Mass Tort Lawsuit Timelines and Outcomes: What To Expect [2024]

Over the past few decades, mass tort litigation has become increasingly prevalent in the United States as more individuals seek legal recourse for injuries or damages caused by harmful products, drugs, or environmental factors. Unfortunately, these cases can be complicated and lengthy, often taking years to resolve. 

According to a United States Judicial Panel report, over 25,000 mass tort cases were pending in federal courts as of 2020. These cases include many claims, from defective medical devices to environmental disasters to dangerous drugs. The outcomes of mass tort lawsuits can vary widely, with some cases resulting in multi-million dollar settlements and others being dismissed by the courts.

Navigating the complex world of mass tort litigation can be challenging, especially for those injured or harmed and seeking justice. However, understanding the timeline of a mass tort case and the potential outcomes can be critical in making informed decisions about whether to pursue legal action. In this guide, we will examine the typical timeline of a mass tort case and the factors that can influence the outcome of a lawsuit.

Statute of Limitations in Mass Tort Cases 

In mass tort cases, where there are many plaintiffs with similar claims, the statute of limitations may differ from individual cases. Courts often set separate statutes of limitations for mass tort cases to allow for the complexities and logistical challenges of coordinating many claims. In the United States, the statute of limitations for mass tort cases is typically set by state law. 

However, it's worth noting that the statute of limitations can be tolled or extended in certain circumstances, such as when the harm caused by the defendant was not immediately apparent or when the plaintiff was a minor or incapacitated at the time of the injury. Therefore, it is essential to consult with an attorney to understand the specific rules that apply to your situation.

Does Waiting Hurt Your Case? 

Yes, waiting to file a mass tort case can hurt your chances of recovering compensation for your injuries. The longer you wait, the more likely evidence may be lost or destroyed, and witnesses may forget important details. Additionally, waiting too long may result in the expiration of the statute of limitations, which would bar you from filing a lawsuit altogether.

How Long Does a Mass Tort Lawsuit Take?

Mass tort lawsuits can vary in length depending on multiple factors. Generally, these cases require several years to reach a resolution, and some may take even longer.

What Affects the Timeline of a Mass Tort Lawsuit?

Many factors can affect the timeline of a mass tort lawsuit, including the following:

• The number of plaintiffs involved: A mass tort lawsuit typically involves many plaintiffs, and coordinating the schedules and needs of all the plaintiffs can be a complex and time-consuming process. 

• The complexity of the case: Mass tort cases often involve complex scientific or technical issues that can require extensive expert testimony and analysis. This can add to the time needed to prepare and present the case.

• The jurisdiction in which the lawsuit is filed: The rules and procedures governing mass tort cases can vary depending on the jurisdiction in which the lawsuit is filed. Some jurisdictions may have more streamlined processes for handling mass tort cases, while others may have more rigorous requirements that can extend the case's timeline.

• The availability of evidence and witnesses: Gathering evidence and locating witnesses can be time-consuming, particularly in cases where the events in question occurred many years ago.

• The negotiation and settlement process: The parties involved in a mass tort case may engage in settlement negotiations, mediation, or other forms of alternative dispute resolution, which can add to the time needed to resolve the case.

• The appeals process: If either party is dissatisfied with the trial's outcome, they may choose to appeal the decision, which can add several years to the case's timeline.

What Happens When You Win a Mass Tort Lawsuit?

If you win a mass tort lawsuit, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries or damages resulting from the defendant's actions. The exact payment amount will depend on various factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, and the settlement terms or jury verdict. 

In a mass tort lawsuit, the damages awarded to each plaintiff are typically calculated individually based on each plaintiff's specific harm. This means that each plaintiff may receive a different amount of compensation, depending on the particular circumstances of their case.

Once a verdict or settlement has been reached, the defendant may be required to pay the damages to the plaintiffs over time, depending on the settlement terms or court order. In some cases, the defendant may also be required to take specific actions to prevent similar harm from occurring in the future, such as changing their business practices or implementing new safety measures.

What Happens if You Lose a Mass Tort Lawsuit? 

If you lose a mass tort lawsuit, you will not receive any compensation or damages for your injuries resulting from the defendant's actions. Additionally, you may be responsible for paying your legal fees and expenses and those of the defendant. 

Losing a mass tort lawsuit can be a disappointing and financially burdensome experience. However, it does not necessarily mean that your case was without merit or that you were at fault. Sometimes, options for appealing the decision or pursuing other legal remedies, such as mediation or arbitration, may exist. Additionally, a judge may grant a retrial if it's determined that errors during the initial trial affected the outcome of the case.

Are Mass Tort Settlements Public Record? 

