Mass tort claim screener

Legal information only. Mass tort eligibility depends on specific medical and exposure facts. This screener identifies potential matches - an attorney determines final eligibility. See our full disclaimer.

Mass tort eligibility screener

Select every category that applies to your situation. We'll match you against active litigations.

Primary harm category

Select the specific litigation

Has a doctor confirmed your diagnosis or condition?

How long were you exposed to or used the product?

When did your injury or diagnosis occur?

Your mass tort screening result

Connect with a mass tort attorney

A mass tort attorney will confirm your eligibility and file your claim at no cost. Cases taken on contingency - no fee unless you win.

What is a mass tort?

A mass tort is a civil action where a large number of plaintiffs are injured by the same defendant - typically a pharmaceutical company, medical device manufacturer, or industrial polluter. Unlike a class action where all plaintiffs share a single recovery, mass tort plaintiffs each have individual claims with individual damages. Each person gets their own settlement based on their specific injuries.

Most large mass torts are consolidated into a Multi-District Litigation (MDL) in federal court. An MDL allows courts to handle pretrial proceedings efficiently while preserving each plaintiff's individual claim. When an MDL reaches a global settlement, each plaintiff receives compensation based on a point system tied to injury severity, exposure duration, and other factors.

How to join a mass tort

Joining a mass tort is straightforward. You hire a plaintiff's attorney who files your individual lawsuit and has it transferred into the MDL. There are no upfront costs - all mass tort attorneys work on contingency. Your attorney handles all filings, discovery, and settlement negotiations. Your job is to provide medical records, product use history, and other documentation supporting your claim.

Statute of limitations in mass tort cases

Each state has its own SOL for the underlying injury (typically 2 to 3 years from when you knew or should have known the product caused your harm). Joining an MDL doesn't extend your state's deadline. If you think you have a claim, contact an attorney immediately - SOL issues are the most common reason otherwise valid claims get dismissed.

Related tools

For specific mass tort litigations, see the dedicated screeners: CPAP recall claim evaluator, talcum powder claim screener, Roundup claim screener, Camp Lejeune water claim screener, and Paraquat Parkinson's claim screener.

Frequently asked questions

In a class action, all plaintiffs share a single recovery divided among the group - your individual damages don't matter much. In a mass tort, each plaintiff has their own individual case with individual damages. Someone with severe injuries gets significantly more than someone with minor injuries. Mass torts are generally better for seriously injured plaintiffs because they preserve individualized recovery.

Mass tort cases typically take 2 to 5 years from filing to settlement. Early filers in a litigation often receive better settlement terms. Some litigations resolve faster - the 3M earplug MDL settled in 2023 after 4 years. Others drag on longer. Your attorney will keep you informed of settlement progress and any global deal reached in your MDL.

Yes. Prior treatment doesn't disqualify you. In fact, documented medical treatment strengthens your claim by establishing the diagnosis and linking it to the product. The key is whether your injury falls within the eligible diagnoses for the specific litigation and whether your SOL is still open.

Bankruptcy doesn't end your claim. Courts require companies facing mass tort liability to set up trust funds as part of their bankruptcy reorganization - similar to asbestos trust funds. Johnson and Johnson attempted to use bankruptcy to resolve its talc litigation. You file a claim with the trust instead of suing directly. See the asbestos trust fund claim estimator for how trust claims work.

Mass torts are opt-in - you must affirmatively hire an attorney and file a claim. You won't automatically receive compensation just because a settlement is reached. Class actions sometimes require you to opt out if you want to preserve your individual rights. If you receive a class action notice in the mail, read it carefully and consult an attorney before the deadline if you have significant injuries.