Chicago Mass Tort Lawyer
Corporate greed fuels mass tort cases. Fierce competition pushes companies to rush products, drugs, and devices to market. They cut corners and disregard the safety of innocent consumers. These big corporations prioritize their own profits over human life, and they use blood-money profits to hire high-priced lawyers to shield them from accountability. In the meantime, people like you suffer.
Your mass tort case demands more than standard legal representation. You need a firm with the resources, experience, and power to fight back, and the proven ability to win against pharmaceutical giants and major manufacturers.
Ankin Law is that firm. We have over 100 years of combined experience in mass tort litigation, both local and national influence, and the legal firepower to go head-to-head with these corporate giants.
Call (312) 600-0000 now. Schedule your free consultation to speak with an experienced mass tort lawyer who will answer your questions, explain your legal options, and help you get maximum compensation.
Why Hire Ankin Law for Your Mass Tort Case?
Many law firms buckle under the pressure of billion-dollar corporate giants as their corporate defense teams use their deep-pocket resources to bury victims in endless legal red tape, doing everything they can to delay, deny, or devalue your claim. At Ankin Law, we refuse to let them win. We expose corporate fraud with top-tier expert testimony, cutting through the complex maze of state and federal courts to deliver the justice you deserve.
The astronomical cost of expert testimony means that only by joining forces in mass tort cases can plaintiffs truly challenge these titans. But it takes more than sheer numbers to triumph—it takes a law firm with the financial muscle to secure the finest experts, the legal acumen to turn their insights into winning arguments, and a proven record of navigating both federal MDL proceedings and state courts.
Ankin Law is that firm. We are driven by an unwavering commitment to hold big corporations accountable, safeguard your well-being, and maximize your recovery. We are here to fight back and turn corporate malfeasance into a victory for you.
Our Attorneys Have Recovered Hundreds of Millions of Dollars on Behalf of Our Clients
Every multi-million dollar verdict we’ve secured begins with a free consultation, just like the one we’re offering you. Call (312) 600-0000.
We Are the Mass Tort Attorneys Chicago Trusts
Highly Recommended!!
Did an awesome job helping my Husband with his case. Very professional and always getting back to us with an answer. Karolina, thank you for all your help on always getting back to us when we had questions. Definitely will go back if I needed a lawyer again. Very patient with us and did not pressure us at all!
Ankin Law is one law firm that I would recommend anyone to use for cases of injuries. They are very thorough when working on your case and very professional. Their legal assistant Alex Quigley is a very polite and a pleasant person to work with. She is very thorough, very professional and very patient. If there were any problems that came about with your case, she would be right on it, and she would get the matter resolved. She cares about her/their clients, and she does her all to make you feel comfortable working with the law firm. Alex, continue to do what you do.
I was told to go to Ankin Law because they were the best, and they truly did not disappoint! Upon getting in contact with Ankin, I was introduced to one of their OUTSTANDING employees, Kat McHenry. Kat helped me get all the information I needed regarding my insurance issue and has helped me immensely with a plan to move forward. I would recommend both Kat McHenry and Ankin Law to anyone I know. Thanks for being so amazing!
Just wanted to stop by and tell you guys my experience at the Ankin Law Office, I literally have so much to say, I couldn’t have chosen a better lawyer than Maria Merman, she’s the best to be honest, she made me feel so comfortable throughout the process. She’s patient, polite and definitely very professional, always updating on my case I didn’t have to be chasing her at all she was the one always calling me to update me, and her assistant Adriana Carrillo very efficient she definitely loves what she’s doing, you can definitely see the professionalism and as well always letting me know what was going on never missed a detail. Thank you so much for all the hard work!
Table of Contents
What Is a Mass Tort?
A mass tort case occurs when dangerous drugs or defective products harm large groups of people, and victims band together and take legal action. These cases are high-stakes battles, often involving millions, or even billions, of dollars. A mass tort action is not a single lawsuit. Instead, it’s a combination of injury cases brought by multiple plaintiffs against a single defendant for the same act.