Mass tort settlements are public record, but the extent to which they are publicly available can vary depending on the case's specific circumstances. 

In some cases, the settlement agreement may include confidentiality provisions that limit the parties' ability to discuss the settlement terms or disclose information about the case. These provisions may be included in the settlement agreement to protect the parties' privacy or to prevent the disclosure of sensitive or proprietary information. 

However, even when confidentiality provisions are included, mass tort settlements are often subject to public disclosure agreements. For example, in many jurisdictions, court records are considered public records and are available to members of the public upon request.

In addition, some mass tort settlements may be subject to reporting requirements under state or federal law. For instance, in certain cases involving pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturers, settlements may be subject to reporting requirements under the Physician Payments Sunshine Act or similar laws.

What Happens if My Case Is Dismissed?

If your mass tort case is dismissed, the court has decided to end the case without a judgment on the merits. There are several reasons why this may happen, including the following:

• Lack of Standing: The court may only accept a case if the plaintiff has legal standing to bring the lawsuit. For example, if the plaintiff cannot demonstrate that the defendant's actions directly harmed them, the court may dismiss the case for lack of standing.

• Statute of Limitations: If the plaintiff files the lawsuit after that statute of limitations has expired, the court may dismiss the case.

• Failure to State a Claim: The court may dismiss the case if the plaintiff has failed to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. This means that the plaintiff has no alleged facts that, if true, would entitle them to relief under the law. 

• Lack of evidence: The court may dismiss the case if the plaintiff cannot provide sufficient evidence to support their claims.

In the event of a case dismissal, you may have the option to appeal the decision to a higher court. However, in some cases, the dismissal may be final, and you may not be able to pursue the matter further.

What Happens to Payments if the Case Is Dismissed? 

Any payments made as part of a settlement or judgment will typically be returned to the defendant or their insurer. However, in some cases, settlement agreements may include provisions that address what happens if a case is dismissed. Specifically, the settlement agreement may provide that the plaintiff is entitled to keep a portion of the settlement funds if the case is dismissed for specific reasons, such as a technical or procedural error.

However, if the case is dismissed due to a lack of standing, a statute of limitations issue, or a failure to state a claim, it is unlikely that the plaintiff will be entitled to keep any of the settlement funds. 

How Is a Dismissal Different From Losing Your Case? 

Dismissal and losing a case are very different outcomes in a mass tort lawsuit. Dismissal occurs when a case is ended by the court before a judgment on the merits is reached, whereas losing a case happens when that judgment is made and the court finds that the defendant is not liable for the plaintiff's claims. In other words, the court has considered the evidence and arguments presented by both sides and has decided that the plaintiff has not met their burden of proof.

In addition, the consequences of dismissal and losing a case are different. If a case is dismissed, the plaintiff may be able to refile the case or pursue other legal remedies. However, if the plaintiff loses the case, they may not be able to pursue the matter further, and the defendant may be entitled to recover their legal costs.

What Kind of Records Remain After a Case Is Dismissed? 

After a mass tort case is dismissed, various records and documents related to the case may remain. The remaining records will depend on the circumstances of the case and the court's procedures.

For instance, court records related to the case may be available, such as the initial complaint, any pleadings or motions filed by the parties, court proceedings transcripts, and court orders or judgments. These records may be accessible to the public, depending on the court's rules and procedures.

Can I Appeal the Ruling?

Yes, it is possible to appeal the ruling in a mass tort case. However, the appeals process can be lengthy and expensive, and an appeal is not guaranteed to be successful.

Can You Appeal the Result of a Mass Tort Lawsuit? 

If a mass tort lawsuit goes to trial, either side may appeal the decision to a higher court. The grounds for an appeal can include errors made during the trial, such as mistakes in the admission of evidence, jury instructions, or the belief that the verdict was not supported by the evidence presented.

Appeals of mass tort lawsuits can be complex and time-consuming and often require the expertise of experienced appellate attorneys. It is crucial to remember that the appeals process may take several years, and there is no guarantee that the decision will be reversed.

How Many Times Can You Appeal? 

The number of times you can appeal depends on the laws of the jurisdiction where the lawsuit was filed and the rules of the court system. In most cases, parties are entitled to one appeal as a matter of right, meaning they have an automatic right to appeal the decision to a higher court. However, some jurisdictions may allow for more than one appeal or require parties to seek permission from the court to file a second or subsequent appeal. 

Can You Use the Same Attorney for Your Appeal? 

It is common for clients to continue working with the same attorney on appeal, as the attorney is already familiar with the case details and understands the client's legal needs and objectives. 

