As we look toward 2026, several large-scale legal actions involving defective products, harmful drugs, and environmental contamination are expected to reach critical points. These situations, known as mass torts, arise when many people are allegedly harmed by the same product or action, allowing them to bring their claims together. The coming years will likely see significant developments in cases involving popular weight loss drugs, firefighting foam, and a variety of consumer goods, potentially impacting thousands of individuals and families across the country.
Key Takeaways about Mass Torts in 2026
- Several major mass tort litigations, which involve numerous plaintiffs injured by a single product or action, are projected to have major developments in 2026.
- Cases against manufacturers of popular weight loss medications, chemical hair relaxers, and firefighting foam are among the most prominent legal actions.
- The alleged injuries in these lawsuits are serious, including various forms of cancer, neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, and severe gastrointestinal conditions.
- Key legal proceedings, such as bellwether trials, are scheduled for some cases, which will help shape the direction of thousands of related claims.
- Individuals who believe they were harmed by these products or substances may have legal avenues to pursue compensation for their injuries.
Understanding Mass Tort Litigation
When a product harms a large number of people, the legal system has a way to handle the many claims that arise. This process is often a mass tort. Unlike a class action, where a small group of plaintiffs represents a larger group, in a mass tort, each injured person files their own individual lawsuit.
To make the process more efficient, these individual cases are often grouped together in what is called Multidistrict Litigation (MDL). An MDL consolidates similar lawsuits from across the country before one judge. This helps streamline pretrial proceedings like evidence gathering.
Within an MDL, the court may select a few representative cases to go to trial first. These are called bellwether trials. They act as test cases, helping both the plaintiffs and the defendants see how a jury might respond to the evidence and arguments. The outcomes of bellwether trials can often pave the way for a global settlement for the remaining cases.
Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Lawsuits in 2026
The pharmaceutical and medical device industries face ongoing scrutiny as new information about the potential side effects of their products comes to light. In 2026, several of these litigations are expected to be in the spotlight.
Weight Loss Drugs (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro)
A new class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists has become incredibly popular for managing type 2 diabetes and for weight loss. However, a growing number of lawsuits allege that manufacturers failed to adequately warn users about the risk of severe gastrointestinal side effects, vision loss, and a rare eye condition.
The first condition cited in these lawsuits is gastroparesis, a serious condition where the stomach cannot empty itself of food in a normal way. This is sometimes referred to as stomach paralysis. Other alleged injuries include:
- Persistent vomiting and nausea
- Ileus (intestinal blockage)
- Severe abdominal pain
- Malnutrition and dehydration
These weight loss drugs have since been linked to vision loss and a rare eye condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). This condition can cause sudden and severe, often permanent, partial or total vision loss.
As millions of people use these medications, the litigation surrounding them is one of the most significant and rapidly growing mass torts to watch.
Paragard IUD Complications
The Paragard IUD is a form of long-term birth control that uses copper instead of hormones. Lawsuits allege that the device has a critical design flaw that can cause it to break during the removal procedure. When this happens, pieces of the device can become embedded in the uterus or migrate to other parts of the body.
Complications alleged in Paragard lawsuits include:
- The need for surgical procedures, such as a hysterectomy, to remove broken pieces
- Perforation of the uterus or cervix
- Infertility
- Significant pain and suffering
Bellwether trials for the Paragard MDL are anticipated for early 2026, which will be a crucial step in resolving these claims.
Suboxone and Severe Tooth Decay
Suboxone is a prescription medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It is administered as a film that dissolves under the tongue. Lawsuits allege that the acidic nature of the sublingual film can cause severe and rapid tooth decay, leading to:
- Multiple cavities
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Tooth loss
- The need for extensive dental procedures like root canals and implants
Plaintiffs claim that the manufacturer knew or should have known about the dental risks but failed to provide adequate warnings to patients and doctors for many years.
Tepezza and Hearing Loss
Tepezza is an infusion drug used to treat Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), a condition that causes inflammation and bulging of the eyes. A number of lawsuits have been filed by patients who experienced permanent hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears) after receiving Tepezza infusions.
The litigation claims that the drug’s manufacturer did not sufficiently warn about the potential for these permanent hearing-related side effects.
Bard PowerPort Catheter Issues
The Bard PowerPort is a type of implantable catheter device used to deliver medication directly into a patient’s bloodstream, often for chemotherapy or other long-term treatments. Lawsuits allege that the device’s catheter tube, made from a material called ChronoFlex AL, is prone to fracturing and migrating. This can lead to serious medical complications, including blood clots, infections, and damage to internal organs.
