Experienced Lawyers In Louisiana
Mass Tort Lawyers in Louisiana
Injured? Get Gordon!
No Fee Unless We Win
I’ll win your case, or you don’t owe me a dime. No costs, no expenses, no fee. Nothing.
Injured? Get a FREE Consult Now!
Best Mass Tort Lawyers Near Me
Most lawsuits involve one person, company, or other entity—the plaintiff—taking action against another person, company or entity, known as the defendant. However, some lawsuits are structured so that multiple plaintiffs take action against the same defendant as a group.
These are known as mass tort or class action lawsuits.
While the term class action might be familiar to you, mass tort is not as well-known. While these lawsuit types are similar and complex enough to need an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side, they’re quite different in how they’re litigated and resolved.
Common Mass Tort Case Types
Mass torts are legal actions that allow groups of people to sue corporations or manufacturers for harm caused by negligence or defective products. These lawsuits can arise from exposure to toxic chemicals, defective drugs, or faulty products, with notable examples including the Roundup cancer lawsuit, asbestos-related mesothelioma claims, and the Zantac® lawsuit. Mass torts can also stem from large-scale accidents like industrial disasters, chemical leaks, and explosions, which often result in wrongful deaths. If you’ve been affected by such an incident, consulting an experienced mass tort attorney can help guide you through the legal process.
How Is Mass Tort Different from Class Action?
The main difference between a mass tort lawsuit and class action lawsuit is in how the court treats the plaintiffs. Instead of being treated as one entity, the plaintiffs in mass tort cases are treated as individuals, and each plaintiff’s compensation reflects their damages.
Class Action Lawsuits
In a class-action lawsuit, a small group of people, representing the interests of a much larger group, bring a lawsuit against a defendant. This smaller group, known as class representatives, are named as plaintiffs in the suit, and the court treats all the plaintiffs as one entity as opposed to individuals.
In order to qualify as a class action, a lawsuit must meet the following criteria, defined by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure:
- the class is so numerous that joinder of all members is impracticable;
- there are questions of law or fact common to the class;
- the claims or defenses of the representative parties are typical of the claims or defenses of the class; and
- the representative parties will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the class.
Opt-Out Rights and Compensation in Class Actions
Everyone the class action applies to must have the choice to opt-out of the claim or seek their own counsel. The outcome of a class action suit extends to everyone the ruling applies to who didn’t opt out, even if they weren’t involved directly in filing the claim.
Class action suits exist to reduce the number of lawsuits for the same grievance, to prevent the court from being overwhelmed by cases.
As a result, the compensation for individual members of these suits can be small, since the settlement is divided between many plaintiffs.
Mass Tort Lawsuits
While mass tort lawsuits and class action lawsuits are similar, they are distinct in important ways, the main difference being how the group of plaintiffs is treated. Both of these litigation types involve multiple plaintiffs that were harmed by one defendant’s negligence, but they have completely different processes and outcomes. Mass tort claims involve multiple plaintiffs with similar grievances seeking damages from a negligent party, usually a large company.
Common mass tort lawsuits include:
- Those which seek damages for injuries from dangerous drugs
- Those seeking damages for injuries from defective medical devices
- Those which seek damages for injuries from defective products
- Those seeking damages for injuries from toxic conditions or disasters
Defective Drug and Product Claims in Mass Tort Cases
Mass tort actions often involve defective drugs, products, or cases where plaintiffs suffer different injuries, such as the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. Unlike class actions, where plaintiffs share similar injuries, mass torts accommodate cases where each plaintiff’s harm varies. These cases typically involve smaller groups, often within a specific geographic area, and can lead to higher individual compensation, as plaintiffs seek separate damages.
Do I Have a Mass Tort Claim?
Because mass tort claims can be so complex—they involve multiple plaintiffs against one or more defendants, all treated individually, and don’t always follow standard procedure—it can be hard to know if you have a mass tort claim.
The team at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys has been trying mass tort claims for decades, and we know what it takes to successfully settle or win these cases. If you think you might have a mass tort complaint, give us a call at 888.501.7888 to discuss your legal options. We promise we won’t charge you a dime until we win or settle your case, that’s the G Guarantee.
Speak to a Louisiana Class Action Lawyer Near You Today
Statute of Limitation Changes in Louisiana
Recent changes in Louisiana law have extended the statute of limitations for personal injury claims occurring on or after July 1, 2024, from one year to two years. Any injuries that occurred before July 1, 2024 will still have a 1-year statute of limitation. Learn more about Louisiana’s New Statute of Limitations here.
1-year for injuries sustained before July 1, 2024.
2-years for injuries suffered after July 1, 2024.
The statute of limitations is a legal deadline that sets a time frame for filing a lawsuit. In Louisiana, this is known as the “prescriptive period,” which determines how long you have to take legal action against the responsible party after an injury occurs.
Don’t Wait — Talk to a Practice Area Lawyer Today
At Gordon Mckernan Injury Attorneys, we understand that emotional and physical recovery come hand and hand after an injury or accident. We also know that you may not have the energy or time to fight with an insurance company and the complexities of your personal injury claim.
How It Works
Filing a claim with Gordon Mckernan Injury Attorneys is easy!
Simply follow the steps below.
Get Your Free Consultation
Fill out our quick and easy form to find out if your case qualifies. Our consultations are free and confidential, and we are here to help whether you hire us or not!
Hear From An Attorney
Our team will evaluate your case and decide on the best course of action. One of our lawyers will get back to you promptly and begin the process of winning your case!
Get Gordon!
Get It Done!
Once your case has been evaluated and deemed a good fit for our firm, our team will go to work immediately on gathering evidence, building your case, and getting you the compensation that you deserve.
