Class Action & Mass Tort Lawyers

Class Actions & Mass Torts: Protection Against the Powerful

When negligence, deceptive practices, or misconduct harm large groups of people, class actions and mass torts provide a path toward justice. These cases often involve dangerous or defective products, corporate fraud, or public safety failures with wide-reaching consequences.

While class actions and mass torts both involve multiple plaintiffs affected by the same underlying conduct  and aim to hold powerful entities accountable and provide meaningful relief, they differ significantly in how claims are structured, certified, and litigated:

• Mass Torts: Individual lawsuits are filed by many plaintiffs with similar claims, often consolidated for efficiency, but each case is handled on its own merits.
• Class Actions: A lead plaintiff represents a group of similarly affected individuals in one lawsuit, and the outcome applies to everyone in the class.

The Mass Torts & Class Actions We Handle

Podhurst Orseck has extensive experience litigating both types of claims, helping thousands of people hold negligent and deceptive corporations, manufacturers, and institutions accountable.

Multi-District Litigation

Attorneys at our firm often spearhead strategy and coordination of complex MDL’s. The Takata airbag MDL encompassed thousands of cases nationwide. The case resulted in a record-breaking settlement exceeding $1.5 billion for millions of vehicle owners. MDL. The MDL encompasses thousands of cases nationwide. The case resulted in a record-breaking settlement exceeding $1.5 billion for millions of vehicle owners.

Mass Shootings

We are dedicated to advocating for victims and families affected by mass shootings. Our firm pursues justice by holding negligent parties accountable for failing to prevent these tragic events and ensuring those impacted receive the support and compensation they deserve.

Sherman Act & Antitrust Class Actions

Companies that conspire to fix prices, restrict competition, or engage in monopolistic practices harm consumers and businesses alike. Podhurst brings antitrust class actions under the Sherman Act and related statutes to challenge unlawful conduct and recover damages for those harmed.

ERISA Violations

We advocate for employees and retirees whose benefits have been jeopardized by violations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). This includes mismanagement of pension funds, improper benefits denial, and fiduciary duty breaches by plan administrators.

IRS & CCC Violation Litigation

Class actions involving unlawful collection practices or violations tied to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) may provide recourse for individuals and entities financially harmed by overreach, misapplication of funds, or regulatory failures.

Environmental & Toxic Exposure Cases

We represent individuals and communities exposed to dangerous chemicals, industrial pollutants, or unsafe environmental conditions. Our environmental mass tort work includes claims involving:

• PFAS “forever chemicals”
• Groundwater contamination from benzene and other toxins
• Industrial spills and toxic air emissions

How to Join a Class Action Lawsuit?

If you believe you’ve been harmed in a way that may be shared by many others—such as being overcharged by a bank, injured by a defective product, exposed to toxic chemicals, or misled by deceptive marketing—you may be eligible to join a class action lawsuit.

Class actions consolidate similar claims into one legal action, allowing individuals to seek justice and compensation collectively against powerful defendants. Often, class actions have already been filed, and you may qualify as a member of the certified class without needing to take immediate legal action yourself. However, in some cases, you may need to take specific steps to join, opt in, or preserve your rights.

At Podhurst Orseck, when you contact us about a potential class action, we will:

• Evaluate Your Claim: Determine whether you qualify for an existing class action or if your case may warrant a new class proceeding.
• Explain the Process: Walk you through how class actions work, including timelines, potential outcomes, and your legal rights.
• Assess Your Options: Help you understand the benefits and risks of joining an existing class action versus pursuing an individual or mass tort claim.
• Initiate New Actions if Needed: If no class action currently exists, we may initiate one on your behalf and work to certify a broader class.
• Handle All Legal Aspects: Manage all filings, court communications, evidence collection, and settlement negotiations on your behalf.
• Protect Your Rights: Ensure your interests are fully represented while you focus on your health, finances, and recovery.
• Offer a Free Consultation: Provide a no-cost case review to assess your eligibility and guide your next steps.

Compensation Available in a Class Action & How Is It Divided?

Compensation varies by case type in class actions and mass torts, but claimants may be eligible for significant financial recovery. Our team ensures that every element of your loss is accounted for and that compensation is distributed fairly.

You may be entitled to:

• Economic Losses – including medical expenses, lost wages, overpayment damages and property damage
• Non-Economic Damages – such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life
• Punitive Damages – awarded in cases of egregious misconduct to punish wrongdoers

In class actions, compensation is often divided among all members based on a court-approved formula. In mass torts, each plaintiff typically receives an individualized award based on the severity of their harm. Podhurst Orseck leverages experienced financial analysts and expert witnesses to help maximize every claim.

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