At HSGLaW, we don’t shy away from large-scale battles. Our team has led the charge in some of the most complex and high-stakes cases in the country — fighting for everyday people, consumers, and local governments against some of the world’s largest corporations.
Whether it’s a class action, a mass tort, or another type of large, multi-party case, we have the experience, resources, and determination to see it through. These cases are about more than just compensation. They’re about accountability, justice, and creating change.
Our Firm maintains a successful and robust plaintiffs’-side Class Action and Complex Litigation practice, representing individuals and businesses in complex litigation nationwide. With a team of seasoned attorneys who have spent decades leading class actions across securities, antitrust, consumer protection, and privacy, we have the experience, skill, and resources to take on the largest corporations and institutions in the country. Class actions are a powerful tool for holding large companies accountable when they engage in widespread misconduct, ensuring that justice is accessible to all and not just those with the deepest pockets. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients and achieving meaningful results that promote fairness, accountability, and lasting change.
What Are Class Actions, Mass Torts, and Complex Litigation?
These legal terms refer to lawsuits that involve many plaintiffs, intricate facts, or broad public interest. Here’s a breakdown:
Class Actions
A class action is a lawsuit filed on behalf of a large group of people who suffered similar harm. Rather than each person filing a separate lawsuit, one or more plaintiffs represent the group.
Common types of class actions include:
- Defective product claims
- Consumer fraud
- Unlawful fees or billing practices
- Data breaches
- Securities or shareholder lawsuits
Mass Torts
Mass torts involve many individual lawsuits stemming from the same product or event, but each plaintiff is treated as an individual rather than part of one unified class.
Mass torts often include:
- Dangerous drugs
- Medical devices
- Toxic exposure (chemicals, pollution)
- Catastrophic events involving multiple victims
Complex Litigation
These are cases that don’t fit neatly into one category but involve complex legal or factual issues. They often require coordination across state or federal courts, multiple parties, and high levels of expertise.
Why These Cases Matter
When corporations act irresponsibly — whether through cutting corners, ignoring safety standards, or prioritizing profits over people — the consequences can be far-reaching. Class actions and mass torts give people a way to stand up to corporate misconduct together.
These cases:
- Make products safer
- Expose corporate fraud
- Compensate victims of negligence or deception
- Force industries to adopt better practices
At HSGLaW, we view these lawsuits not only as a legal responsibility but also as a moral obligation to hold powerful actors accountable.
Our Experience in Class Actions and Mass Torts
Our firm has served as class counsel or co-counsel in major precedent-setting litigation across the U.S. Here are a few examples that show the depth and impact of our work:
In re Volkswagen “Clean Diesel” Litigation
Our attorneys played a role in one of the largest auto fraud cases in U.S. history, where Volkswagen was caught using illegal “defeat devices” to cheat emissions tests. Our work contributed to:
- $10 billion settlement for 2.0-liter engine vehicles
- $1.2 billion settlement for 3.0-liter engine vehicles
- $357 million settlement with co-defendant Bosch
This case held a major automaker accountable for misleading millions of consumers and releasing illegal levels of pollution into the environment.
Staubus v. Purdue Pharma, et al.
This groundbreaking case targeted opioid manufacturers under Tennessee’s Drug Dealer Liability Act. Our representation included local governments and a child born drug dependent.
Key outcomes:
- Default judgment on liability against Endo Pharmaceuticals
- $35 million settlement for local governments
We continue to represent children and families affected by the opioid epidemic in additional ongoing litigation.
Other Areas of Success
Our attorneys have also:
- Served as counsel in national class actions involving the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)
- Litigated claims involving defective consumer products
- Fought anti-competitive behavior harming consumers and small businesses
Who Can File a Class Action or Mass Tort Claim?
You may be eligible to file or join a class action or mass tort if:
- You were harmed by a product, service, or company’s actions
- You share similar injuries or losses with others
- You want to hold a powerful entity accountable for wrongdoing
We represent individuals, municipalities, consumer groups, and public interest organizations in these matters. Whether you’re a single person or a government agency, we’ll help you determine your rights and legal options.
How These Cases Work
Class actions and mass torts may seem intimidating — but we’re here to simplify the process.
Class Action Lawsuits Typically Follow These Steps:
- Investigation: We gather facts and identify common harm.
- Filing the Case: A lead plaintiff files on behalf of others.
- Class Certification: The court determines if the case qualifies as a class action.
- Discovery: Both sides exchange evidence and expert analysis.
- Settlement or Trial: We negotiate the best possible resolution or prepare for trial.
Mass Torts:
Each individual plaintiff’s case is handled separately, even though the issues may overlap. These are often consolidated in multidistrict litigation (MDL) to streamline discovery and rulings.
We work on a contingency fee basis in most of these cases — meaning you don’t pay unless we win compensation for you.
Why Choose HSGLaW?
These cases demand skill, strategy, and relentless effort. At HSGLaW, we bring all three — plus a deep commitment to our clients and to justice.
- National Reach: We litigate in state, federal, and appellate courts across the U.S.
- Proven Results: Billions recovered in settlements and judgments.
- Plaintiff-Focused: We don’t represent big corporations. We fight for people, not against them.
- Respected Leadership: Our attorneys are often appointed class counsel or co-counsel by federal judges.
We’re not afraid to take on tough opponents — and we have the record to prove it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a class action and a mass tort?
In a class action, one or more plaintiffs represent a group with similar injuries in a single case. In a mass tort, each plaintiff files individually, but the cases are often grouped together due to common facts. Both approaches can lead to major settlements or verdicts.
How long do these cases take?
These cases can take months or even years, depending on their complexity. We keep clients informed at every step, and we’re committed to staying the course no matter how long it takes.
What if I only lost a small amount of money?
You may still qualify for a class action. These lawsuits are especially useful when individual losses are small but widespread — for example, being overcharged by a bank or sold a defective product.
Is there a deadline to file?
Yes. Every case is governed by statutes of limitation. It’s important to act quickly, especially in cases involving products, data breaches, or pharmaceutical injuries.
Contact HSGLaW
If you’ve been harmed by a dangerous product, deceptive business practice, or other corporate conduct — you’re not alone. Our team is ready to help you explore your legal options and join others seeking justice.
Reach out today for a free, confidential consultation. Let’s talk about your story, your rights, and how we can help you take action.
