A tort in the state of Florida is an action that causes harm to an individual. The party that caused the harm to happen, whether through negligence or reckless behavior, is known as the tortfeasor. In liability cases, a mass tort is a civil claim brought against one party by numerous plaintiffs. These cases can be complicated, and the defendants often need strong legal counsel. You deserve legal counsel of your own with a Fort Lauderdale mass torts lawyer.
Many of these cases arise when a company acts negligently, and the negligence causes injuries, illnesses, or other forms of harm in ways similar to several different individuals. To save resources, these individuals can join together with the assistance of their legal teams to file a mass tort claim. At The Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A., we understand how difficult these cases can be and can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
When you meet with our attorneys, we can review your case and determine whether or not you are eligible for filing a mass tort claim to seek the recovery of any injury or illness-related damages. Let us advocate for you.
Contact our Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Lawyers
If you need to determine how you can obtain financial compensation for injuries caused by the negligence of others, then we encourage you to get in touch with our firm today.
What Is a Mass Torts Claim in Fort Lauderdale?
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a mass tort claim is similar to a class action claim but tends to be much more complicated and complex. This is due to the fact that, instead of a single person filing a claim against another party, a group of individuals who have suffered harm can file this claim and join together against the defendant. These cases usually involve circumstances with dangerous drugs or defective products.
How the Attorneys at The Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A. Can Help
Filing a mass tort claim in Florida can be a difficult task. The process can be extremely challenging if you do not have an attorney on your side to guide you. A simple mistake can be all it takes to keep you from getting the compensation you need to recover from the damages you have suffered. At The Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A., we understand the intricacies that play into these cases and can help you by taking the following actions:
- Drafting any demand letters for a settlement and pursuing a desired outcome from the involved insurance companies
- Handling all the negotiations regarding the settlement, such as responding to the insurance company’s settlement offers and presenting necessary counter-offers
- Threatening a class-action claim to try to get the insurance company to increase their settlement offer
- Filing the claim, if it becomes necessary, and litigating your case before a judge in court
At The Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A., our lawyers are here to help you navigate these difficult legal matters. We understand that you are likely feeling uncertain and frightened over your future, especially as the medical bills begin to pile up and you are unable to return to work due to the injuries or illness you are suffering from. Allow us to be at your side, fighting to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you are due.
Common Types of Mass Torts Cases We Handle
Companies that act negligently or recklessly should be held liable for their actions through a mass tort claim. The most common cases of mass torts claims that we handle include the following:
- Hazardous Property: If you are in a building and there is a large explosion or fire that kills or injures several individuals, you may have grounds to file a mass tort claim. These situations can happen due to faulty or exposed wiring, improper or negligent construction, or other forms of reckless endangerment or negligence that result in an accident. Incidents that are caused by inadequate security can also be considered.
- Product Liability: Defective or malfunctioning products can cause injuries, illnesses, or even fatalities to a large number of people. These defects or malfunctions might be caused by flaws in the design, improper or inadequate warnings or labels, and manufacturing errors. Examples might include unsafe appliances for the house, children’s toys that are choking hazards, or automotive components that can lead to injuries.
- Environmental Disasters: In Florida, cases of illegal dumping, pollution of air or water, toxic waste exposure, or certain industrial accidents can harm entire areas or places many people call home. These residents can suffer from a variety of health issues as a result, such as cancer, respiratory problems, or other neurological conditions. With the help of our legal team, you can hold the responsible parties liable.
- Pharmaceutical Cases: The most common form of mass torts claims involve drugs and pharmaceutical companies. When a company releases a drug onto the market without the necessary testing or if they fail to make warnings of the different side effects, it can cause severe consequences for the consumer. A specific medication might cause widespread health issues, leading to a class-action claim against the company.
When multiple individuals suffer harm due to the negligence or recklessness of a single company, the legal team at The Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A. can help hold these companies liable and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve. There’s no time to waste. The sooner you begin to file your claim, the higher your chances are of receiving compensation.
Contact our Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Lawyers
If you need to determine how you can obtain financial compensation for injuries caused by the negligence of others, then we encourage you to get in touch with our firm today.
Damages Available in Mass Torts Cases
Calculating the value of a mass tort case can be difficult, and there are several factors involved that your attorney will have to weigh before offering you an amount to expect. First, the attorney will review the nature and severity of the injuries or illnesses you suffered. Cases that involve permanent illnesses or injuries are often of higher value than a case that involves a broken bone or a curable illness.
It is also vital that your attorney provide evidence that can link your injury or illness to the actions or products of the liable party. The stronger your evidence, the higher your chances are of recovering the highest amount of compensation. The most common recoverable damages in mass torts claims include the following:
- Medical Expenses: This compensation can cover any related medical costs to your injury or illness, including all past, present, or future costs. This can include items such as transportation to and from the hospital if any emergency services were needed, surgeries, procedures, doctor visits, physical therapies, medications, medical devices, or any other form of medical treatment.
- Lost Wages: This form of compensation can be included in a mass tort claim if your injury or illness has caused you to miss work and lose wages. You could recover the income you would have made if you had not suffered the injury or illness. You could also recover wages due to a loss of your earning capacity if you cannot return to work or you have to take a lower-paying job.
- Pain and Suffering: This kind of compensation is considered non-economic or without a dollar amount attached to it. It usually compensates for any emotional distress or physical pain you have experienced due to the injury or illness. However, keep in mind that the awarding of this compensation is very subjective and will be based on several factors at play in your case.
- Punitive Damages: In some rare cases, you may be awarded this form of compensation if the court deems that the actions of the liable party are especially egregious. These damages are awarded to punish the defendant for their behavior.
- Loss of Consortium: This form of non-economic compensation can be awarded when your injury or illness has affected your relationship with your spouse. This compensation can cover the loss of any companionship, affection, or sexual relations.
- Other Damages: Other damages that may be awarded in a mass torts claim include mental anguish or wrongful death and funeral or burial costs of the individual who died as a result of their illness or injury.
FAQs
The injuries most commonly seen in a mass tort claim usually depend on the nature of the claim and who the liable party is. However, there are several different illnesses and injuries that can be involved in mass torts cases. These include cardiac issues, cancers, strokes, liver and kidney diseases, broken bones, suffocation and choking, burns, electrical injuries, carbon monoxide poisoning, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
It can be difficult to offer an exact number of how much a mass torts lawyer might charge in Florida for their services. This is largely due to the fact that these cases involve several factors that can influence the final cost analysis of a case. These factors include the overall complexity and duration of the case and the experience of your attorney.
To pursue a mass torts claim in Florida, there are several steps you should take. First, consult with an attorney who can help you with your claim. You should also gather certain documents related to your injury or illness, such as medical records and bills. It is also wise to preserve any evidence, such as photographs or videos, and follow all medical advice given to you by your healthcare providers.
It can be challenging to offer an exact timeline as to how long it might take to settle a mass torts claim. This is due to the fact that there are several factors involved that can influence the timeline of a case. These factors include the overall complexity of the case, the nature and severity of the injuries or illnesses, the cooperation of the parties involved, and the availability of the courts.
Speak With a Skilled Mass Torts Lawyer Today
If you have suffered due to the negligence of a company, it’s time to contact an attorney. If there are others like you, you may be able to file a mass torts case. Contact The Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A., to schedule your consultation today.