Georgia wrongful death lawyer - Matt Wetherington

When a prescription drug, medical device, toxic exposure, or defective product causes harm, you may feel like just one person against a billion-dollar corporation. But you are not alone. Across Atlanta and Georgia, thousands of people face the same devastating injuries, illnesses, and losses caused by unsafe products and corporate negligence. These cases are known as mass torts and while they involve large groups of victims, each person’s story, injuries, and damages matter individually. In these claims, an Atlanta mass torts attorney can help individuals get justice and compensation. 

Mass tort litigation provides a powerful path to justice. Unlike a class action where everyone is grouped together, a mass tort allows you to file your own claim while benefiting from the strength of collective evidence against the defendant. These cases often involve dangerous drugs, defective medical devices, toxic chemicals, or consumer products that cause widespread harm. For victims, the outcome can mean financial recovery for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering and just as importantly, accountability for corporations that put profit ahead of safety.

An experienced Atlanta mass torts lawyer can help you join forces with other victims while still protecting your individual rights. These cases are complex, but with the right lawyer, you don’t have to face them alone. Take the first step today. Fill out the form below for a free, confidential consultation. Our Atlanta attorneys only get paid if we win your case.

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    What Is a Mass Tort?

    A mass tort is a type of civil action that arises when a single defective product, drug, or practice causes injuries to many people. Unlike class actions, where all plaintiffs are treated as one group, mass torts allow each injured person to file an individual claim. This means your case is judged on its unique facts severity of injuries, medical costs, and long-term impact while still benefiting from the shared strength of collective litigation.

    Common causes of mass tort litigation include:

    • Dangerous drugs – such as Zantac, opioids, or defective diabetes medications.
    • Defective medical devices – including hernia mesh, hip implants, and CPAP machines.
    • Toxic exposure – such as Roundup weed killer, asbestos, or contaminated water.
    • Harmful consumer products – like talcum powder linked to ovarian cancer.

    Mass torts are often consolidated into Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) at the federal level, or handled through coordinated proceedings in state courts, including Georgia. This ensures efficiency while still protecting the rights of individual plaintiffs.

    Who Can Be Held Liable in a Mass Tort Case?

    Determining liability in a mass tort case requires investigating the chain of responsibility. Depending on the facts, the following parties may be held accountable:

    • Manufacturers – for designing, producing, or distributing unsafe products or drugs.
    • Distributors and Marketers – for aggressively promoting products without disclosing risks.
    • Retailers and Pharmacies – in certain cases, for selling products known to be defective.
    • Corporations and Institutions – for exposing employees or communities to toxic chemicals.

    In Georgia, product liability law (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11) holds companies strictly liable for injuries caused by defective products. An Atlanta mass torts lawyer will identify every responsible party and ensure no corporation escapes accountability.

    Types of Mass Tort Cases We Handle in Georgia

    Mass torts cover a wide range of claims. Some of the most common include:

    1. Dangerous Drug Cases – claims involving prescription and over-the-counter drugs that caused serious side effects, cancer, or wrongful death.
    2. Defective Medical Devices – litigation against manufacturers of implants, surgical mesh, or devices that failed and caused harm.
    3. Environmental and Toxic Torts – claims involving chemical spills, contaminated water, or asbestos exposure.
    4. Consumer Product Cases – lawsuits against companies for products linked to injuries or disease.
    5. Pharmaceutical Marketing and Opioid Litigation – cases holding drug companies accountable for fueling addiction and overdose deaths.

    Each type of case requires unique legal strategies and expert testimony. An Atlanta mass tort attorney experienced in mass torts can guide you to the right litigation path.

    Compensation Available in Mass Tort Claims in Georgia

    Mass tort cases recognize that while thousands may be harmed, each victim’s injuries are personal. Compensation may include:

    • Medical expenses – emergency care, surgeries, ongoing treatment, and future costs.
    • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
    • Pain and suffering – for physical and emotional impact.
    • Loss of enjoyment of life.
    • Wrongful death damages – funeral costs, lost support, loss of companionship.
    • Punitive damages – allowed under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1) when corporations act with reckless disregard for safety.

    Don’t let financial burdens keep you from pursuing justice. Fill out the form today to discuss your potential claim with our Atlanta mass torts team.

