Tort

Alston & Bird Bolsters Chicago Team with Two New Partners Specializing in Mass Tort and Toxic Tort Litigation

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Chicago, IL – Alston & Bird, a prominent law firm known for its robust legal practices, has expanded its capabilities in the field of mass tort and toxic tort litigation with the hiring of two new partners in its Chicago office. Kara McCall and Beth Chiarello, both seasoned attorneys in their respective areas of expertise, have officially joined the firm, marking a significant enhancement of the legal team. McCall brings to the firm an impressive track record of guiding businesses through complex toxic tort and products liability litigation. Her strategic counsel has been pivotal in … Read more

Mass Tort Mayhem: Companies Confront Surge of Dubious Claims with Bankruptcy Strategies

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In the increasingly complex landscape of American civil litigation, a surge in mass tort claims has ushered in a contentious era where questionable lawsuits are multiplying against businesses, particularly those in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and consumer product sectors. This escalation is partly fueled by substantial financial investment from Wall Street, which eagerly backs these suits anticipating lucrative payouts from substantial settlements. Legal analysts note that a growing practice among plaintiffs’ attorneys is to generate an overwhelming number of claims, some of dubious validity, to pressure companies into settling en masse. This strategy relies heavily … Read more

Billions at Stake: How Mass Tort Litigation and External Funding Drain the U.S. Economy and Clog the Courts

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Washington, D.C. – The landscape of mass tort litigation in the United States, a critical but complex facet of the judicial system, is facing criticism for its failure to fairly compensate victims while draining economic resources. The mass tort mechanism, often involving multi-district litigation (MDL), was created to streamline large civil lawsuits through consolidation. However, instead of fostering efficiency, it has morphed into a lucrative opportunity for lawyers and their financial backers, overshadowing its initial purpose. In recent years, these litigations have disproportionately clogged the judiciary, making up 65% of federal civil cases in 2023, … Read more

Survivors of the Devastating Eaton Fire File Mass Tort Lawsuit Against SCE for Alleged Negligence in California Wildfire Catastrophe

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Altadena, CA – A trio of law offices have initiated a mass tort action against Southern California Edison Company (SCE) for its alleged role in the catastrophic Eaton Fire, which occurred in early January. This fierce blaze led to significant destruction within the community of Altadena, claiming the lives of 16 people and demolishing 7,081 structures. The lawsuit, filed on January 13, 2025, argues for compensatory damages for both property loss and personal injuries incurred by the residents of Altadena. Attorney Alexander “Trey” Robertson, IV, from Robertson & Associates, LLP, which is representing the plaintiffs, … Read more