Are Mass Tort Lawsuits and Class Actions the Same Thing?
Mass torts and class actions might seem similar at first glance, but make no mistake—there’s a crucial difference that can change the game in your fight for justice. Understanding the difference is crucial when you’re fighting for your rights against corporate giants. In a mass tort, you’re not just another statistic. You are treated as an individual, with your unique injuries and losses given the weight they deserve. This approach gives you real control over your claim and the potential recovery you’re entitled to.
In contrast, class actions lump you together with hundreds or even thousands of other claimants, leaving you with little say in the process. You become legally bound to whatever settlement or verdict the judge or jury decides, even if it does not fully reflect your personal injuries and suffering. As a class member, you are at the mercy of a one-size-fits-all verdict or settlement. While you may be allowed to opt out of a class action, once you do, you’re on your own.
“Mass tort lawsuits allow plaintiffs to save time and reduce legal costs by pooling resources, strengthening their case against powerful corporations.”
In contrast, in a mass tort litigation, multiple individual cases come together for a single trial, but each one is still handled separately and on its own merit. This means that unlike class actions, where everyone gets lumped into one settlement, mass torts guarantee that your compensation is based on the direct impact the corporation’s actions have had on **you**.
At Ankin Law, we empower you by choosing the path that puts your needs first. We fight back against corporate malfeasance by ensuring that every victim’s story is heard, and every individual claim is pursued. Your voice matters—and with us, it has the power to stand up against big corporations that try to sweep you under the rug.
At Ankin Law, we are committed to using every legal tool available to hold these corporations accountable. We fight back—ensuring that your individual story leads to the compensation and justice you deserve.
Types of Mass Tort Cases
Typically, a mass tort lawsuit will fall under one of the following categories:
Toxic Torts
Injuries and deaths caused by exposure to toxic substances such as asbestos, pesticides, diesel fuels, dangerous mold, or other polluting materials. These exposures often happen in residential areas or in the workplace.
Disaster Torts
Injuries and deaths caused by large-scale events such as bridge collapses, aviation accidents, chemical spills, and train accidents. Typically, a corporation or business/government entity is held liable in these cases.
Dangerous or Defective Products
Injuries and deaths caused by dangerous or defective products such as unsafe pharmaceuticals, a faulty medical device, or automobile defects. A designer, manufacturer, distributor, or marketing team may be held responsible for product defects that cause injuries.
Center:
Injured by a medical provider? Check out our medical malpractice knowledge center to learn more about medical malpractice cases.
Did a negligent company cause you harm? Check out our Mass Tort Knowledge Center for helpful resources and more information about how you can recover compensation.
Learn MoreOur Law Firm Is Currently Investigating These Dangerous Product Cases
Oxbryta Lawsuits
Oxbryta is a prescription medication used to treat sickle cell disease. The drug has been linked to severe side effects. Our office is reviewing matters for people who took Oxbryta for at least 30 days between 2018 and the present and developed vaso-occlusive crisis (sickle cell crisis), stroke, organ failure, heart attack, or death. Plaintiffs in current lawsuits argue that the drug’s manufacturer failed to warn them about the risks of taking the medication. If you were prescribed Oxbryta and you experienced any of these issues after using the medication for 30 days or more, we can help you file a lawsuit against Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT). A successful Oxbryta lawsuit can provide you with compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact our mass tort lawyers to learn about your rights and legal options. Free consultations are available to help you start your claim.
Paragard Copper IUD Lawsuits
Paragard Copper IUD lawsuits allege that the intrauterine birth control device can break apart on its own, causing severe injuries such as uterine perforation and organ damage, often requiring surgical removal of the implant. Plaintiffs claim that the manufacturer failed to adequately warn users of these risks, citing product defects and insufficient warnings. Victims who had a Paragard Copper IUD implanted within the last 10 years and required surgical removal may qualify for compensation for medical expenses, pain, suffering, and other damages. If you’ve experienced these complications, contact our attorneys to discuss your legal options. Explore your legal options with a free consultation.
