Background
Explore the ecosystem
Mass tort litigation arises when many people allege injury from a common product, exposure, or course of conduct. Examples can include pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, environmental contamination, and institutional abuse. Claims often share factual questions, but individual circumstances and injuries still matter.
Some federal cases are coordinated through multidistrict litigation, or MDL, which brings related cases before one judge for coordinated pretrial proceedings. An MDL is not automatically a class action, and its creation does not establish that the underlying claims will succeed.
Litigation is only one part of the ecosystem. Originating firms and acquisition providers help connect potential claimants with counsel. Intake and verification teams collect information and assess eligibility. Capital providers support firms and litigation expenses. Technology companies help manage records, workflows, and data. Settlement administrators and lien specialists support the distribution process when cases resolve.
Roles overlap and vary by organization. Many people and companies work across several functions. This overview does not describe a universal referral arrangement, and no provider listed here should be assumed to work with every firm.
Litigation and case development
Trial lawyers and litigation teams investigate claims, develop scientific and factual evidence, serve in court-appointed leadership roles, and try bellwether cases.
Origination and referrals
Originating firms and acquisition businesses help connect potential claimants with counsel. Arrangements vary by firm, jurisdiction, and applicable professional rules.
Marketing, intake, and verification
Marketers reach potential claimants through media and digital channels. Intake and verification teams collect information and assess eligibility.
Capital and financing
Banks, lenders, and litigation funders support firm operations and case expenses. Bank lending, brokerage, and non-recourse funding are distinct models.
Technology and data
Software providers help firms manage records, workflows, discovery, and claimant data, increasingly with AI-assisted tools.
Settlement and administration
Settlement administrators and lien specialists support the distribution process when cases resolve, including qualified settlement funds and claimant payments.
Conferences and professional relationships
Industry conferences bring the ecosystem together for education and networking. Conference organizers and connectors help people navigate that community.