Excellent
Settlements & Verdicts
$26,000,000
Class action settlement for chemical exposure
Class action settlement for chemical exposure case.
$3,750,000
Wrongful death in commercial trucking accident 3750000
A settlement has been reached in the case of a 1996 accident that claimed the lives of three Jones County residents.
$1,000,000
Truck Driver Rear Ended by Another 18 Wheeler
Our client a truck driver was rear ended by another 18-wheeler.
$125,000
18 Wheeler Mississippi Wreck
Our client was involved in an 18 wheeler wreck in Mississippi that resulted in multiple injuries and a settlement of $125,000.
$200,000
18 Wheeler Tow Truck
18 Wheeler Tow Truck incident due to mishandling resulted in injuries to our client and a case settlement of $200,000. Handled by Attorney Richard Zimmerman.
$185,000
18 Wheeler Wreck with Cane Truck
Our client was driving an 18 wheeler when they were hit head on by a cane truck. Resulted in both chest and shoulder injuries and a settlement of $185,000.
$375,000
Cement Truck Accident
The client pulled up to construction site when a cement truck in front of him backed into him twice.
$390,000
Two 18 Wheelers Wreck
Two 18 wheelers wreck causing our client to have disc injuries. Case resulted in a settlement of $390,000.
$429,000
Big Trucks Collide with Client Suffering Bulging Discs and Mild Protrusion
Our client, big truck driver was hit by another 18-wheeler. The impact caused bulging discs and minor protrusion.
$6,000,000
Accident on oil platform causes brain damage
Oil rig worker settles for $6 million after suffering extensive facial fractures and brain damage.
$175,000
Side Swiped with Many Injuries
Our client was side swiped and suffered many injuries, including neck, back, shoulder and hand. Case settled for $175,000.
$1,600,000
Guest Passenger Injured in a T Bone Truck Accident
Our client was a guest passenger in a vehicle when they were involved in a T-bone accident with a truck resulting in severe injuries.
$13,000,000
Commercial Big Truck Accident Causes Brain Injury to Young Boy
As a result of a commercial big truck accident, a young boy suffers brain injury.
$877,191
18 Wheeler Rear Ends Another 18 Wheeler
Our client was driving his 18 wheeler when another 18 wheeler rear-ended him. The case resulted in a $877,191 verdict.
$27,000
Lengthy Premise Liability Case in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Client had a premises liability case in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Foot had a puncture wound with no stitches and 3 months of treatment.
$4,500
Client Involved in Premises Liability Case in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Client involved in a premise liability case in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The client reported suffering from whole body soreness.
$21,700,000
Construction worker severely injured on the job
Our client was a construction worker that was severely injured on the job.
$12,800,000
Two Worker’s Asbestos Exposure
Two former chemical plant workers dying of lung cancer won a $12.8 million state award, blaming their illness on asbestos used in industrial insulation.
$3,000,000
Double amputation of legs from electrical shock
An employee of an oil company suffered severe electrical shock when a gen pole came in contact with high power lines.
$2,900,000
Workers exposed to chemical
Workers were exposed to a chemical, resulting in a $2,900,000 settlement.
$250,000
63 Year Old Pipe Welder Working on Barge in Gulf
Settlement for pipe welder suffering rib and back injuries after being transferred from a tug boat to barge when basket became entrapped on barge equipment.
$240,000
Workers Comp Prison Injury
Our client suffered an ankle injury while working at a prison, resulting in a workers comp case and a verdict of $240,000.
$130,000
Workers Comp Fall Injury
Our client suffered a workers comp injury from a fall onto concrete with improper safety codes met. Case resulted in a $130,000 settlement.
$130,000
Workers’ Compensation Injury
Client was involved in a Workers’ Compensation Injury case which was handled by Attorney Annabelle Manning. Case resulted in a settlement of $130,000.
$125,000
Injury at Work on a Ladder
Our client suffered an injury at work on a ladder, having to pull down some heavy equipment and missing a step. Case resulted in a $125,000 settlement.
$110,000
Injured on the Job
Our client was injured on the job as they slipped while working security, suffering back injuries. Case settled for $110,000.
$3,500,000
Truck Driver T Boned by 18 Wheeler
Our client, a truck driver, was hit by an 18-wheeler that ran a stop sign and T boned his truck.
$2,800,000
Defective product design in truck causes paraplegia
Our client was involved in an accident which the defective product design in the truck caused paraplegia.
$1,975,000
Warehouse worker pinned by delivery truck suffers massive internal injuries
A delivery truck pins a warehouse worker resulting in massive internal injuries.
Frequent Answered
Questions
- What Is a Mansfield Bar and Why Do Trucks Have Them?
- How to Increase Settlement Value?
- How Much Will a Truck Accident Lawsuit Cost Me?
- Why Are Trucking Accidents a Serious Issue?
- What Is The Most Common Cause of a Rollover Accident?
- Should I Hire a Truck Accident Attorney in Lafayette?
- What To Do After A Big Truck Wreck?
- How Can a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Help?
- How to Get Compensation After a Commercial Trucking Accident?
- What is the Most Common Type of Lift Truck Accident?
- Can You Get Compensation If An Accident Was Your Fault?
- When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Mass Tort Lawyers in Louisiana Blog Posts
Injured? Get a FREE Consult Now!
Let Our Team Fight For You!
If you or a loved one has been injured, don't wait— contact Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation. Our team is ready to fight for you and secure the compensation you deserve.
With over 30 years of experience, a proven track record of success, and a commitment to client care, we are the best personal injury attorneys in Louisiana to handle your case.
Call us now or fill out our online form. No Fee Unless We Win!
Your Case Matters—Let's Get It Done!
Office Locations
© 2025 Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys.