NEC Baby Formula Lawsuits
Certain cow’s milk-based baby formulas and human milk fortifiers, sold under the trade names Similac and Enfamil, have been linked to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants. NEC is a dangerous gastrointestinal condition that can lead to severe complications or death. Parents of affected infants are filing baby formula lawsuits against manufacturers, alleging failure to warn about the risks. If your baby was fed Enfamil or Similac formula, or human milk fortifier, and was diagnosed with NEC after consuming this formula, contact Ankin Law to explore your legal options. Holding manufacturers accountable helps you recover damages and also prevents similar tragedies in the future. Schedule a free consultation to start your claim.
Hernia Mesh Lawsuits
Hernia mesh devices, often implanted during hernia repair surgeries, have been linked to severe pain and swelling, infection, organ perforation, mesh migration, and other complications requiring surgery to remove the mesh. Victims allege that Covidien and Bard hernia mesh devices were defective and that the manufacturers did not adequately warn patients of the risks of implanting the hernia mesh devices. If you suffered complications after the implantation of a Covidien or Bard hernia mesh and required surgery to remove the device, request a free case evaluation to explore your legal options. Filing a Covidien or Bard hernia mesh lawsuit can help hold negligent manufacturers accountable while providing you with the financial recovery you need. Contact us for a free consultation to evaluate your claim.
Legionnaires’ Disease Lawsuits
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. Legionnaires’ disease often results from exposure to contaminated water systems in hotels, hospitals, apartment complexes, and workplaces. Victims may experience serious health complications, long hospital stays, and even fatal outcomes. Property owners, landlords, and facility managers have a legal duty to maintain water systems to prevent bacterial growth. Failure to uphold these safety standards can lead to liability for outbreaks. If you or a loved one contracted Legionnaires’ disease due to unsafe water systems, you may be able to file a Legionnaires’ disease lawsuit to recover compensation. Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your rights and explore your legal options.
Paraquat Lawsuits
Filed by agricultural workers and others exposed to the toxic herbicide, Paraquat lawsuits link exposure to the chemical to Parkinson’s disease, kidney failure, lung damage, heart failure, and liver damage. Plaintiffs claim that manufacturers didn’t do enough to protect consumers from harm.
Uber Sexual Assault Lawsuits
Uber is facing numerous sexual assault lawsuits from rideshare passengers who claim the company failed to perform proper background checks on drivers and implement adequate safety measures to protect riders. Uber may be vicariously liable for the acts of its drivers. Victims may be able to pursue claims against Uber, ensuring accountability for sexual assault and passenger safety violations.
Data Breach Lawsuits
Recent lawsuits highlight significant data breaches at major companies like Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, T-Mobile, Capital One, and Equifax. Claims focus on negligence in safeguarding sensitive information, with victims seeking compensation for identity theft, financial losses, and emotional distress. Companies face scrutiny for failing to implement adequate security measures.
Toxic Baby Food Lawsuits
These lawsuits allege that the baby foods contain toxic heavy metals, like harmful amounts of lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. The consumption of these toxic chemicals in baby food has been linked to developmental issues like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Plaintiffs accuse companies like Beech-Nut, Gerber, Parent’s Choice, Sprout Foods, and others, of failing to ensure safety.
AFFF Lawsuits
AFFF Lawsuits are legal actions filed by individuals or groups affected by exposure to aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). This firefighting foam, used to suppress fuel-based fires, contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” which are highly persistent in the environment and the human body. Exposure to PFAS in AFFF has been linked to serious health issues, including cancers (kidney, testicular, and others), immune system disorders, and hormonal imbalances. Firefighters, airport personnel, and military workers are at higher risk due to frequent AFFF usage during training and emergency situations.
