How long do mass tort cases take?
Each mass tort case is unique. So, the timeline from start to settlement or court award differs, depending on the facts and circumstances of the case. That said, all mass tort cases comprise multiple time-intensive processes, including:
- Interviewing plaintiffs
- Discovery, which involves plaintiffs and defendants sharing evidence
- Choosing specific cases for bellwether trials
Factors that influence the overall timeline of a mass tort case include:
- Accessibility of expert witnesses for deposition; the time it takes to interview each plaintiff, which can involve extensive travel
- Gathering and analyzing evidence
- The defendant’s cooperation in offering a reasonable settlement