Multi District Litigation Lawsuits
Nationwide Representation for MDL’s
What is a Multi District Litigation?
Congress established the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to consolidate multiple civil cases from various U.S. district courts into one centralized district court when the cases share “common questions of fact.” The governing law for MDLs is 28 U.S.C. § 1407.
This panel is responsible for deciding whether a group of cases qualifies to be consolidated into an MDL and selecting the judge who will oversee the litigation. Since multi district litigations exist only in federal court, it is generally used in cases involving defendants with a nationwide impact. Examples of MDLs include lawsuits involving Philips CPAP machines, Ozempic, and AFFF (Aqueous film-forming foam). All of which are product liability cases that have affected plaintiffs across multiple states.
Why Are Cases Consolidated into an MDL?
Multi district litigations are created to streamline the legal process and ensure consistent rulings across different jurisdictions. If each case were to proceed individually, defendants would have to provide discovery to every plaintiff separately, leading to inconsistent rulings by different judges. An MDL prevents this by consolidating all actions under a single authority, allowing for uniform legal decisions. This system saves time and resources, enabling the focus to shift to the critical aspects of the case rather than procedural issues.
FAQs About Multi District Litigation (MDL)
What’s the Difference Between an MDL and a Class Action?
A Multi District Litigation (MDL) and a class action are distinct legal processes, but both involve multiple plaintiffs seeking justice for similar claims.
- In an MDL, each plaintiff must have their own attorney file an individual case in their home district. Once filed, these cases are transferred to the MDL for streamlined handling. Each plaintiff maintains their right to prove their specific damages and injuries, and cases may be coordinated for efficiency.
- In a class action, a small group of representatives (class members) files a single lawsuit on behalf of a larger group who have not filed individual claims. The entire group is treated as one, with a single attorney representing all members. Class action plaintiffs do not need to participate actively in the lawsuit.
What’s the Difference Between an MDL and a Mass Tort?
An MDL serves as a procedural tool to manage multiple lawsuits that involve similar claims while treating each case individually. Each plaintiff must prove their specific injuries and damages.
In contrast, a mass tort refers to the broader category of legal actions involving multiple plaintiffs who suffer harm from the same product or event. These individual lawsuits are grouped together for efficiency, often leading to an MDL.
Summary
- MDL: A coordinated federal process for handling multiple individual lawsuits efficiently,
where each plaintiff proves their unique case. - Mass Tort: A type of legal action involving similar claims from multiple plaintiffs, which may be consolidated in an MDL for streamlined proceedings.
- Class Action: A single lawsuit filed on behalf of a larger group, where the group is represented collectively without individual claims.
Together, these mechanisms help manage complex legal situations involving numerous plaintiffs, ensuring both efficiency and justice.
Who Resolves an MDL?
Most MDLs do not reach trial. Due to their complex nature, MDLs often settle after extensive research, discovery, and expert testimony. To help guide the litigation, judges may conduct Bellwether trials, which are smaller, representative cases that give both parties insight into how future cases might be resolved. If settlement is not achieved, individual cases may be sent back to their original courts for separate trials. In some instances, a judge may dismiss certain cases if they lack sufficient legal or factual merit
How Does an MDL Benefit Plaintiffs?
- Consistency: All cases are handled under one judge, ensuring uniform legal rulings.
- Efficiency: MDLs streamline the discovery process and reduce legal expenses for plaintiffs.
- Focused Litigation: By consolidating similar cases, the focus shifts to the substance of the claims rather than procedural hurdles
MDLs are common in cases involving product liability due to the widespread harm caused by defective products or medications. If you believe you have been harmed by a product or event, our legal team is experienced in handling Multi District Litigation cases and is ready to help you file your claim. Contact us today to learn more about your legal rights.
Ongoing Multi District Litigations:
- AFFF Firefoam
- Angiodynamics Catheter
- Bivona Tracheostomy Tubes
- Cooper Surgical Embryo
- Exactech
- Hair Relaxer
- NEC Baby Formula
- Ozempic
- Suboxone
Don’t see your case listed? Contact us today for a free consultation to discover how our experienced multi district litigation attorneys can assist you