Talc Lawsuits
Claims in talcum powder lawsuits center on the presence of asbestos, a known carcinogen, in talc products like baby powders and body powders. Prolonged use near the genital area is linked to ovarian cancer, while inhalation of talc powder may cause mesothelioma. Plaintiffs allege manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson hid evidence of asbestos contamination and failed to warn of these risks.
Tepezza Lawsuits
Patients allege hearing loss and other side effects from Tepezza, which is used to treat Thyroid Eye Disease. Plaintiffs are filing lawsuits against Horizon Therapeutics, the manufacturer of Tepezza, for failing to warn about the risks of permanent hearing loss and tinnitus.
Wage Violation Lawsuits
Wage violation lawsuits are legal actions filed by employees against employers who fail to pay workers in accordance with wage laws. These lawsuits can arise from various types of wage-related issues, including, but not limited to, minimum wage and overtime violations, unpaid wages, the misclassification of employees, illegal deductions, and failure to provide meal or rest breaks.
Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuits
Depo-Provera is a birth control injection that has been associated with the development of a type of primarily non-cancerous brain tumor called meningioma. Women who received 2 or more of these injections within a 1-year period on or after 1994 and later developed brain tumors may have grounds for Depo-Provera lawsuits. If you have been diagnosed with a meningioma linked to Depo-Provera, contact our experienced attorneys to discuss your case. Our office is reviewing matters for women who received 2 or more injections of Depo-Provera within a 1-year period on or after 1994 and later developed brain tumors. We hold negligent pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer accountable for the harm they cause and help our clients recover compensation for medical costs, lost income, and emotional distress. We offer free consultations to help you get started on your claim.
Hair Relaxer Lawsuits
Use of certain brands of hair relaxers containing toxic chemicals has been linked to ovarian cancers and uterine/endometrial cancer. Lawsuits include numerous hair relaxer and hair straightening products from various companies. If you have used hair relaxers and, within the last 10 years, have been diagnosed with an ovarian or uterine/endometrial cancer, contact our mass tort lawyers to discuss your case. Filing a hair relaxer lawsuit can help hold manufacturers accountable and raise awareness about the dangers of these products, protecting future consumers. Free case evaluations are available to help you start your claim.
RoundUp Lawsuits
The herbicide RoundUp, manufactured by Monsanto (now Bayer AG), has been linked to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Thousands of RoundUp lawsuits claim that the manufacturer failed to warn consumers about the carcinogenic risks of significant exposure to glyphosate, the active ingredient in RoundUp. If you or a loved one used RoundUp over a prolonged period of time or otherwise experienced significant exposure to RoundUp and were diagnosed with NHL after June 1, 2018, consult our attorneys to explore your legal options. You may have a case against the manufacturer. Holding manufacturers accountable helps you recover damages and can also protect others from harmful products. Learn more about your rights and paths to compensation in a free consultation.
Pressure Cooker Explosion Lawsuits
Defective electric pressure cookers manufactured by Instant Brands and sold under the trade name Instant Pot as well as other brands of electric pressure cookers s have caused severe scalding and burn injuries when the lid exploded during normal use. Various design flaws may cause the pressure cooker lid to explode, including faulty seals, locking mechanisms, or release valves and faulty or missing safety features to prevent the accidental removal of the lid while the pressure cooker is pressurized. Victims allege that manufacturers failed to ensure product safety or warn consumers about hazards. Injuries from pressure cooker explosions can include serious burns, lacerations, and permanent disfigurement. If you were injured by an Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker that exploded, you may be eligible to file a pressure cooker explosion lawsuit to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Contact Ankin Law today to discuss your case and protect your rights.
