Mass Torts in 2025: The Legal Firestorm That Just Won't Quit
Mass Torts in 2025: The Legal Firestorm That Just Won't Quit from Legalcalls.com by Attorney Jeff Keiser.
March 11, 2025
If you thought 2025 would be the year corporate defendants finally caught a break from mass tort litigation, you would be sorely mistaken. The world of mass torts is more intense than ever, with pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, social media giants, and other major industries embroiled in lawsuits that could redefine their futures. From weight-loss drugs wreaking havoc on digestive systems to a medical device scandal quietly growing into something much bigger, the mass tort landscape is an evolving war zone.
Now, with judges issuing pivotal orders, the JPML making key decisions, and bellwether trials on the horizon, the action is shifting from strategy to execution. Courtroom showdowns are imminent, and the first verdicts could shape the future of these cases. In mass torts, speed and scale win the game. A strong legal marketing partner means a unified strategy, faster lead generation, and zero wasted spending—a streamlined, data-driven approach that fills your pipeline with qualified claimants while your competitors play catch-up. The right legal marketing firm isn't just a vendor; it's your growth engine. That's where Legal Calls comes in!
Weight-Loss Drugs Under Fire
Lawsuits over Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are intensifying as patients allege these drugs caused severe gastrointestinal issues, including gastroparesis—a debilitating condition that paralyzes the stomach. The litigation now hinges on whether pharmaceutical companies adequately warned consumers about these risks before capitalizing on the drugs' popularity.
In August 2024, U.S. District Judge Karen Marston took a decisive step by addressing broad legal issues upfront. She ruled that it was appropriate to tackle questions about the diagnostic criteria for gastroparesis and the adequacy of the drugs' warning labels at the outset, rather than waiting for a full factual record from bellwether cases. This approach could streamline the litigation process and potentially reduce the number of meritless claims. Plaintiffs' attorneys, however, oppose this early ruling. They argue that extensive discovery is crucial to properly address general causation under established scientific criteria. This one will take some time, but get ready for fireworks.
The Social Media Lawsuits: The Next Big Mass Tort?
The Social Media Addiction MDL is quickly becoming one of the most significant mass tort battles in recent history. In October 2022, the JPML consolidated lawsuits against Meta, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat, alleging their platforms were intentionally designed to be addictive, fueling mental health crises among teens. The cases landed in the Northern District of California under Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, where Big Tech's first move was predictable: trying to shut the whole thing down with ye olde MTD. But in November 2023, the court ruled that Section 230 doesn't give them a free pass, keeping the case alive.
With discovery now in full swing, social media companies are being forced to hand over internal documents—a process expected to expose exactly how their algorithms were built to hook young users. As of early 2025, over 1,200 cases are pending, and the first bellwether trials are approaching fast. Initial jury selection for the first bellwether is set for October 14, 2025. These trials will be critical in shaping settlement negotiations and determining just how much Big Tech will have to pay.
The stakes couldn't be higher, with potential billion-dollar settlements at play. That is a big number. While some insiders believe Big Tech will fight this all the way, others predict a major payout could come sooner than expected if damaging internal communications come to light. One thing is certain—this litigation is moving fast, and every plaintiff firm in the game is watching closely.
Depo-Provera Litigation Gains Momentum
The battle over whether long-term use of Depo-Provera leads to brain tumors has become a national issue. On February 7, 2025, the JPML issued an order establishing MDL No. 3140, titled "IN RE: Depo-Provera (Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) Products Liability Litigation," consolidating the cases in the Northern District of Florida under Judge M. Casey Rodgers. This consolidation signals a shift toward more streamlined litigation, as plaintiffs push for accountability over alleged long-term health risks.
A case management conference is scheduled for mid-March, where plaintiffs will have the opportunity to establish leadership and initiate discovery. As internal documents come to light, they may reveal what the company knew about the risks of meningiomas, potentially influencing the direction of the litigation. If evidence shows the company was aware of these risks, settlements could be substantial.
BioZorb: The Medical Device Case That Could Blow Up
Mass torts often build momentum quietly before exploding into major litigation. Such is the case with BioZorb, a surgical device implanted in breast cancer patients to aid radiation therapy. Reports indicate that instead of dissolving as intended, the device has caused serious complications—painful scarring and infections, sometimes requireing additional surgeries.
The FDA's recent recall warning letter has brought BioZorb into the mass tort spotlight. The push to expand litigation gained traction in February when it became a key topic at Mass Torts Made Perfect (MTMP). This attention suggests that BioZorb could become a substantial liability for its manufacturer, Hologic, if the litigation follows the trajectory of similar defective medical device cases. While it's early to predict settlement figures, the combination of FDA involvement and increasing plaintiff numbers could lead to individual settlements ranging from $200,000 to $800,000, depending on the severity of complications experienced by each patient.
Talc Litigation at a Breaking Point
Johnson & Johnson's talc lawsuits have been a prolonged saga, with the company employing various strategies to mitigate massive payouts. The latest tactic involves a $10 billion settlement proposal intended to resolve over 62,000 lawsuits alleging that its baby powder caused ovarian cancer due to asbestos contamination. This proposal is currently under scrutiny in a Texas bankruptcy court, where U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez is presiding over proceedings to determine the legitimacy of J&J's third attempt to settle these claims through a subsidiary's bankruptcy. The court is examining allegations that the Chapter 11 filing was made in bad faith and that voting irregularities influenced the approval of the settlement plan. Opponents of the plan argue against settling through bankruptcy, preferring individual lawsuit resolutions. The outcome of this trial could set a precedent for how mass tort cases are resolved in the future.
