Mass Tort vs. Class Action – What's the Difference?

Legal proceedings can be complex, and the impact an injury or illness caused by another party can have on your life can be dramatic. In some cases, your loved one may not be the only one injured. But deciding whether to pursue justice via a mass tort or class action claim requires understanding the differences between the two.

Fortunately, your mass tort lawyer has the answers. We’ll cover both mass tort and class action cases below and discuss where they differ, providing the clarity you need to file a successful claim.

What Is a Class Action Claim? 

A class action suit is generally filed by a group of individuals who’ve suffered similar injuries due to the actions of a single company, organization, or corporation. Filing a class action lawsuit allows these individuals to pursue their claims in a single case rather than filing dozens of separate yet functionally identical claims. 

This is sometimes referred to as multi-district litigation and can be more practical than individual cases. It expands the scope of smaller claims and gives them the combined credibility of other victims. They’re also easier from the court’s perspective, allowing them to view the accident from a collective viewpoint. 

Class action cases may be filed because of defective medication, employee discrimination, false advertising, or breach of contract, among others. Class action lawsuits are often much less daunting than individual claims, as they rely on evidence from many people. When the lawsuit is settled, any compensation is split between the affected individuals.

How Does Mass Tort Differ From Class Action?

Mass tort cases are similar to class actions in many ways, the difference being in how they’re addressed. 

Mass tort cases tend to involve fewer claimants than an average class action. With mass torts, each person’s claims are considered individually rather than as a collective. A mass tort case will look more closely into how the injury or illness affected you personally, including its immediate impact and any long-term consequences.

While a group of representatives may act for the group in a class action, the group of people involved is treated as a single plaintiff. In these cases, individual lawsuits would be impractical. 

Finding the Right Criminal Defence Lawyer in Tarrant County

There are advantages and disadvantages to both mass tort and class action filings, and understanding which has the most potential benefit to you is crucial. An experienced mass tort lawyer can guide you through your case. If you’re unsure where to start, contact Craig Swapp & Associates today to discuss your case and pursue your claim. 

When you’re ready, reach out by calling 1-800-404-9000 or visiting our website to learn more. So don’t delay—reach out to a lawyer with experience handling cases such as these to fight for the compensation you deserve. 

About the Author:

Craig Swapp & Associates