2025 Mass Tort Trends: What Lawsuits Are Gaining Momentum Now

2025 Mass Tort Trends: What Lawsuits Are Gaining Momentum Now

Mass tort litigation continues to be one of the most dynamic areas of the legal industry in the United States. With more consumers harmed by defective drugs, failed medical devices, and toxic exposure than ever before, 2025 has brought a new wave of mass tort lawsuits poised to reshape accountability and compensation for years to come.

If you’re a plaintiff, attorney, or simply watching the legal space, this guide highlights the lawsuits that are gaining momentum, why they matter, and what’s expected in the coming months. Some of these cases may still be open to new claims, making now the time to act.

What Is a Mass Tort Lawsuit?

mass tort is a legal action in which many plaintiffs bring individual claims against one or more corporate defendants for harm caused by the same product or action. Unlike a class action, each plaintiff in a mass tort maintains an individual case, allowing for personalized compensation based on the degree of harm.

Mass torts are commonly formed around:

  • Defective medical devices
  • Dangerous drugs
  • Toxic environmental exposure
  • Consumer products with hidden risks

These lawsuits are often consolidated into Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) for efficiency and consistency in federal courts.

Top Mass Tort Lawsuits Gaining Momentum in 2025

Here are the most active and expanding torts in 2025, based on new filings, court updates, and settlement projections.

1. Hair Straightener Uterine Cancer Lawsuit

This mass tort stems from scientific studies showing that chemical hair straighteners may significantly increase the risk of uterine and endometrial cancer, particularly in Black women.

Key Updates:

  • MDL No. 3060 is consolidated in the Northern District of Illinois
  • Plaintiffs allege manufacturers failed to warn of cancer risks from endocrine-disrupting chemicals
  • Bellwether trials are expected to begin in late 2025

Who Can File:
Women diagnosed with uterine cancer after years of using relaxers like Dark & LovelyJust for Me, or ORS

2. Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claims

Thanks to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, thousands of veterans, family members, and civilian workers have filed claims over exposure to contaminated water at the North Carolina military base.

Key Updates:

  • Over 170,000 administrative claims filed
  • Claims handled by the U.S. Navy and Department of Justice
  • First settlements expected to be finalized in 2025

Common Injuries:
Leukemia, Parkinson’s disease, bladder cancer, kidney disease, birth defects

3. 3M Combat Arms Earplugs Lawsuit

Though a $6 billion settlement was announced in 2023, payouts are just beginning in 2025, and new late-entry cases may still be reviewed under special circumstances.

Key Updates:

  • Over 250,000 claims from veterans and service members
  • MDL No. 2885 in the Northern District of Florida is still active
  • Plaintiffs claim the earplugs failed to protect hearing during combat

Eligibility:
Veterans who used CAEv2 earplugs from 2003 to 2015 and now suffer from hearing loss or tinnitus

4. Zantac Cancer Lawsuit

The Zantac litigation continues to evolve as courts prepare for major bellwether trials in 2025. Claims allege that the drug’s active ingredient, ranitidine, breaks down into a carcinogen (NDMA) in the body.

Key Updates:

  • MDL No. 2924 underway in the Southern District of Florida
  • Multiple trials scheduled for 2025 and 2026
  • Plaintiffs allege links to bladder, stomach, and liver cancer

Who Qualifies:
Long-term Zantac users diagnosed with cancer prior to the FDA recall in April 2020

5. Paraquat Parkinson’s Disease Litigation

Paraquat, a commercial herbicide banned in over 30 countries, remains at the center of an explosive lawsuit in the U.S. due to its link to Parkinson’s disease in agricultural workers.

Key Updates:

  • MDL No. 3004 consolidated in Illinois
  • Bellwether trials begin in late 2025
  • Lawsuits target Syngenta and Chevron, among others

Claimants:
Farmers, pesticide applicators, or residents near sprayed areas who were later diagnosed with Parkinson’s

6. Exactech Knee, Hip & Ankle Implant Failures

Exactech issued multiple recalls on orthopedic implants due to premature degradation of polyethylene components, leading to early implant failure and revision surgeries.

Key Updates:

  • MDL No. 3044 in the Eastern District of New York
  • Thousands of suits filed for pain, revision surgery, and mobility loss
  • No global settlement yet, but discovery is ongoing

Who Can File:
Patients who received recalled Exactech knee, hip, or ankle devices between 2004–2022 and later needed revision surgery

7. Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit

Despite attempts by Johnson & Johnson to shield itself from liability via bankruptcy filings, the talc lawsuits continue to gain traction in 2025.

Key Updates:

  • More than 38,000 cases filed alleging asbestos-contaminated talc caused ovarian cancer
  • Litigation reignited after J&J’s second bankruptcy strategy was denied
  • Global settlement talks rumored for mid-2025

Eligibility:
Women who used Johnson’s Baby Powder or Shower to Shower for years and later developed ovarian cancer

8. Philips CPAP Machine Recall Lawsuits

Philips recalled millions of CPAP and BiPAP machines due to foam degradation, potentially causing cancer, asthma, and organ damage. Litigation is still expanding.

Key Updates:

  • MDL No. 3014 continues in the Western District of Pennsylvania
  • Lawsuits include personal injury, economic loss, and wrongful death
  • Philips agreed to economic loss settlements; personal injury still pending

Who Can File:
People who used recalled Philips devices and later developed respiratory or systemic health issues

Emerging Mass Tort Topics to Watch

While the above cases are already in active litigation, several emerging torts are gaining traction and may lead to MDL consolidation in 2025 or early 2026.

  • Ozempic and Wegovy Lawsuits: Claims that GLP-1 weight loss drugs cause gastroparesis and severe stomach paralysis
  • Tepezza Hearing Loss Lawsuits: Thyroid eye drug allegedly causing irreversible hearing damage
  • Social Media Addiction Lawsuits: Parents and school districts suing platforms like Meta and TikTok for mental health harm

These lawsuits are still in early development, but filings are increasing monthly, signaling possible MDL creation in the near future.

Legal Tips for Plaintiffs in 2025

If you’re considering filing a mass tort lawsuit this year, keep these tips in mind:

Document Everything
Save medical records, receipts, prescriptions, and any packaging or product labels. This strengthens your claim during discovery.

Don’t Wait
Each state has a statute of limitations, usually ranging from 1 to 3 years after diagnosis or injury discovery. Missing the window can eliminate your rights.

Choose the Right Firm
Look for law firms that are already involved in the specific MDL you’re targeting. Experience matters in large-scale litigation.

Avoid Private Settlements Without Legal Advice
Some companies offer early settlements to avoid lawsuits. Don’t sign anything without a lawyer reviewing it.

Ask About Costs
Most mass tort lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win. Make sure you understand their terms.

Final Thoughts: 2025 Is a Defining Year for Mass Torts

From hair relaxer lawsuits and water contamination claims to hip implants and weed killers, the mass tort landscape in 2025 is more active and consequential than ever. As more people come forward and evidence continues to mount, now is the time for victims to take legal action and demand accountability.

Whether you’re a veteran, patient, consumer, or caregiver—if you’ve been harmed by a defective product, a knowledgeable attorney can help you navigate your options and fight for justice.

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