Mass Torts and Class Actions

When corporations place profits over the safety of people, individuals may suffer serious harm from dangerous products, medications, or environmental hazards. These situations often affect many people in similar ways, creating complex legal challenges that require dedicated representation.

At Cooney & Conway, our knowledgeable mass torts attorneys understand the devastating impact these situations have. Our dedicated legal team brings over six decades of combined experience fighting for the rights of individuals harmed by corporate negligence.

What Is a Mass Tort?

A mass tort occurs when numerous people suffer injuries from the same product, medication, or toxic exposure, but with varying degrees of harm requiring individualized assessment. Unlike class actions, mass torts typically involve more severe injuries. Each case is evaluated based on its specific circumstances, though they may

share common evidence regarding the defendant’s conduct.

Common types of mass tort cases include:

• Dangerous Pharmaceuticals: Cases involving medications that cause unexpected side effects or complications beyond their listed warnings.
• Defective Medical Devices: Claims against manufacturers of implants or equipment that malfunction or cause harm.
• Toxic Environmental Exposure: Litigation involving chemical spills, contaminated water supplies, or dangerous air pollution affecting Chicago neighborhoods.
• Dangerous Consumer Products: Cases targeting companies selling products with design or manufacturing flaws that cause injuries.

How Do Victims Qualify for a Mass Tort Case?

To qualify for a mass tort, individuals must have suffered harm similar to other victims from the same product, medication, corporate action, or environmental exposure. You will also need specific documentation that supports your claim, such as:

• Medical records
• Invoices and medical bills
• Purchase receipts
• Employment records
• Other documentation or evidence that may support your potential claim

If you are facing overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, or ongoing health issues resulting from corporate negligence, we encourage you to seek legal help right away.

Initial consultations with a mass tort attorney is free, and these meetings provide an excellent opportunity to get answers to your questions, discuss your situation, and learn whether you may have a valid case.

What Steps Should I Take If I Believe I Qualify for a Mass Tort?

If you suspect your injuries relate to a wider pattern of corporate negligence that is affecting others, there are some “first steps” you can take.

Document Your Damages

In addition to the receipts and medical records we already mentioned, be sure to preserve specific product packaging. If you have any correspondence that relates to your injury or financial harm, be sure to save those documents as well. Take photographs of any visible physical injuries or damaged products.

Seek Appropriate Medical Care

For injuries or health complications, maintain consistent medical treatment and follow doctor recommendations. Medical documentation shows you are serious about protecting your health, and it also creates an official record of your condition.

Contact a Chicago Mass Tort Attorney

Schedule a consultation with Cooney & Conway in Chicago. Our experienced mass tort lawyers are prepared to evaluate your situation and determine what potential connections you may have to existing litigation.

Preserve the Product

If your case involves a defective product, medication, or device, do not throw it away. Preserve it in its current condition, when possible, along with the original packaging and instructions.

Avoid Direct Communication With the Defendant

Let your legal representation handle all communications with the company or insurance representatives to prevent statements that might compromise your claim.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Mass Tort Lawyer?

Working with attorneys who understand the complexities of multi-plaintiff litigation provides significant advantages when you are seeking justice after suffering harm.

At Cooney & Conway, these are just some of the benefits of working with our trusted law firm.

We Have Knowledge of Complex Procedures

Mass tort cases involve specialized procedural rules and strategic considerations that differ from standard personal injury claims. Our attorneys have extensive knowledge of these rules and considerations and know how to navigate these complexities effectively.

Our Firm Has Access to Shared Resources

These cases often require substantial investigation, expert testimony, and scientific evidence. Established mass tort attorneys leverage shared resources across multiple cases to build stronger claims.

You Pay No Upfront Costs or Fees to Hire Our Services

You can engage our legal services at no upfront cost to you. We accept mass tort cases on contingency. This means our attorney fees come from the successful settlements or verdicts we recover, rather than your pocket.

Stronger Negotiating Position

Corporations take claims more seriously when presented by attorneys with proven experience in multi-plaintiff litigation, often leading to more favorable settlement offers.

We Focus on Your Recovery

While your attorney handles complex legal matters, you can concentrate on your health and recovery without the stress of navigating the legal system alone.

What Are Some Open Defective Drug, Defective Product and Personal Injury Actions?

Chicago residents may qualify for numerous active mass tort cases currently moving through the court system. Understanding these ongoing cases helps identify potential claims.

Personal Injury

Ethylene Oxide Exposure: Residents in certain Chicago suburbs affected by industrial emissions of ethylene oxide may qualify for litigation addressing increased cancer risks and other health complications.

Rideshare Safety Claims: Passengers who experienced safety incidents while using popular rideshare services may be eligible for ongoing class litigation addressing security protocols and background check inadequacies.

Defective Products Cases

Firefighting Foam Exposure: Firefighters and communities near training facilities exposed to AFFF firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals may qualify for litigation addressing associated health conditions.

Herbicide Exposure Claims

Agricultural workers and property owners exposed to certain herbicides containing toxic ingredients may be eligible for litigation addressing related health complications.

Think You May Qualify for a Mass Tort Case? Contact Our Trusted Law Firm Today

 At Cooney & Conway, our Chicago mass tort lawyers are deeply committed to holding negligent corporations accountable. If you believe your situation connects to an open case or reflects a pattern of harm affecting others, we are prepared to fight tirelessly for the justice and compensation you deserve.