2 Recognized Mass Tort Cases & Their Impact On The Legal System

by | Dec 28, 2023 | Mass Tort, NEC Lawsuit

2 Recognized Mass Tort Cases and Their Impact On The Legal System

When a loved one suddenly passes away due to the negligence of big companies, the resulting outcome would be claims filed by hundreds of people. All of them want to be compensated for the wrongs done to them. A mass tort occurs when a large number of people sue a single company. It can be due to the omission of important information from the big companies. Some examples of mass tort cases are catastrophic accidents, dangerous drugs, and defective medical devices. In a mass tort, several plaintiffs file a case against one or more defendants.

In this blog, we will share the two mass tort cases that shook the law world.

NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit

The NEC formula mass tort case involves the baby formula brands, especially Abbott and Johnson & Johnson, that have been linked to Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC). It is a deadly disease that affects the intestines of newborn children. NEC is life-threatening and can cause a hole in the intestines. When the hole develops, bacteria can spread and cause infection. The baby formulas, like Similac and Enfamil, claimed that their product was as nutritionally beneficial as human breast milk. These baby formulas were cow milk-based and were harmful to the digestive system of premature and low-birth-weight babies.

Impact Of NEC Baby Formula Lawsuit On The Legal System

Increased Awareness & Potential Litigation

The media attention surrounding the NEC lawsuit raised awareness among the parents who lost their children. It alerted those whose children suffered NEC after consuming the formula. This led to more lawsuits being filed in the courts. NEC lawyers will take on the NEC cases and fight in your favour to bring you justice.

Precedent and Discovery

Rulings and settlements could be a persuasive precedent for similar cases filed in state courts. Discovery materials and research gathered in the mass tort prove to be helpful for plaintiffs in such cases, reducing the cost and time needed for discovery in their individual cases.

Potential Changes to State Laws

The NEC case put pressure on legislators to consider changes to state laws regarding product liability, wrongful death, or informed consent for medical products like baby formula. The outcome of the mass tort influenced how courts interpret existing laws in similar cases.

Resource Allocation and Case Management

If a significant number of NEC cases are filed in different state courts, it could strain court resources and lead to delays in other cases. Courts need to implement special procedures or case management techniques to handle NEC cases efficiently.

Public Policy and Consumer Protection

The NEC case could raise public awareness about the potential risks of infant formula and pressure manufacturers to be more transparent about their products. This could lead to changes in labeling, marketing, and research practices for infant formula.

If you or a loved one have children who have suffered from the negative effects of these baby formulas, then you might be eligible for compensation. You can file a case with the help of an NEC lawyer and gain the benefits. The compensation might include lost wages, non-economic monetary charges, medical charges, etc.

Zantac Lawsuit

The Zantac lawsuit refers to a series of legal claims filed against drug manufacturers of Zantac (ranitidine), a popular heartburn medication, alleging that it caused certain types of cancer. The lawsuits stem from concerns that Zantac may contain a potentially harmful compound called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). It is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)

Impact Of Zantac Lawsuit On The Legal System

Increased Litigation and Backlog

Thousands of Zantac lawsuits were filed in courts, contributing to a significant backlog and straining court resources. This led to delays in other types of cases and a need for certain measures to manage the caseload.

Precedent and Consolidation Efforts

Courts played a key role in shaping the early stages of the Zantac litigation, with several important rulings issued on issues like preemption and consolidation. These courts initially led efforts to consolidate the nationwide Zantac litigation but later relinquished jurisdiction due to the sheer volume of cases.

Focus on Generic Drugs and Federal Preemption

A significant aspect of the Zantac litigation is focused on the liability of generic drug manufacturers. A key ruling found that federal law preempted state law claims against generic manufacturers, potentially limiting their liability.

Settlement and Resource Allocation

While some Zantac cases proceeded to trial with the help of our Zantac lawsuit lawyers, the majority settled out of court, with some major settlements. This helped reduce the backlog of cases and free up court resources. The settlements will also have a significant economic impact on the place to which they are fought, with millions of dollars awarded to plaintiffs and attorneys’ fees generated.

Impact on Drug Safety and Regulation

The Zantac litigation raised public awareness about potential health risks associated with the drug and the potential for contamination. This may have influenced regulatory actions by the FDA and other agencies. Overall, the Zantac mass tort case had a major impact on the legal system, contributing to increased litigation, setting legal precedents, and raising awareness about drug safety concerns.

The Bottom Line

Mass tort lawsuits are complex and involve a lot of science and law. It is essential to persist and keep fighting if you or a loved one are suffering from the side effects of these defective products. You can even sue them if there is a wrongful death due to this cause. You must find lawyers who are experts in fighting mass tort cases and will always support your justice. They will help the clients through the intricate world of law. These lawyers possess all the skills necessary to turn the table in your favor, and will ensure you get the compensation you deserve.