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 West Virginia (WV), a mass tort is a type of civil lawsuit where numerous plaintiffs bring similar claims against one or a few defendants. These cases often arise from exposure to harmful substances, defective products, or privacy violations such as data breaches. Mass torts in WV can be filed as class action lawsuits, which allow for the collective legal action of many individuals whose cases are sufficiently similar. The West Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure, along with relevant state statutes and federal laws, govern the conduct of mass tort litigation. These rules outline the procedures for certifying a class action, notifying potential class members, and managing the complex issues that arise in mass tort cases. It is important for plaintiffs in mass tort cases to demonstrate that their claims share common legal or factual issues to be eligible for class action status. Defendants in these cases may face substantial liability if the plaintiffs' claims are proven. Due to the complexity of mass torts, plaintiffs often seek the representation of attorneys who specialize in this area of law.