The numbers are staggering: every year, tens of thousands of Americans suffer life-altering injuries or lose loved ones due to the negligence of others — whether it’s a dangerous drug, a defective medical device, or an environmental disaster.
Here’s where mass tort litigation comes in. They allow large groups of people to join together and fight back against powerful corporations. In fact, these cases are becoming increasingly common, making up a growing proportion of civil lawsuits filed in the U.S.
Here are 7 of the biggest mass tort cases in the U.S. to know about in 2025.
Biggest Mass Tort Cases in the U.S.
PFAS contamination
You might be surprised to learn that the non-stick cookware in your kitchen, the stain-resistant carpet in your living room, and even the water you drink could be harboring a hidden danger: PFAS.
This “forever chemical” is found in a wide range of everyday products, but they don’t break down in the environment or in your body. Although research is still ongoing, scientists have linked PFAS exposure to a number of alarming health issues, including the increased risk of certain cancers, hormone disruption, liver damage, and immune system problems.
It’s estimated that over 110 million Americans have been exposed to PFAS-contaminated water supplies. If you’ve been diagnosed with a PFAS-related illness or have reason to believe you’ve been exposed to high levels of PFAS, you may be eligible to file a mass tort claim against companies like 3M or DuPont.
Learn more about PFAS contamination and your options for legal action.
Depo-Provera
Millions of women trusted Depo-Provera as a convenient and effective birth control option. But what if this choice led to devastating health problems they never could have anticipated?
Recent studies have revealed a potentially disturbing link between long-term Depo-Provera use and an increased risk of serious health issues, including a type of brain tumor called meningioma. Thousands of women are stepping forward to seek justice and hold Pfizer accountable for failing to adequately warn about these potential risks.
Learn more about Depo-Provera mass tort claims.
Hair relaxers
For many women, hair relaxers are a regular part of their beauty routine. However, recent studies have found a potential link between certain hair relaxers and an increased risk of developing ovarian and uterine cancer.
While research is ongoing to identify the specific chemicals and products that pose the greatest risk, some studies suggest that women who have used hair relaxers for a prolonged period, especially those containing formaldehyde or other harsh chemicals, may be at a higher risk of these health consequences.
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian or uterine cancer and have a history of using hair relaxers, you deserve answers and support. Learn more about the current hair relaxer cancer lawsuits.
Paraquat
Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide that has been banned in nearly three dozen countries due to its devastating health effects, including a strong link to Parkinson’s Disease. Shockingly, it’s still used widely in the United States.
Even minimal exposure to Paraquat can have life-altering consequences. This potent chemical can seep through the skin, be inhaled with every breath, or even be accidentally ingested, potentially leading to severe health problems.
If you or someone you know works in agriculture or lives near farms where Paraquat is used, you may have been exposed to this dangerous chemical. And if you’ve experienced health problems as a result, you may be eligible to file a mass tort claim against the manufacturers of Paraquat.
Learn more about Paraquat mass tort claims.
Asbestos
Asbestos, once a widely used material in construction, shipbuilding, and countless consumer products, is now recognized as a silent killer.
Exposure to asbestos fibers, even decades ago, can lead to devastating illnesses like mesothelioma — a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Tragically, symptoms often don’t appear until decades after the initial exposure, which makes early diagnosis difficult, and the prognosis is often poor.
While asbestos use has declined significantly, millions of Americans were exposed to asbestos before the dangers were fully understood. Those at highest risk include construction workers, industrial workers, firefighters, and shipyard workers.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, learn more about your mass tort options.
Hernia mesh
Imagine undergoing surgery to fix a hernia, hoping for relief and healing. But what if the very device implanted to help you caused even more pain and suffering?
While intended to strengthen weakened abdominal walls, certain types of hernia mesh have been linked to serious complications, including chronic pain, infections, and the need for multiple revision surgeries. These complications can turn a routine procedure into a nightmare, leaving patients with ongoing health issues and diminished quality of life.
One particular type of hernia mesh, Physiomesh, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson’s Ethicon unit, was even recalled in 2016 due to high rates of complications.
If you’ve undergone hernia repair surgery and experienced complications, you may be eligible to file a mass tort claim.
Talcum powder
Talcum powder is a product found in countless bathroom cabinets, used daily by millions for personal hygiene; however, growing evidence suggests a disturbing link between talcum powder use and an increased risk of ovarian cancer and fallopian tube cancer.
This potential danger stems from the tiny talc particles that can travel through the vagina and into the reproductive organs. Despite years of denial and downplaying the risks, Johnson & Johnson, a leading manufacturer of talcum powder products, is now facing numerous lawsuits from women who have developed these cancers.
Several juries have already held Johnson & Johnson accountable for failing to warn women about the potential cancer risks associated with talcum powder use. One notable verdict includes $72 million awarded to the family of Jacqueline Fox, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products for over 35 years before being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Learn more about your eligibility to file a mass tort claim against Johnson & Johnson.
Have You Been Harmed? Mass Tort May Be Your Path to Justice
Filing a lawsuit can feel intimidating, even if it’s alongside hundreds or even thousands of others who have been harmed. But there’s good news: you don’t have to go through this alone.
At Slater & Zurz, we have spent decades fighting tirelessly to protect the rights of individuals and families affected by dangerous products and practices. To us, mass tort litigation isn’t just about securing the maximum compensation for your injuries but about fighting for a future where companies are held responsible for the harm they cause. We’re here to protect others from needless suffering.
Reach out to us for a free consultation today at 330-762-0700.
Written by Brandon Dean
Brandon, a partner at Slater & Zurz, heads the Medical Malpractice and Nursing Home/Geriatric Abuse Division. Since 2016, he has consistently earned the Ohio Super Lawyer Rising Star distinction. He is an active member of multiple bar associations, reflecting his deep commitment to his clients and legal excellence.