If the settlement is approved, individual plaintiffs could receive amounts ranging from $50,000 to $200,000, depending on factors such as the type and severity of cancer, duration of product use, and medical history. However, some plaintiffs and their attorneys argue these amounts are insufficient to cover medical expenses and compensate for pain and suffering.
Settlement Roundup
The Bard hernia mesh settlement has elicited mixed reactions. Many plaintiffs and attorneys see it as a major victory, providing long-awaited compensation for injuries sustained due to defective mesh implants. However, concerns remain regarding the adequacy of individual compensation. Legal experts estimate average settlements may range between $65,000 and $80,000, with variations based on injury severity and medical expenses.
Meanwhile, in the Elmiron MDL, Janssen Pharmaceuticals has begun settling lawsuits, though official settlement amounts have not been publicly disclosed. As of March 2025, 1,273 cases remain pending. Legal experts estimate individual settlements may range between $20,000 and $1,000,000, depending on the extent of vision damage. Reactions are mixed—some plaintiffs feel the compensation is fair, while others believe it falls short given the severity of their vision impairments.
Baby Formula and Camp Lejeune Cases Push Toward Trial
For parents whose premature infants developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after consuming formula from Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson, the wait for justice is nearing its end. A federal judge has scheduled the first four bellwether trials for May 2025 through early 2026. These trials will set the tone for hundreds of similar claims, potentially leading to significant settlements or verdicts.
Meanwhile, the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits are advancing, with bellwether trials on the horizon. This litigation, made possible by the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, seeks accountability for decades of toxic chemical exposure. Settlements in these cases could range from $100,000 to $500,000 per individual, contingent on the severity of illnesses linked to the contamination.
2025: A Year Where Big Cases Get Real
The legal landscape is shifting rapidly. Weight-loss drug litigation is progressing under federal orders that prevent early procedural roadblocks. Depo-Provera cases are now consolidated, with leadership appointments imminent. BioZorb is emerging as a major litigation target. Johnson & Johnson's talc litigation is at a critical juncture, and upcoming baby formula bellwether trials could determine whether this litigation concludes with settlements or monumental verdicts. The legal firestorm of mass torts in 2025 is just getting started.
Related Roundup - Going Beyond the Core Mass Tort News
NY Times reporting on the Sean Combs Hotline: The Makings of a Mass Tort
NY Times reports on how employees process sex abuse complaints against the music mogul that have been drawn to them through advertising and a viral hotline.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/09/arts/music/sean-combs-diddy-hotline-tony-buzbee-lawsuits.html
Arbitrator Must Decide Arbitrability of Video Game Addiction Claims, Judge Rules
A Florida federal judge has sent video game addiction claims to arbitration, ruling that an arbitrator must decide whether the arbitration agreements are voidable on the basis that the minor plaintiffs lacked the capacity to enter into a binding contract.
J&J Spars With Foes of $9 Billion Talc Cancer Plan as Trial Ends
Johnson & Johnson told a judge its $9 billion proposal to settle baby powder cancer claims in bankruptcy court is the only viable way to end more than 15 years of litigation, while opponents assailed the company's efforts to line up support for its plan as deeply flawed.
https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2025/03/02/813887.htm
LA-Based Law Firm Files Mass Tort Lawsuit Against Southern California Edison Due to Deadly Eaton Fire
KJT Law Group in collaboration with former Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley, and Parris Law Firm, filed a mass tort lawsuit against Southern California Edison (SCE), alleging the power company was responsible for the Eaton Fire, which has claimed over 7,000 structures and left thousands displaced since January 7, 2025
Depo-Provera MDL Judge Appoints Special Master to Assist in Managing Docket
The Florida federal judge overseeing the MDL docket for lawsuits alleging a link between Pfizer Inc.'s hormonal birth control injection Depo-Provera and brain tumors has appointed a special master to assist in managing the docket, including five pilot cases.
Covidien Hernia Mesh Settlement Talks To Get Underway After Parties Select Mediator Next Week
As lawyers prepare a group of Covidien hernia mesh lawsuits for early bellwether trials, they will meet with a mediator to discuss settlement for claims brought by individuals nationwide.
Hair Dye Bladder Cancer Lawsuit Filed by Cosmetologist Against L'Oréal USA, Other Manufacturers
Lawsuit claims cosmetologist was never warned about hair dye bladder cancer side effects from exposure to chemicals not listed on the product labels. Here are two articles.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9214764/
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/hair-dyes-fact-sheet
Uber Seeks Order Compelling 57 Plaintiffs to Provide Fact Sheets
Uber Technologies Inc. and Raiser LLC have asked the judge overseeing the MDL for cases alleging sexual assault by Uber drivers to issue an order requiring 57 plaintiffs represented by the law firm of Levin Simes LLP to submit plaintiff fact sheets within 14 days.
Motions to Dismiss on Causation Grounds Denied in Hair Relaxer MDL
The judge overseeing the MDL for cases involving allegedly toxic hair relaxers and straighteners has denied dismissal motions by Paul Mitchell Systems, Advanced Beauty Inc., and Wella, ruling that plaintiffs have adequately alleged that defendants' products posed an increased risk of uterine, endometrial and ovarian cancer.
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