National Mass Tort Litigation Firm

At Hotze Runkle PLLC, we serve clients nationwide and handle a wide variety of mass tort cases. These claims result from circumstances where a large number of consumers or patients have suffered harm from the same drug, medical device, product, or another harmful act. In other words, these consumers share a common defendant.

Americans have access to all kinds of medicines and products to address medical issues and generally improve life, but they do not always turn out to be completely safe for us. Sometimes products can have side effects that cause illnesses or can be defective and injure people. If enough consumers become negatively affected by these products, then a mass tort lawsuit may be necessary.

Do you believe you have been injured or become ill from a defective product, drug, or medical device, or another harmful event that may be a part of mass tort litigation? The mass tort attorneys at Hotze Runkle PLLC have substantial experience filing claims and lawsuits on behalf of people who have been wrongly harmed, and we dedicate ourselves to representing our clients with care and dedication.

Call our office today at (877) 919-0830, so we can give you a free consultation and determine what the best course of action is for your particular situation.

Mass Torts Explained

“Tort” is a legal term that refers to a personal injury lawsuit where an individual is able to claim compensation from the responsible party of a wrongful act that has caused them injury. A mass tort is when a single act of wrongdoing, usually caused by the negligence of a large corporation, causes widespread damage to multiple people who are located in various legal jurisdictions. Most mass torts fall under these three categories:

1. Toxic Torts – Injuries, illness, or death that occurs from toxic substance exposure. Examples include pesticides, asbestos, or other polluting materials that are found in buildings or the environment.
2. Dangerous or Defective Products – Injuries, illness, or death caused by hazardous products. Common examples include unsafe prescription or over-the-counter medication, faulty medical devices, and defective automobile parts.
3. Disaster Torts – Injuries, illness, or death due to large scale events such as gas explosions, airplane accidents, bridge collapses, or chemical spills.

Mass tort litigation means that an attorney or a group of attorneys can represent more than one plaintiff in individual cases. This allows lawyers throughout the nation to work together and share resources, ideas, and information to help all of their clients receive fair compensation for the harm they have undergone.

These types of cases are complicated and challenging and require a law firm with attorneys who have knowledge and experience in mass torts. If you or a loved one has been harmed by widespread negligence or a large-scale accident, call (877) 919-0830 and let Hotze Runkle PLLC take on the responsible party for you.

Difference Between Mass Torts and Class Actions

Mass torts and class action lawsuits are comparable because they both involve multiple parties who have suffered similar harm and are seeking retribution from the same party, but there are distinct differences.

Class Actions

• In class action lawsuits, every person who has suffered injury or illness is treated as a group. One or more of the plaintiffs file a single lawsuit on behalf of numerous other people who have experienced the same or similar situations.
• There is only one trial for the entire group of plaintiffs. Once a settlement or verdict is reached, the proceeds are shared among the plaintiffs, often on an equal basis.
• A class-action lawsuit can reduce the costs of litigation and ensure that plaintiffs who have similar injuries will be treated consistently.

Mass Torts

• With a mass tort, there are a large number of claims resulting from a single product or event causing identical or similar legal issues. The combined value of all the claims is dependent on the outcomes of each separate case. The compensation each plaintiff receives will be dependent on the facts of their individual case.
• Each plaintiff has their own individual lawsuit and must demonstrate individual harm but also retains control over the decisions that need to be made in their case. If there is a trial, it is independent of the other cases involved in the same mass tort.

In class actions, compensation to victims is generally modest. In mass torts, verdicts and settlements can generate millions of dollars.

Benefits of Mass Tort Claims

A mass tort can be an effective form of legal action in certain situations for these reasons:

• It allows the largest number of cases to be consolidated and ensures all applicable arguments are used in every case to strengthen the justification that damages are owed.
• It can benefit plaintiffs because most suffer different degrees of damage and may require different compensation.
• It speeds up the litigation process when there is multidistrict litigation. This refers to when individual lawsuits that have been filed in federal courthouses across the country are consolidated into a single federal court. It prevents various courts throughout the nation from being congested with cases that can be efficiently handled under one court. Cases can then move through the system more quickly, which can lead to expedited settlements and verdicts.

Mass torts are the strongest and safest type of tort option, as they offer many people the best opportunity for fair compensation. They also force the responsible parties to make changes that can prevent future harm from happening to other people.

Our Areas of Practice

We are ready to serve clients and provide the best legal solutions in a variety of cases. Our mass tort focuses currently include:

• IVC Filter Litigation
• Asbestos Exposure
• 3M Military Earplugs Lawsuit
• Taxotere Related Tearing

We care about injury victims, and we fight to help them in their pursuit of justice with the utmost professional integrity.

Compensation in Mass Tort Cases

If you have suffered an injury and losses due to a harmful product, you have the right to seek damages from the responsible parties. In mass tort claims, victims can recover compensation for damages such as the following:

• Medical bills
• Loss of current income and future earnings
• Emotional trauma
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral expenses

Several factors are considered when determining what a mass tort claim is worth, and every situation is different. The mass tort attorneys at Hotze Runkle PLLC will give you an honest evaluation of your claim and its potential value.

Some of the relevant aspects of a mass tort claim that affect the amount of compensation include:

• Type and extent of your injury
• Nature and amount of medical treatment required
• Consideration for any preexisting medical conditions
• Need for future medical care
• Ability to return to work after the injury or illness
• Extent of the responsible party’s liability

Long-term or permanent injury or illness will likely make you eligible for a higher level of compensation for your damages. If a person is not able to return to work, as a result of their injury, it causes a significant financial impact. Depending on your occupation and how many years you would have remaining in your career, it can add up to a significant financial loss over time, and you should be compensated for that loss.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mass Tort Claims

Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about mass tort cases for you to consider. Then call Hotze Runkle PLLC at (877) 919-0830 to schedule a free consultation, and we will advise you about the rights you have if a dangerous product or drug has harmed you.

Do I need a lawyer for a mass tort case?

Litigation for mass torts is much more complicated than traditional personal injury lawsuits. It takes substantial time to investigate and prepare for these cases, and it would be very challenging for you to do it on your own. [Firm-name] lawyers have managed challenging mass tort litigation throughout the country and have the skills and resources to handle the legal process and advocate for you on a personal basis. Our attorneys are also able to collaborate with other litigators who are involved in the mass tort to help maximize your compensation.

How do I participate in a mass tort lawsuit?

If you believe your illness or injury falls under the mass tort umbrella, you need to speak with an experienced lawyer at Hotze Runkle PLLC. An attorney who knows mass tort litigation can advise you about your situation and file a lawsuit if need be. If there is already a mass tort lawsuit underway that applies to your situation, our attorneys can explain how you opt into it.

How are mass torts resolved?

Mass torts can be resolved by an organized settlement or by each case being tried on a separate basis. Often a global settlement is reached, and each plaintiff can participate in it or pursue their individual claim. When there is no global settlement, each case is sent back to the federal court in the plaintiff’s state.

 A Firm that Earns Your Trust

At Hotze Runkle PLLC, we understand that your trust and respect must be earned. We are committed to treating you and your family with the respect, courtesy, and professionalism that you deserve. Above all else, we honor the ideals of honesty, transparency, and personal responsibility in every aspect of our law practice.

Contact us today at (877) 919-0830 to learn more about how we can put our years of experience to work fighting for you and your family.