Mass Torts Archives

Voting Rights Under Threat: A Legal Challenge | Organizations Say Expansion of Citizen Database Violates Privacy and Voting Rights
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Voting Rights Under Threat: A Legal Challenge | Organizations Say Expansion of Citizen Database Violates Privacy and Voting Rights

Voting Rights Under Threat: A Legal Challenge | Organizations Say Expansion of Citizen Database Violates Privacy and Voting Rights

January 23rd, 2026|Categories: Emerging Litigation & Risk, Environmental Torts, HB Tort Notes, Journal, Mass Torts, New Featured Post for Home Page, News|Tags: election law, Privacy, surveillance|

The rapid advancement of AI technology continues to challenge courts, companies, and consumers. Read about recent developments that in-house counsel and litigators should be watching.

HB Artificial Intelligence Update Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 | Wrongful Death, Discrimination, Intellectual Property
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HB Artificial Intelligence Update Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 | Wrongful Death, Discrimination, Intellectual Property

HB Artificial Intelligence Update Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 | Wrongful Death, Discrimination, Intellectual Property

December 14th, 2025|Categories: Emerging Litigation & Risk, Environmental Torts, HB Tort Notes, Journal, Mass Torts, New Featured Post for Home Page, News|Tags: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Copyright Law, Employment Discrimination, Mental Health, Patent Law|

The rapid advancement of AI technology continues to challenge courts, companies, and consumers. Read about recent developments that in-house counsel and litigators should be watching.

HB Environmental Update Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 | Feds Step Back, States Step In, Courts Push Back, EPA Wavers
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HB Environmental Update Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 | Feds Step Back, States Step In, Courts Push Back, EPA Wavers

HB Environmental Update Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 | Feds Step Back, States Step In, Courts Push Back, EPA Wavers

December 13th, 2025|Categories: Emerging Litigation & Risk, Environmental Torts, HB Tort Notes, Journal, Mass Torts, New Featured Post for Home Page, News|Tags: Climate Change, environmental law, Toxic Torts|

We’re in an age when deregulation hawks in just about every sector are getting what they’ve asked for. That includes environmental protection, something many of us have taken for granted, as we watch federal measures undergo a dramatic unwinding at a time when the scientific community agrees more should be done, not less, to safeguard the planet. Federal agencies are retreating from aggressive enforcement, states are asserting new authority, and courts—both state and federal—are emerging as decisive arbiters of climate and energy policy. The result is a patchwork of obligations and opportunities that lawyers, corporations, and communities must navigate with increasing urgency. This week’s developments underscore the trend.

Climate Change Law: Tension Increases Over Governmental and Corporate Responsibility
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Climate Change Law: Tension Increases Over Governmental and Corporate Responsibility

Climate Change Law: Tension Increases Over Governmental and Corporate Responsibility

August 8th, 2025|Categories: Environmental Torts, HB Tort Notes, Journal, Mass Torts, New Featured Post for Home Page, News|Tags: Climate Change, Emerging Litigation & Risk, International Law|

The world’s leaders still don’t agree on what, if anything, to do about climate change – despite mounting evidence that, as a planet, we are in the soup. A major ruling from the International Court of Justice says states have an obligation to save the planet, as the U.S. president is enthusiastically sprinting the other way, inspiring cheers from his base and jeers from scientists. As for domestic litigation designed to pin liability on the fossil fuel industry, a case in South Carolina faltered as another in Hawaii is clearing hurdles. Read the update from Tom Hagy.