Ozempic Lawsuits
Severe gastrointestinal injuries like gastroparesis/stomach paralysis and bowel obstruction, vision loss, blood clots, and gallbladder disease have been linked to the popular weight loss and diabetes drug Ozempic. Lawsuits are targeting manufacturers, including Novo Nordisk, claiming they knew about the risks but did not warn consumers.
Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Victims of asbestos exposure can file claims if they were diagnosed with mesothelioma, a deadly cancer that currently has no cure. Mesothelioma lawsuits target employers, manufacturers, and/or property owners for negligence. Surviving family members may be eligible for wrongful death compensation if their loved one died from mesothelioma before filing a claim.
Social Media Addiction Lawsuits
These lawsuits accuse platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube of using harmful and manipulative algorithms that exploit users, particularly young people, contributing to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and addiction.
Sexual Misconduct – Sex Trafficking Lawsuits
These lawsuits address sexual abuse by institutions or individuals, including sex trafficking at hotels, doctor misconduct, and abuse at boarding schools, youth detention centers, and behavioral treatment centers.
PFAS Contamination Lawsuits
Victims exposed to “forever chemicals” in water for six months or more after January 1990 may be able to file PFAS lawsuits if they were diagnosed with kidney cancer, liver cancer, testicular cancer, and other illnesses that were caused by negligent manufacturing and pollution.
Bard Port Catheter Lawsuits
Bard Port Catheter Lawsuits involve legal claims against Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) and its subsidiaries, which manufacture Bard port catheters. These medical devices are used to administer medications, such as chemotherapy, directly into a patient’s bloodstream. However, lawsuits allege that defects in these devices have caused device fractures, breakage, or migration within the body. Patients have experienced infections, blood clots, organ damage, and device failures, requiring additional surgeries to remove or replace the catheter. These lawsuits aim to hold manufacturers accountable for failing to ensure the safety and reliability of their medical devices.
Knee & Hip Implant Lawsuits
These lawsuits allege that defective components in Exactech knee and hip implants caused premature device failure, leading to severe pain, limited mobility, and the need for revision surgeries. The primary issue involves defective polyethylene liners in the implants, which degrade prematurely due to inadequate packaging, exposing the components to oxygen. This degradation leads to wear, loosening, and failure of the implants. Plaintiffs argue that Exactech failed to properly test its devices, issued inadequate warnings, and delayed recalls despite knowing the risks.
Bair Hugger Warming Blanket Lawsuits
Claims involve surgical infections, including sepsis and MRSA, that are linked to 3M’s Bair Hugger warming devices. Bair Hugger Blankets are used to keep patients warm during certain surgical procedures. The device features a heater and blower that are connected to a disposable blanket via a flexible hose. The Bair Hugger blows warm air onto patients to regulate their body temperature. The forced-air warming systems can disrupt the airflow pattern in the surgical field and potentially cause bacterial contamination and infection of the surgical site. Lawsuits allege defective design and that 3M failed to disclose contamination risks.
E. Coli Outbreak Lawsuits
E. coli outbreak lawsuits are legal actions taken by individuals who have suffered illness or injury as a result of an E. coli infection caused by contaminated food, water, or other sources. These lawsuits are typically filed against the responsible parties, such as food producers, distributors, retailers, or even restaurants, depending on where the contamination occurred. Plaintiffs in these lawsuits must show that they contracted E. coli as a direct result of the contaminated product or environment. This often involves medical records and testing to prove the infection.
Whistleblower Lawsuits
Whistleblower lawsuits are legal actions taken by individuals (whistleblowers) who report or expose illegal, unethical, or fraudulent activities within an organization. These activities may involve violations of laws, regulations, or company policies that harm the public, employees, or the organization itself. Whistleblowers typically file lawsuits under specific legal protections to shield themselves from retaliation and seek compensation or damages for the wrongdoing they have revealed.
Do you believe you have grounds for a lawsuit? Call a mass tort lawyer at (312) 600-0000. Free consultations are available to help you learn more about your legal options.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Mass Tort Lawsuit?
