Resources

Tobacco litigation remains one of the most influential mass torts in modern history. Beginning in the mid‑20th century and intensifying in the 1980s and 1990s, lawsuits against cigarette manufacturers reshaped public health policy, corporate accountability, and consumer protection. Revisiting tobacco litigation today provides valuable insights into how courts, governments, and communities confront industries that knowingly market harmful products. Early Waves of Tobacco Litigation The first wave of tobacco litigation…

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Mass tort litigation involves thousands of claimants, complex evidence, and high‑stakes accountability. At the center of these cases lies the burden of proof, the legal requirement that determines who must present evidence and how much evidence is needed to establish liability. Understanding the burden of proof in mass torts is essential for attorneys, claimants, and defendants, as it shapes strategies, outcomes, and compensation. What Is the Burden of Proof?…

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Mass tort litigation increasingly relies on digital tools and data. From electronic health records to corporate emails, digital evidence shapes outcomes and strengthens accountability. Attorneys, claimants, and courts must understand how to collect, preserve, and present digital evidence effectively. This guide explains the process step by step, highlighting best practices for modern mass tort cases. Step 1: Identify Relevant Digital Sources The first step is identifying where digital evidence…

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Technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming industries, but they also raise new legal challenges. When products malfunction or algorithms cause harm, courts must decide who is responsible. Strict liability, a legal principle that holds manufacturers accountable regardless of negligence, is increasingly applied to tech and AI products. In 2026, new frameworks in Europe and ongoing debates worldwide highlight how strict liability is reshaping accountability in the digital age.…

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Mass tort litigation often hinges on liability standards. Courts must decide whether defendants are responsible under strict liability or negligence. These standards shape outcomes, compensation, and accountability. Understanding the differences helps attorneys, claimants, and industries navigate complex cases. This FAQ explores strict liability and negligence, highlighting their role in mass tort law. What is strict liability? Strict liability holds defendants responsible for harm regardless of intent or negligence. If…

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Multidistrict litigation (MDL) has become a cornerstone of mass tort management in the United States. Courts use MDL to consolidate thousands of similar cases, streamlining pretrial proceedings and reducing duplication of work. Yet despite its benefits, MDL faces significant criticisms. Attorneys, claimants, and scholars argue that efficiency sometimes comes at the expense of fairness. This list explores the most common criticisms of MDL, highlighting the ongoing efficiency debate. 1.…

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Multidistrict litigation (MDL) has become one of the most powerful tools in the U.S. legal system for managing mass torts. In 2026, MDL consolidation trends are reshaping how courts, attorneys, and claimants navigate complex cases. With thousands of lawsuits spanning pharmaceuticals, consumer products, and environmental harms, MDL consolidation provides efficiency while raising new challenges. What Is MDL? MDL is a federal procedure that consolidates similar cases from different districts…

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Few mass torts have reshaped public health and corporate accountability as profoundly as opioid litigation. This case involves pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accused of fueling the opioid crisis through deceptive marketing and inadequate oversight. With more than a million overdose deaths in the United States since 1999, opioid litigation stands as one of the largest and most consequential mass torts in history. Background on the Opioid Crisis Opioids…

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Mass tort litigation often involves compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional harm. Yet some cases go beyond compensatory damages, introducing punitive damages as a way to punish defendants and deter future misconduct. Understanding how punitive damages function in mass torts provides insight into their impact on claimants, defendants, and the legal system. What Are Punitive Damages? Punitive damages are financial awards designed to punish defendants for egregious…

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Mass tort law often focuses on evidence, compensation, and courtroom strategies. Yet soft skills play an equally important role in shaping outcomes. Attorneys who master communication, empathy, and collaboration strengthen relationships with claimants and improve efficiency. These common questions explore the importance of soft skills in mass tort law, highlighting how they influence litigation and recovery. What are soft skills in mass tort law? Soft skills are interpersonal abilities…

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