Shreveport Injury Lawyer > Blog > Mass Tort > What is a Mass Tort Claim and Can I File One?

What is a Mass Tort Claim and Can I File One?

Sometimes companies create dangerous or defective products that cause harm to many people, which means that there can be dozens, hundreds, thousands, or even more people who want to file a civil lawsuit against that company for the same type of injury. These types of “mass” injuries often involve defects or hazards in consumer products, but they can also result from industrial accidents, and sometimes even from the mishandling of environmental disasters. The important thing is that they involve a “mass” of people who have been injured, legally speaking. If you are someone who has suffered the same type of injury as others in your community, or other parties you have seen on the news, you might have started to research your options for seeking compensation. In doing so, you have likely come across information about mass tort claims and class action lawsuits.

Our Shreveport mass tort lawyers can tell you more about mass tort claims, the difference between mass tort and class action lawsuits, and how you can determine your eligibility for filing a claim.

Understanding a Mass Tort Claim

The “common denominator” in a mass tort, as the American Bar Association (ABA) explains, is that there is a “large number of plaintiffs asserting tort claims.” These cases usually involve a “mass” of people from the same general area who are all filing compensation for similar harm arising out of negligence or an intentionally harmful act. These cases are like a regular negligence lawsuit, but they involve a mass of people with the same or similar injury.

How Does a Class Action Lawsuit Differ from a Mass Tort Claim?

Differently, class action lawsuits have one person (or a small group of people) who files the claim and is the representative for all the other people harmed. These types of cases have very specific requirements, and classes must be certified before a class action can proceed.

Seeking Compensation with Assistance from a Mass Tort Lawyer in Shreveport

How can you determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit and to engage in mass tort litigation? It is essential to get in touch with a mass tort attorney in Shreveport who can assess your case. It is important to know that relatively recent tort reform in Louisiana resulted in a lower amount-in-controversy requirement for tort claims, meaning that you may be able to file a claim against a company if you have suffered damages in excess of $10,000 (the old requirement was more than $50,000).

Contact a Shreveport Mass Tort Lawyer Today

One of the experienced Shreveport mass tort attorneys at Rice & Kendig, LLC can talk with you today about your situation and can give you more information about your options for seeking financial compensation. It is important to remember that you are not alone in experiencing this type of harm, and our firm has experience holding companies accountable for the injuries they have inflicted on hundreds, thousands, and sometimes even more plaintiffs in mass tort cases. Do not hesitate to reach out to our firm to learn more about this type of claim and how we can assist you.

Sources:

americanbar.org/groups/litigation/committees/mass-torts/

legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1186090

By Rice & Kendig, LLC | Posted on November 7, 2023

What is a Side-Impact Collision? »

What our Clients Are Saying About Us

"I was hesitant about hiring an attorney and filing a lawsuit, however Mr. Rice made me feel comfortable about my decision from day one, assuring me that I was doing..." Read More

Christy S.

"Outstanding service and extremely good at what they do. Everyone on their staff was extremely helpful and helped with whatever I needed. Would encourage anyone in need of a personal..." Read More

Cody A.

"They are fantastic! They took great care of me and made sure that they kept me updated through the entire process. They worked extremely hard, and did everything that they..." Read More

Emily K.

"Rice & Kendig are the best! I love the professionalism and how they do all the work in a timely manner. I love the outstanding team they have and how..." Read More

Shawn S.

Recent Results

$5,100,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client’s motorcycle was hit by a car leaving him in the ICU with facial injuries, arm injuries, and amputation of one leg.

$1,996,460

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was rear-ended while sitting at a stop sign. Neck and back injuries resulting in headaches and disability. Neck injury required surgery.

$1,855,500.80

Motor Vehicle Collision

Defendant driver’s failure to stop at a stop sign caused a collision injuring the client’s leg and ankle (required surgery), knee, hip, back, and chest. The airbags deployed, causing airbag injuries.

$1,800,000

Medical Malpractice

Inadequate life-saving staffing at emergency C-section resulted in child with cerebral palsy, spastic quadriplegia, and developmental delays.

$1,500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was hit head-on by a delivery truck sustaining injuries to the knee, hand, neck, and back. Neck injury required surgery.

$1,400,000

Workplace Injury

A piece of loading equipment fell on client causing spinal injuries resulting in partial disability.

$1,375,000

Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client sustained injuries to head, leg and wrist. Client’s broken leg required surgery. In addition, client sought treatment with a neurologist for his head injury and cognitive issues.

$1,151,000

Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was struck by a vehicle in a gas station parking lot. Client suffered head and brain damage resulting in memory loss.

$1,000,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended by a drunk driver of an 18-wheeler causing client to suffer short-term memory loss and injuries to the head, neck, shoulders, and back.

$1,000,000

Insurance Bad Faith

Insurance company refused to pay for hail damage to a commercial property.

$1,000,000

Premises Liability

Fall at a hotel convention center caused hand, neck, and low back injuries resulting in a 7-year recovery period.

$1,000,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was hit by a commercial vehicle that ran a stop sign. Injuries to the knee, neck, and back requiring interventional pain management.

$987,610.32

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended multiple times by a big rig causing PTSD, spinal injuries requiring spinal fusion surgery, physical therapy, and counseling.

$987,525.93

18-Wheeler Collision

Logging truck’s failure to yield caused client to suffer fractures in the arm and leg, amputation of 3 toes, and shoulder injuries.

$950,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was hit by a delivery truck and the vehicle rolled over. Client’s injuries included six broken ribs and a neck injury requiring extensive medical treatment.

$950,000

18-Wheeler Collision

18-wheeler driver turned left, without the protection of a green arrow, in front of client. The collision caused injuries to the hand, neck, shoulder, low back, hip, foot, ankle, and eye.

$800,606.26

Motor Vehicle Collision

A defendant driver turned left, without the protection of a green arrow, into client’s vehicle causing a collision that resulted in a severely broken leg that required immediate surgery, post-traumatic stress disorder, loss of independence, and loss of job.

$800,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Head-on collision that left client with back and neck injuries as well as seat belt injuries. Client’s recovery was lengthy and included physical therapy and injections.

$750,000

Wrongful Death/Medical Malpractice

Child suffered fatal injuries due to complications with anesthesia.

$685,000

Premises Liability

Client sustained two broken legs from a fall over an unreasonably dangerous tripping hazard.

$665,000

Motor Vehicle Collision/Wrongful Death

Client went to the aid of a vehicle accident victim and was struck and killed by a passing vehicle.

$663,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was backed into while on the job at an oil field site. Collision resulted in numerous back and neck injuries requiring surgeries.

$650,000

18-Wheeler Collision

18-wheeler driver was rear-ended by another 18-wheeler causing headaches and neck injury.

$625,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Head-on collision led to wrist and hand injuries that required surgery, seat belt injuries, pain in the neck, sternum, pelvis, abdomen, shoulder, and back, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

$550,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended by a big rig causing low back and neck pain; physical recovery and treatment included injections, physical therapy, and counseling.