Corporate giants count on one thing: that you will run out of time to fight back. They hide behind legal deadlines, hoping you will miss your chance for justice. But at Ankin Law, we are not letting them get away with it. The statute of limitations is the law that sets a hard deadline for filing a lawsuit—and in Illinois, you generally have two years to take action in personal injury and mass tort cases. These corporations know they are wrong. They and their team of attorneys know how to play fast and loose with the deadlines through delay and playing dirty—hoping that with every passing day, your case will lose strength or be completely barred because you missed the deadline to act.Â
Don’t let the corporations manipulate time to bury your case. These corporations and their legal teams will exploit every trick in the book to delay justice. At Ankin Law, we are relentless in our pursuit of your rights. We have the knowledge and tenacity to fight back against every tactic they use, ensuring that the clock never stops on your quest for compensation.
Stand up now—call (312) 600-0000 today to protect your right to justice before it’s too late.
How Much Will I Get from a Mass Tort Lawsuit?
When you stand up against corporate negligence, you’re not just another case—you’re a force demanding justice. In a mass tort lawsuit, each plaintiff’s claim is handled individually, just like any personal injury case. That means your compensation reflects the real, personal toll these corporate wrongdoings have taken on your life.
The Types of Damages You Can Claim
These are the direct financial blows you’ve suffered—including medical bills, prescription costs, long-term care expenses, and lost wages. Every dollar represents the tangible impact of a company’s disregard for your safety.
When corporations cut corners, they don’t just damage your finances—they shatter your quality of life. Non-economic damages are more difficult to define, as they do not have direct ties to a financial cost. Non-Economic damages include pain, suffering, PTSD, and the emotional scars that leave you struggling to reclaim the life you once knew. These damages acknowledge that your suffering extends beyond the numbers on a bill.
Though not common, punitive damages are a powerful statement against corporate greed. When companies act with blatant and intentional recklessness, punitive damages are imposed to not only compensate you but also to ensure that such behavior is met with serious consequences—deterring future misconduct.
At Ankin Law, we don’t settle for mediocrity. We are committed to fighting back against corporate giants who think they can buy their way out of responsibility for your injuries, pain and suffering at the hands of corporate greed and wrongdoing. We bring the legal firepower and unwavering dedication needed to secure every penny you deserve, turning corporate malfeasance into your hard-fought victory.
No. Ankin Law works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. The corporations you’re up against have deep pockets and high-priced lawyers—but we level the playing field.
A Bellwether trial is a test trial brought against a single party, usually used in mass tort actions. The Bellwether trial uses a case pulled from a larger pool of claims that represents the typical plaintiff of the group. Bellwether trials are considered test cases because they are used to predict how future litigation will go against the defendant.
If you believe you have grounds for a mass tort case, contact an attorney with Ankin Law to review your case. Mass torts typically involve large damage awards and require sufficient evidence to prove your claim. An experienced mass tort lawyer can identify whether you have grounds for a claim, if your case is a part of a larger set of claims, and how much your case is worth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mass Tort Lawsuits
Do You Have a Case?
Other law firms may approach similar cases differently than we do. Please note that we are not offering legal advice, and the brief descriptions provided here are general guidelines. They should not be used as a substitute for legal advice tailored to your unique circumstances. If you believe you may have a case, contact our office for a comprehensive screening to determine whether we can help you.
Just wanted to stop by and tell you guys my experience at the Ankin Law Office, I literally have so much to say, I couldn’t have chosen a better lawyer than Maria Merman, she’s the best to be honest, she made me feel so comfortable throughout the process. She’s patient, polite and definitely very professional, always updating on my case I didn’t have to be chasing her at all she was the one always calling me to update me, and her assistant Adriana Carrillo very efficient she definitely loves what she’s doing, you can definitely see the professionalism and as well always letting me know what was going on never missed a detail. Thank you so much for all the hard work!