Class action and mass tort lawsuits are forms of collective legal action. The former involves a group united under one lawsuit against the same defendant. They deal with identical or similar grievances, such as defective product claims.
Mass tort lawsuits have different claims gathered collectively against a single party. The claims are not identical but stem from a common factor, often injury or harm caused by the said party. Both types aim for compensation or justice for multiple individuals at once.
Regarding the current most pending cases, here are the three biggest class action and mass tort lawsuits in 2023.
1. The Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
From 1953 to 1987, personnel, families, and workers at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, located in Jacksonville, North Carolina, were exposed to high levels of harmful chemicals through the water supply.
Many who drank or bathed in the water went on to develop serious health problems, including several cancers. The victims claim that officials concealed knowledge of the water contamination. Therefore, they are filing lawsuits.
Things are finally starting to move forward with the lawsuits, of which there are over 93,000 pending, as the Camp Lejeune trials are due to start in 2024. Also, the government recently announced a settlement program, in which victims are eligible for compensation of up to $450,000.
2. The Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Lawsuit
The second largest class action lawsuit of 2023 is that of the Johnson & Johnson talcum powder case. Victims allege that chronic exposure to Johnson & Johnson products like its baby powder can cause cancer.
As of August 2023, there were almost 40,000 pending cases, and that figure is expected to rise.
Indeed, for well over a year, no new lawsuits have been filed due to an automatic stay being in place, as Johnson & Johnson attempted to pull the talcum powder liabilities into bankruptcy. But that bankruptcy has now been rejected.
Johnson & Johnson wants to pay $9 million to resolve the cases, but lawyers and victims say that amount is insufficient.
3. The C.R. Bard Hernia Mesh Lawsuit
The C.R. Bard hernia mesh case is the third largest lawsuit. The mass tort involves victims of injuries and complications caused by C.R. Bard’s defective hernia mesh patches seeking justice and compensation. As of June 2023, there were over 19,700 cases, and that figure is continuing to rise.
Stay Up to Date About the Most Recent Class Action and Mass Tort Cases
It is a good idea to watch large class-action or mass tort litigation cases like those above, as you may come across a case that personally affects you or a loved one.
For example, you might discover that a product you commonly use has been recalled due to a defect that can cause specific health problems.
If you have developed a health problem after using the product, you could be entitled to join a class action or mass tort lawsuit and pursue compensation. Make sure you use a reputable legal website for all the latest news and updates on class actions and mass torts.
What Corporates Can Learn from These Lawsuits
Corporations can glean several valuable lessons from these lawsuits.
Foremost, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of consumers. This involves ensuring that products are tested extensively for potential harm or defects before being launched.
Secondly, transparency is vital. Any knowledge of a product’s adverse effects should be communicated openly with customers. Ignoring this can lead to class-action suits.
Lastly, corporations must ensure robust liability planning. Companies should be aware of potential liabilities and look for quick fixes like bankruptcy spin-offs.
