Mass Tort
Definition
A type of legal action where many individuals who were harmed by the same product or action file individual lawsuits that are coordinated together for efficiency.
Real-World MVA Example
Thousands of people injured by defective Takata airbags each file their own lawsuit, but the cases are grouped together in a mass tort for pretrial proceedings.
Related Terms in Legal Process
Class Action
A lawsuit where a group of people with similar injuries or claims sue a defendant together as a single case, rather than filing individual lawsuits.
Defendant
The person or entity being sued in a lawsuit. In a car accident case, this is typically the at-fault driver, but can also include their employer or a vehicle manufacturer.
Deposition
Sworn, out-of-court testimony where attorneys ask you questions and your answers are recorded by a court reporter. It happens before trial during the discovery phase.
Discovery
The pre-trial phase where both sides exchange information, documents, and evidence related to the case. This is how your attorney builds the strongest case possible.
Interrogatories
Written questions sent by one side to the other during the discovery phase of a lawsuit. You must answer them under oath within a set deadline.
Plaintiff
The person who files a lawsuit seeking compensation for their injuries. In a car accident case, the plaintiff is typically the injured driver, passenger, or pedestrian.
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