However, it is essential to note that the skills and expertise required for appellate work can differ significantly from those required for trial work. Appellate attorneys must have strong research, writing, and analytical skills and knowledge of appellate procedures. Therefore, working with an attorney with experience in appellate law may be beneficial.

Are Mass Tort Settlements Taxable? 

Whether mass tort settlements are taxable depends on the settlement's nature and the underlying legal claims. Generally, payments for physical injury or sickness are not taxable, while settlements for emotional distress or lost wages are taxable.

If Companies Pay a Mass Tort Settlement, Can They Report It as a Loss? 

Companies can generally report mass tort settlements as a loss for tax purposes, subject to certain limitations and conditions. The IRS allows businesses to deduct the cost of settling or paying legal claims as ordinary and necessary business expenses as long as the payments are made to compensate for damages or losses incurred while doing business. 

However, the tax treatment of mass tort settlements can be complex and depends on several factors, such as the specific claims involved, the terms of the settlement agreement, and the allocation of settlement amounts. In some cases, the IRS may require a company to capitalize or spread the deduction of the settlement payments over several years rather than taking the entire deduction in the year of payment.

What Kind of Income Is a Mass Tort Settlement? 

Settlements for physical injuries or sickness are non-taxable and not treated as income, while settlements for emotional distress or lost wages may be taxable. In addition, if a portion of the payment is allocated to punitive damages intended to punish the defendant rather than compensate the plaintiff, that portion of the settlement may also be taxable as income.

Does the Court Care How You Spend Your Mass Tort Settlement? 

The court generally does not care how you spend your mass tort settlement. Once a settlement has been reached and approved by the court, the plaintiff typically has the right to use the settlement funds as they see fit, subject to any specific terms or restrictions outlined in the settlement agreement. 

However, it is possible that the settlement funds may impact the plaintiff’s eligibility for certain government benefits or programs, such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Depending on the size of the settlement, the plaintiff may be required to use some of the funds to pay for medical expenses or other costs that these programs would have covered.

In addition, if the settlement includes compensation for future medical expenses, the plaintiff may be required to set up a special needs trust or similar vehicle to manage the funds and ensure that they are used appropriately for medical expenses.

What Factors Into a Settlement Amount?

While the factors that can be considered in determining the amount of a settlement can vary depending on the circumstances of the case, some common elements are frequently taken into account.

Injury  

The extent of physical injuries suffered by the plaintiffs, including the severity and duration of the injuries, the type of medical treatment required, and the impact on the plaintiff's quality of life and ability to work, may be critical factors in determining the settlement amount.

Property Damage 

Suppose the mass tort involves property damage, such as damage to a home or vehicle. In that case, the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged property may be considered in determining the settlement amount.

Distribution of Fault 

In some cases, the defendant’s degree of fault or responsibility for the harm suffered by the plaintiff may be considered in determining the settlement amount.

Pain and Suffering 

Plaintiffs may be able to recover damages for the physical pain and emotional distress they experienced due to the mass tort.

Medical Costs 

The cost of the plaintiffs’ medical treatment arising from the mass tort may be covered by the settlement.

Lost Wages 

If the mass tort caused the plaintiffs to miss work or reduced their earning capacity, they may be able to recover damages for lost wages.

Who Pays in a Mass Tort Lawsuit: When and How 

Plaintiff 

The plaintiffs in a mass tort lawsuit do not generally pay anything upfront. Still, they may need to cover some costs associated with the case, such as travel expenses for depositions or medical exams. 

Defendant 

The defendant is typically responsible for paying any settlements or judgments that result from the lawsuit. The defendant may be a manufacturer or a defective product, a pharmaceutical company accused of producing a harmful drug, or another type of company or entity alleged to have caused harm to many people.

How Mass Tort Litigators Get Paid 

In most cases, the plaintiff's attorney will work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that they will only be paid if they successfully obtain a settlement or judgment for the plaintiffs. The attorneys' fees are typically a percentage of the total settlement amount, ranging from 25 to 40 percent.

How Long It Takes to Get a Mass Tort Settlement

The time it takes to obtain a settlement in a mass tort case can vary widely depending on the case's specifics. Some cases may settle relatively quickly, while others can take years. Factors that can affect the length of time include:

• The number of plaintiffs involved.

• The complexity of the case.

• The willingness of the defendant to negotiate a settlement.

Can I get a pre-settlement loan for my mass tort case?

It is possible to obtain a pre-settlement loan; however, it's important to note that pre-settlement funding is not a traditional loan and is typically non-recourse. This means the funding company only gets repaid if the plaintiff wins their case. The repayment is usually a percentage of the settlement amount, ranging from 24 to 48 percent.