PFAS Litigation Deepens as 3M Reaches $450M Deal with New Jersey
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PFAS Litigation Deepens as 3M Reaches $450M Deal with New Jersey

PFAS Litigation Deepens as 3M Reaches $450M Deal with New Jersey

July 1st, 2025|Categories: Environmental Torts, Mass Torts|Tags: Insurance Companies, Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), Pollution, Product Liability|

Guest contributor, Jennifer Holmes discusses the growing legal, regulatory, and financial fallout from PFAS—also known as “forever chemicals”—through the lens of 3M’s recent $450 million settlement with the state of New Jersey. In this wide-ranging piece, she explores how PFAS litigation is evolving beyond environmental cleanup to include product liability suits against major brands like Apple, insurance coverage battles over pollution exclusions, and the uncertain regulatory landscape shaping outcomes. As public pressure and legal scrutiny mount, Holmes offers a timely look at what businesses, insurers, and legal teams need to know about this rapidly expanding area of risk.

Class action alleges Ziploc misled consumers about harmful microplastics in its products
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Class action alleges Ziploc misled consumers about harmful microplastics in its products

Class action alleges Ziploc misled consumers about harmful microplastics in its products

June 4th, 2025|Categories: Class Actions, HB Tort Notes, Journal, Mass Torts, New Featured Post for Home Page, News|Tags: Product Liability, Toxic Torts|

Amid rising concerns about toxic chemicals in consumer products, Apple finds itself under scrutiny. Guest contributor Justin Ward examines the controversy surrounding Apple’s smartwatch bands after researchers detected elevated levels of PFAS, or “forever chemicals.” While Apple insists its products are safe, a class action lawsuit alleges deceptive marketing and health risks, raising broader questions about accountability and chemical transparency in tech and apparel.

Wildfire Litigation: Building a Case and Establishing Liability with Ed Diab
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Wildfire Litigation: Building a Case and Establishing Liability with Ed Diab

Wildfire Litigation: Building a Case and Establishing Liability with Ed Diab

March 27th, 2025|Categories: ELP, Environmental Torts, Mass Torts|Tags: Emerging Litigation & Risk, Insurance Claims Recovery, Liability Claims, Settlements, Toxic Torts, Wildfires|

In this episode of the Emerging Litigation Podcast, you will discover the legal complexities of wildfire litigation as Ed Diab, founding partner of Diab Chambers LLP, unpacks the strategies used to establish liability against utility companies in the wake of Southern California’s devastating January 2025 wildfires. With over 100 lawsuits filed against power providers like Southern California Edison, plaintiffs—including public entities, individuals, and insurers—face an uphill battle proving negligence and inverse condemnation claims. Ed shares insights on case-building strategies, the role of expert investigations, key legal defenses raised by utilities, and the evolving litigation landscape. Tune in for a deep dive into how these high-stakes cases unfold. Don't miss this episode!

Fall bellwether trials for social media addiction cases to test novel legal theories
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Fall bellwether trials for social media addiction cases to test novel legal theories

Fall bellwether trials for social media addiction cases to test novel legal theories

March 3rd, 2025|Categories: Class Actions, Complex Business Litigation, HB Tort Notes, Journal, Mass Torts, New Featured Post for Home Page, News|Tags: Multi-District Litigation (MDL), Personal Injury, Social Media, Trial Skills|

Are social media platforms the next Big Tobacco? A major lawsuit argues they’re designed to be addictive—will the courts agree? Justin Ward explores the upcoming bellwether trials against major social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube. The consolidated lawsuits, involving over 1,900 claims, argue these platforms are deliberately designed to exploit young users and cause addiction—drawing comparisons to cases against nicotine and opioids. Ward examines the complex legal challenges, including First Amendment issues and Section 230 protections, as courts determine whether these claims of negligence and failure to warn will move forward. The trials could set major precedents for social media regulation and corporate accountability.

When Litigation Financing Goes Wrong, Who Pays?
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When Litigation Financing Goes Wrong, Who Pays?

When Litigation Financing Goes Wrong, Who Pays?

