Understanding Class Action Lawsuits and Mass Tort Cases: What They Are and Why They Matter

Every year, thousands of people across the country are harmed by unsafe products, dangerous drugs, or corporate negligence. When this happens, those affected often come together to hold large companies accountable through class action lawsuits or mass tort cases.

These two types of cases are powerful legal tools that help level the playing field between everyday people and big corporations — but they work in slightly different ways. Here’s what you should know.

What Is a Class Action Lawsuit?

A class action lawsuit joins many people with similar claims into a single case.

In these cases, one or several people (called “class representatives”) file the lawsuit on behalf of a larger group, or “class.” Everyone in the class was harmed in a similar way — for example, being overcharged by a company or sold a defective product that caused the same problem for everyone.

If the class action is successful, the settlement or verdict is typically shared among all members, often in equal amounts or based on a set formula.

In summary, a class action is about one big case representing many similar stories.

What Is a Mass Tort Case?

A mass tort case also involves many people who were harmed by the same product, company, or event — but unlike a class action, each person files their own individual case.

This type of lawsuit is common when facts and injuries differ from person to person — such as with defective medical devices, dangerous drugs, or toxic exposure.

While each person’s claim is separate, the cases are grouped together for efficiency. This is often called multi-district litigation (MDL), where cases are consolidated into one court for all pre-trial proceedings. This allows the parties to share research, evidence, and experts while still ensuring each client’s experience and damages are considered individually.

In short, a mass tort is about many connected cases, each person’s story still their own.

How Are They Different?

Both are designed to help people who might not be able to take on large corporations on their own. The key difference is whether the harm and injury is the same for everyone or varies from person to person.

Why Both Are Important

Class action lawsuits and mass tort cases are essential to our justice system because they:

• Promote fairness by allowing people with limited resources to pursue justice.
• Hold bad actors accountable when profits are put ahead of safety.
• Give consumers a voice, even against powerful companies.
• Encourage safer products and practices that protect others in the future.

Whether it’s through a class action or a mass tort, these cases ensure that wrongdoers can’t ignore widespread harm or misconduct.

Why You Need an Experienced Law Firm

Both class action lawsuits and mass tort cases are complex. They often involve complicated fact patterns and novel issues of law requiring extensive investigation, technical analysis, scientific evidence, expert witnesses, and nation-wide coordination.

That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced law firm by your side.

At Dreyer Boyajian LLP, our attorneys have decades of experience representing individuals and groups in both class actions and mass tort cases. We are not afraid to take on powerful corporations to pursue justice for clients.

Here’s why hiring a firm like Dreyer Boyajian LLP matters:

• Experience that counts: We’ve successfully handled large, complex cases involving food contamination and waterborne outbreaks, consumer claims, defective products, dangerous drugs, toxic exposure, and corporate negligence.
• Personalized representation: Whether you are an individual client or part of a group of plaintiffs, we take the time to understand your specific circumstances.
• Proven results: Our firm’s history shows we know how to stand up to large corporations.
• Local roots, national reach: We’re proud to serve the Capital Region and New York, but we handle cases nationwide.

In Summary

Class action lawsuits and mass tort cases give people a chance to stand up for their rights, hold negligent companies accountable, and pursue fair compensation.

If you are injured by defective product, dangerous drug, illness outbreak, deceptive consumer practice, financial fraud, or corporate wrongdoing, the experienced attorneys at Dreyer Boyajian LLP can help determine which type of case is right for you — and guide you every step of the way.

Contact Dreyer Boyajian LLP

Contact Dreyer Boyajian LLP today for a free consultation.

Our team proudly represents clients throughout Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Troy, the Capital Region, New York, and beyond — helping everyday people stand up for justice.