If you’re wondering, “What Is a Mass Tort?” and why does it matter, you aren’t alone. According to one dictionary, a mass tort is a “tort that causes injury to many people.” When a person or company causes an injury to someone else, that’s considered a tort. Since they have been in the news, you may have heard of the following five mass torts or even know someone who was affected by the products involved.
1. JUUL e-cigarettes
E-cigarettes are used by thousands of adults and teens every day. However, the use of e-cigarettes has been shown to cause EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Associated Lung Injury). One of the most common brands of e-cigarette, JUUL contains a high level of nicotine and other harmful components. JUUL-related injuries and addictions have given rise to several lawsuits, some of which are considered mass torts.
People injured by JUUL e-cigarettes may become part of a JUUL mass tort case so they can be compensated for their injuries.
2. Monsanto RoundUp
People who have used any weed and grass killer probably never expected to become part of a mass tort case. They also never through they would get cancer from it. However, that might be what happened to users of Monsanto RoundUp. Plaintiffs claimed that Monsanto RoundUp caused their cancers and that the company had not warned consumers of the possible risks of using the product. Juries in several lawsuits found in favor of plaintiffs, awarding tens of millions of dollars.
Here, again, is a case where people were injured by using a particular product, then sought and received compensation from the product’s maker.
3. Proton-Pump Inhibitors
Medications usually come with a long list of potential side effects. When the manufacturer fails to include all side effects, and the medication harms someone, a lawsuit may follow.
This is what allegedly happened with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which are taken to reduce acid and heartburn. Common brand names include Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid. People who take PPIs may be more likely to develop intestinal problems and serious kidney disease. They also face an increased risk of death due to taking a PPI.
Thousands of lawsuits have been filed, making PPIs another example of mass torts.
4. Talcum Powder
Most of us think of talcum powder in connection with changing a baby’s diaper. However, adults have often used this substance to keep their skin dry and reduce the potential for rashes. Unfortunately, talcum powder is not as innocent a substance as once thought.
People with long-term exposure to talcum powder may develop cancer because some forms of talc contain asbestos. Numerous mass tort cases have been filed to cover the damages caused by talcum powder use.
5. Opioids
In recent years, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared a public health emergency because of the overuse and misuse of opioid pain relievers. As of 2017, about 400,000 Americans had died from opioid addiction.
On the heels of the opioid epidemic came a number of lawsuits claiming that pharmaceutical companies had falsely claimed their opioid-containing medications were not addictive. While some drug companies have proposed settlements, other mass torts based on opioids may head to trial. New cases may be filed to allow victims to receive compensation.
Could You Be Part of a Case Involving Mass Torts?
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