February 27th, 2025|Categories: Complex Business Litigation, HB Tort Notes, Journal, Mass Torts, New Featured Post for Home Page, News|Tags: Bankruptcy & Creditors Rights, Litigation & appeals, Risk Management|

The bankruptcy of Houston's AkinMears LLP highlights the risks of relying too heavily on third-party litigation financing and the broader implications for transparency, regulation, and financial sustainability in mass torts. The firm filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy citing more than $200 million in debt owed to litigation funding companies Virage SPV 1 and Rocade Capital. According to Bloomberg Law’s U.S. Bankruptcy Tracker, AkinMears LLP was the only U.S. law firm filing for bankruptcy in January 2025 with $50 million or more in liabilities. In total, 12 large law firms declared bankruptcy in January 2025, up from seven in January 2024 but slightly below the 17 cases recorded in January 2023. Read our report by guest contributor Jennifer Holmes.

Trump’s rollback of draft PFAS regulation means uncertain future for ‘forever chemicals’ torts
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Trump’s rollback of draft PFAS regulation means uncertain future for ‘forever chemicals’ torts

Trump’s rollback of draft PFAS regulation means uncertain future for ‘forever chemicals’ torts

February 21st, 2025|Categories: Emerging Litigation & Risk, Environmental Torts, HB Tort Notes, Journal, Mass Torts, New Featured Post for Home Page, News|Tags: Emerging Litigation & Risk, Insurance Companies, Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), Toxic Torts|

With federal PFAS regulations in limbo, lawsuits targeting “forever chemicals” are expanding—what does this mean for businesses and consumers? Justin Ward examines the uncertain future of PFAS (“forever chemicals”) regulation and litigation after former President Trump rolled back a draft rule expanding Biden-era guidelines. The rising PFAS lawsuits are increasingly targeting consumer product manufacturers alongside chemical companies. Despite concerns over deregulation, several states have enacted their own strict PFAS rules, ensuring continued legal challenges and regulatory pressure. Read our report by guest contributor Justin Ward.

When Chemical Crises Strike with Ed Gentle and Kip Benson
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When Chemical Crises Strike with Ed Gentle and Kip Benson

When Chemical Crises Strike with Ed Gentle and Kip Benson

November 12th, 2024|Categories: Complex Business Litigation, ELP, Environmental Torts, Insurance, Mass Torts|Tags: Catastrophic Loss, Claims management, Settlements, Toxic Torts|

Soon after emergency response teams scramble into action to address chemical fires, explosions, or other toxic events, attorneys begin gathering and analyzing information either to mitigate corporate risk or to seek remedies for anyone impacted by such an event. Listen to our interview with Edgar C. "Ed" Gentle III and Katherine "Kip" Benson of Gentle, Turner & Benson LLC, about legal activity that goes on in the immediate aftermath of a toxic event. Ed and Kip draw on their deep experience resolving this type of litigation to discuss the flurry of activity that unfolds at law firms and inside legal departments within hours of a disaster.

The Medical Monitoring Tort Remedy: Advanced Level
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The Medical Monitoring Tort Remedy: Advanced Level

The Medical Monitoring Tort Remedy: Advanced Level

August 29th, 2024|Categories: Class Actions, CLE OnDemand, Environmental Torts, Mass Torts|Tags: Healthcare, Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), Scientific & Medical Studies, Settlements, Toxic Torts|

The medical monitoring tort remedy – allowing for medical monitoring without physical injury – is recognized in 14 states and not allowed in 23. The law is divided in two states while the rest have not specifically addressed the issue. States that allow medical monitoring to do so when a group of claimants is at increased risk of disease or injury due to exposure to a known hazardous substance or a dangerous product as the result of a defendant’s conduct. Under this tort remedy, claimants are tested periodically, for an agreed or decided period, usually between 10 and 40 years. In this CLE webinar, Gentle Turner & Benson LLC attorneys Edgar (“Ed”) C. Gentle III and Katherine (“Kip”) A. Benson discuss the evolution of the medical monitoring tort, related cases, tests to determine whether the tort should be applied, types of monitoring, and the arguments for an against medical monitoring.