A mass tort is a civil lawsuit that involves hundreds or thousands of plaintiffs and one or a few defendants in which the plaintiffs have the same or similar claims against the defendant or defendants. Mass tort lawsuits are often filed as class action lawsuits (a procedural mechanism for joining the plaintiffs in one lawsuit), and are typically based on alleged wrongful acts (torts) such as exposure of the plaintiffs to harmful substances (asbestos or benzene), or defective products (pharmaceuticals or medical devices), or invasions of privacy (data breaches).

In Louisiana (LA), mass torts are civil actions that involve numerous plaintiffs against one or a few defendants. These cases often arise from common issues such as exposure to hazardous substances, defective products, or privacy violations. Louisiana follows both state statutes and federal laws in handling mass torts. Mass torts may be consolidated into a single action for efficiency, known as multidistrict litigation (MDL), particularly when federal jurisdiction is invoked. When filed as class actions, they must satisfy specific criteria under Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, such as commonality, adequacy, and typicality of the claims. Louisiana's class action requirements are governed by Article 591 of the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure, which aligns with federal standards. These cases require detailed procedural adherence to ensure fair representation and resolution for all parties involved. An attorney specializing in mass torts can provide specific guidance on the intricacies of these cases in Louisiana.