apnea, recently recalled millions of its devices due to a defect that could cause them to release particles into the airway, potentially leading to lung injuries or other health problems. Because of this massive recall, many people filed lawsuits to receive compensation for their damages.
Firefighting Foam (AFFF)
Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is a type of firefighting foam that military and civilian fire departments use. However, the foam contains per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been linked to various health problems, including cancer and liver damage. As a result, many people filed lawsuits against the company to receive compensation.
Social Media Youth Harm
The increasing use of social media by young people has been linked to a range of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and self-harm. Because of this, parents nationwide filed lawsuits against social media companies. They alleged that companies failed to protect young users from harmful content and adequately address cyberbullying.
Tepezza Hearing Loss
Tepezza treats a rare eye condition called thyroid eye disease. However, recent reports have suggested that the medication may cause hearing loss in some patients. Because of this, plaintiffs throughout the U.S. took action against the manufacturers of Tepezza. They alleged that the medication caused them to suffer hearing loss or other complications.
Contact McEwen Law Firm to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or losses due to a medication or product, seek legal representation. The McEwen Law Firm is a leading mass tort law firm with a track record of successfully handling complex litigation. For this reason, our experienced attorneys can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation. You can use our online form or call (800) 732-3070.