Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers | April 7, 2025 | Personal Injury
Two major legal options may be available to pursue justice when a defective product, toxic exposure, or dangerous drug harms a large number of people: mass torts and class actions. Knowing the distinction between mass tort and class action lawsuits is important if you are part of a group seeking compensation for an injury. The personal injury attorneys at Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers can help you pursue a claim.
What Is a Class Action Lawsuit?
A class action lawsuit is filed when many people suffer similar harm caused by the same defendant. One or more representatives file a single lawsuit on behalf of the entire group, known as the “class,” so each person does not have to file their own lawsuit. Class actions are typically used when:
- Victims have similar or identical injuries and damages
- Individual lawsuits would be impractical due to the size of the group
- A standard set of facts applies to every victim in the group
A court must certify a class action lawsuit. It typically proceeds with a few lead plaintiffs representing the larger group. If a settlement or verdict is reached, the compensation is divided among the class members.
They can hold defendants accountable on a broad scale, but they may not always account for unique or severe injuries suffered by individual plaintiffs.
Examples of Personal Injury Class Actions
Class actions may be used in personal injury contexts, particularly when a large group suffers a similar injury from the same source. Examples of personal injury class actions include:
- Flint water crisis: Thousands of residents exposed to lead-contaminated drinking water participated in a class action seeking damages for health consequences.
- Defective consumer products: Items like faulty appliances, electronics, or tools that cause burns, shocks, or injuries have led to class actions when manufacturers failed to warn or recalled the products too late.
These cases demonstrate how class actions can be used to address widespread personal injury claims.
What Is a Mass Tort Lawsuit?
Atlanta Mass tort lawsuits are also used when the same product, drug, or event injures many people. Unlike class action lawsuits, mass torts allow each plaintiff to file their own claim. These cases are typically grouped in one court for efficiency, but each victim’s injuries, damages, and experiences are evaluated separately. Mass torts are common in situations involving:
- Dangerous pharmaceutical drugs or medical devices
- Widespread environmental contamination
- Defective consumer or industrial products causing serious harm
Mass torts allow each victim to present specific evidence of their injuries and damages. This may include:
- Individual medical records and treatment history
- Documentation of pain, suffering, and quality of life changes
- Lost wages and future medical care estimates
- Expert testimony tailored to the person’s specific harm
The harm in mass tort cases is often varied among victims. Victims are also more involved in the resolution since their cases are reviewed individually. Contact an Atlanta mass tort lawyer today to discuss potential compensation.
Examples of Personal Injury Mass Torts
Mass tort litigation has played a key role in some of the most high-profile injury cases in recent years, particularly involving drugs, chemicals, and medical devices. Well-known examples include:
- Talcum powder: Johnson & Johnson has faced thousands of claims alleging that talc-based baby powder caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
- Camp Lejeune water contamination: Veterans and their families who lived on the military base have filed claims after exposure to toxic water linked to cancer and other illnesses.
- Roundup weed killer: Agricultural workers and homeowners have filed claims alleging that exposure to glyphosate in Roundup caused cancer.
These mass torts allowed plaintiffs to pursue compensation based on the unique extent of their injuries while benefiting from a streamlined litigation process.
Choosing the Right Legal Strategy Matters
Choosing between a class action and a mass tort is not something most people should decide on their own. These cases often have complex procedural rules and evidence. An experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyer can evaluate your situation and advise you on whether pursuing a class action or mass tort claim is right for you.
A lawyer will also help:
- Assess the severity of your injuries and compare them to other victims
- Determine whether you qualify for an existing class action or mass tort litigation
- Collect and present evidence unique to your case
- Maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering
Schedule a free consultation so you can make informed choices that protect your rights and your future.
Contact the Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers at Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Today
If you have been injured due to a dangerous drug, defective consumer product, or other hazard, you do not have to wait to explore your legal options. Whether a class action or mass tort is right depends on your specific injuries and how they compare to others. An Atlanta personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case and assess which may be right for you.
For more information, contact the Atlanta personal injury law firm of Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation. We have convenient locations in Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Lawrenceville, Mableton, Smyrna, and Roswell.
We serve Fulton County and its surrounding areas:
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Atlanta
201 Joseph E Lowery Blvd NW Suite 312,
Atlanta, GA 30314
Open 24/7
(770) 900-9000
Robert M. Hammers Jr.
Robert M. Hammers, Jr. is the managing partner at Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers in Atlanta. Committed to justice, he represents individuals harmed by negligence, focusing on personal injury litigation, toxic torts, and mass torts involving defective drugs and medical devices.
With over 50 jury trials and $100 million in verdicts and settlements, Rob is known for his strategic thinking and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for his clients. He serves on the Executive Committee for the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association for Justice Board of Governors, and the Plaintiff Leadership Committee in complex multi-district and toxic tort litigations, where he advocates for injured individuals and shapes legal strategies.
Robert is also recognized on Justia for his excellence in personal injury law, further highlighting his reputation and commitment to client advocacy.