    Why You Need an Atlanta Mass Tort Attorney

    Mass tort cases are among the most complex forms of litigation. They require coordination with federal MDLs, large-scale discovery, expert witnesses, and direct negotiation with corporate defense teams. Attempting to handle such a case alone is nearly impossible.

    Here’s how an Atlanta mass torts attorney can help:

    • Investigate your exposure, injuries, and damages.
    • Work with medical and scientific experts.
    • Gather evidence from FDA recalls, safety data, and corporate documents.
    • File your case in the appropriate jurisdiction, including federal MDLs.
    • Negotiate aggressively for fair compensation.
    • Take your case to trial if necessary.

    Most importantly, a mass torts lawyer ensures your case is not lost in the shuffle. While thousands may share your struggle, your injuries and your story remain unique and deserve to be heard.

    Recent Mass Tort Cases and Settlements

    Mass tort litigation has delivered accountability and compensation in landmark cases:

    • Opioid Litigation – pharmaceutical companies paid billions in settlements for fueling addiction and overdose deaths, with funds directed to states like Georgia.
    • Zantac Litigation – thousands of claims filed nationwide after cancer risks were linked to the popular heartburn medication.
    • Roundup Weed Killer – multi-billion-dollar settlements after studies linked the herbicide to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
    • Hernia Mesh and Hip Implant Cases – ongoing litigation for defective devices causing severe complications.

    These cases prove that legal action not only compensates victims but also protects future consumers from corporate negligence.

    Statute of Limitations for Mass Tort Claims in Georgia

    Every state enforces strict filing deadlines. In Georgia, most product liability and personal injury claims including mass torts, must be filed within two years of the injury (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). For wrongful death cases, the clock usually starts at the date of death.

    Some exceptions exist under the “discovery rule,” which may extend the deadline if the injury was not immediately apparent. But waiting too long can permanently bar your claim.

    Do not risk losing your chance at justice. Contact an Atlanta mass tort lawyer today or complete the form to protect your rights.

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      How Our Atlanta Mass Torts Attorneys Can Help

      At our firm, we understand the toll that unsafe drugs, defective devices, or toxic exposures take on individuals and families. When you choose us, you gain a team with the resources and experience to take on the largest corporations in the world.

      We provide:

      • Thorough investigations tailored to your case.
      • Access to leading medical and scientific experts.
      • Aggressive litigation against corporate defendants.
      • Compassionate client support every step of the way.
      • No fees unless we win – you pay nothing out of pocket.

      We fight for Atlanta families because we believe people matter more than profits.

      FAQs About Mass Tort Lawsuits

      1. What is the difference between a mass tort and a class action?

      In a class action, all plaintiffs are treated as one group, and damages are shared equally. In a mass tort, each plaintiff has an individual case, allowing for compensation tailored to their specific injuries.

      2. What types of cases qualify as mass torts?

      Mass torts often involve dangerous drugs, defective medical devices, toxic chemical exposure, or unsafe consumer products. If a large group of people has suffered harm from the same source, a mass tort may be appropriate.

      3. Do I have to join an existing mass tort to file a claim?

      Not necessarily. Some claims are filed individually in Georgia courts, while others are consolidated into MDLs. Your attorney will advise the best strategy for your case.

      4. How much compensation can I receive?

      Compensation varies based on medical expenses, lost wages, severity of injuries, and long-term impact. Wrongful death claims may also recover funeral costs and the value of a lost life. Punitive damages may apply in cases of corporate misconduct.

      5. How long do mass tort cases take?

      Timelines vary widely. Some cases resolve in months if settlements are reached, while others take years. Mass torts are complex, but an experienced attorney ensures steady progress and protection of your rights.

      6. What does it cost to hire a mass torts attorney?

      Most Atlanta mass tort lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront and no legal fees unless your case is successfully resolved.

      Take the First Step Toward Justice

      No family in Atlanta should suffer because of corporate negligence. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a dangerous drug, defective medical device, toxic exposure, or unsafe product, you deserve answers and accountability.

      Fill out the form today for a free consultation with an Atlanta mass torts attorney. You pay nothing unless we win.

      Get Free Case Evaluation