How are mass torts resolved?

The defendant in a mass tort case needs it to be resolved somehow or another. To leave a mass tort unresolved—especially given a high volume of claims—is to risk the defendant’s viability as a company. Resolution can come in the form of a jury verdict, a settlement, or the case’s dismissal. 

Most courts encourage plaintiffs and defendants to try to resolve a mass tort out of court. In many cases, this leads to a settlement agreement. However, if the parties cannot agree on compensation, a case will go to trial.