Mass Tort

Term: Mass TortDefinition: A legal action in which multiple plaintiffs file a lawsuit against one or more defendants, typically involving a common issue or product, such as asbestos exposure.Phonetic Pronunciation: (MAS TORT)Origin: The term "mass tort" combines "mass," from the Latin "massa" meaning a lump or mass, and "tort," from the Latin "tortum" meaning twisted or wrong. It reflects the large-scale nature of these legal actions and the wrongful acts they address.Significance in Asbestos Context: Mass tort litigation is significant in asbestos cases because it allows numerous victims of asbestos-related diseases to collectively seek compensation from companies responsible for their exposure. This approach can streamline legal proceedings and increase the efficiency of obtaining justice for affected individuals.Example Sentence: The law firm filed a mass tort lawsuit on behalf of hundreds of clients who developed mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure at their workplaces.Related Terms: Class Action, Multidistrict Litigation, Asbestos Litigation, Product LiabilityNotes: - Mass torts differ from class actions in that each plaintiff's case may be tried individually, but they share common questions of law or fact. - Mass torts can lead to significant settlements or verdicts due to the aggregation of claims.