An MDL was formed in 2023 to handle the growing number of claims. The first bellwether trial is scheduled for March 2, 2026, with others following in April, July, August, October, and December 2026.
Litigation Involving Consumer Products and Chemicals
Beyond the world of medicine, many everyday products and industrial chemicals are at the center of mass tort cases. These litigations focus on holding companies accountable for the safety of the products they sell and the chemicals they use.
Hair Relaxer Lawsuits and Cancer Links
For decades, chemical hair relaxers have been marketed to and used by millions of people, particularly women of color. A developing mass tort alleges that regular, long-term use of these products is linked to an increased risk of uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and other hormone-related health problems. The lawsuits claim that endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the products contribute to these increased health risks.
The litigation is still in its early stages, but is growing quickly as more individuals come forward.
Paraquat Herbicide and Parkinson’s Disease
Paraquat is a highly toxic chemical herbicide used in commercial agriculture. It is banned in many countries but is still used in the United States by licensed applicators. A substantial body of scientific evidence has linked exposure to paraquat to an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
The lawsuits have been filed by:
- Agricultural workers who mixed or applied paraquat
- Individuals who lived near farms where the herbicide was sprayed
The MDL for paraquat is one of the larger ongoing mass torts, with over 3,500 plaintiffs seeking justice for their debilitating diagnoses. Bellwether trials are scheduled for early 2026.
Heavy Metals in Baby Food
Reports in recent years have revealed that many popular baby food products contain dangerous levels of heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, and mercury. There is no safe level of exposure to these substances for developing infants and children. Exposure can lead to neurological damage and affect a child’s cognitive development.
Lawsuits have been filed against several major baby food manufacturers, alleging they knowingly sold tainted products that put children at risk.
Environmental Contamination Mass Torts
Some of the largest and most complex mass torts involve widespread environmental contamination that affects entire communities. These cases seek to hold corporations and government entities accountable for polluting the environment and harming public health.
AFFF Firefighting Foam and PFAS Contamination
Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) is a highly effective fire suppressant used for decades at military bases, airports, and industrial sites. However, AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment or the human body.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PFAS exposure is linked to a variety of serious health issues, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and thyroid disease. The AFFF litigation is massive and has several parts:
- Claims from municipalities for the cost of cleaning contaminated water supplies.
- Property damage claims.
- Personal injury claims from individuals, such as firefighters and military personnel, who were exposed to AFFF and later developed related health conditions.
While major settlements have been reached with public water systems, the personal injury portion of this litigation is expected to be a primary focus in 2026 and beyond.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
From 1953 to 1987, the water supply at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina was contaminated with toxic chemicals. Hundreds of thousands of service members, their families, and civilian workers were exposed to this water. The contamination has been linked to numerous cancers and other serious health conditions.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, part of the PACT Act, created a new legal path for those affected to seek compensation from the U.S. government. This has resulted in one of the largest mass torts in history, with a special administrative claims process and subsequent lawsuits being filed.
The first bench trial verdicts are expected in 2026, which will set valuation benchmarks for future settlements.
What to Do If You Believe You Have Been Harmed
Learning that a product you used or a substance you were exposed to might be linked to a serious health condition can be upsetting. If you believe you may have been harmed, taking organized steps can help you understand your situation and your options.
Consider gathering any relevant information you have, such as:
- Medical Records: Documents related to your diagnosis and treatment.
- Proof of Use or Exposure: This could include prescriptions, receipts for a product, or employment records showing you worked at a location with known contamination.
- A Personal Timeline: Write down when you used the product or were exposed, and when your symptoms or health problems began.
This information can be very helpful when speaking with a legal professional. It is also important to be aware of the statute of limitations, which is a legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. These deadlines vary by state and by the specifics of the case. A conversation with an attorney can help clarify the deadlines that may apply to your circumstances.
Top Mass Tort Cases to Watch in 2026
Here are answers to some common questions about the top mass tort cases to watch in 2026 and the legal process involved.
Contact Ferrer Poirot Feller for a Free Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury or illness that you believe was caused by a defective drug, a dangerous consumer product, or exposure to a toxic substance, you do not have to face the future alone. For over 40 years, the attorneys at Ferrer Poirot Feller have been dedicated to holding corporations accountable and fighting for the rights of injured people nationwide.
Our team has the knowledge and resources to stand up to large companies and their insurance providers. We are committed to helping you get the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today at (214) 521-4412 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. We are here to listen, and you will never pay us a fee unless we win for you.