Knoxville Mass Tort Lawyer
Companies are not immune to making mistakes, but when those mistakes affect a large group of people, lives can be turned upside down.
If you suspect that you or a loved one has been a victim of corporate negligence or wrongdoing, it’s time to contact a Knoxville mass tort attorney at Hotz & Associates, P.C. We have several active mass tort cases in the Knoxville area and are ready to put our experience to work for you to fight for your best interests.
What are the differences between mass tort and class action cases?
Mass torts are often confused with class action lawsuits. While both involve groups of people banding together to fight a corporate wrong, there are some key differences.
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What’s shared in a mass tort case is the legal representation of the injured parties. The same law firm represents all injured parties in a mass tort, and each party’s case will be presented to the court collectively.
This is also true for class action lawsuits, but the collaborative nature of class action cases extends further.
Make sure you file a claim on time.
Most mass tort cases fall under the legal area of personal injury. This means that they’re subject to the statute of limitations (or filing deadline) for personal injury claims. In Tennessee, the personal injury statute of limitations is one year from the date of injury. If you wait too long to file a claim, you may be prevented from receiving compensation.
Fortunately for victims of corporate wrongdoing, there’s an exception to this rule. If there was a gap between the time of your injury and when you realized that the liable party’s negligence caused it, that gap may be used to extend the statute of limitations. In that case, the clock begins ticking on the date that you discovered or should have reasonably discovered that the injury was caused by corporate wrongdoing.
The sooner you contact a Knoxville mass tort attorney and start the process of filing a claim, the better. We need time to investigate and build a strong case before filing, so don’t wait too long. We’re ready to begin working for you today.
What are the possible damages you could claim?
The goal of any personal injury claim, including those filed through a mass tort action, is to make the injured party “whole” again. This means that the injured party must be compensated for any losses suffered as a result of the negligent act. Common types of damages awarded in mass tort cases include:
- Medical expenses associated with the injury, including hospital bills and long-term care costs
- Lost wages due to missed work following the injury
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
- Reduced earning capacity if the injury has impacted your ability to work
- Loss of enjoyment of life, such as the inability to partake in social or recreational activities
The amount of compensation you may be entitled to depends on the specifics of your case. When you consult our attorneys, we’ll review the details of your situation and give you a tailored idea of what to expect.
Parties who may be liable in your case
To succeed in a mass tort case, we must first identify the liable parties. This is a complex process that requires an extensive investigation of the facts and circumstances of each party’s injury.
The liable parties vary depending on the unique case, but they typically include large institutions such as government organizations and commercial companies. These companies may manufacture products that cause harm to the health of consumers, or they may engage in business practices that injure people living near their operations.
Common types of corporate wrongdoing that can give rise to a mass tort lawsuit include:
- Defective product design or manufacturing
- Inadequate warnings or instructions on a product
- Environmental contamination
- Dangerous drugs or medical devices
- Fraudulent marketing or advertising practices
If you believe that a large institution may be responsible for your injury, consult with our Knoxville mass tort attorneys as soon as possible. We can help you determine who is liable and discuss your legal options for filing or joining a mass tort claim.
How does the mass tort process work?
The mass tort process begins with a thorough investigation of each party’s injury and its connection to corporate misconduct. Once our attorneys have identified enough injured parties for a strong case, we will begin building a legal argument for each individual’s damages.
Next, our team will file a lawsuit against the negligent parties on behalf of each injured party. This usually begins the discovery process, which is a series of interrogatories, depositions, and document requests to gather information from the opposing side and strengthen our case.
Negotiations with the at-fault parties and their attorneys may take place at any time during this process. If they refuse to agree to a fair settlement, we will take the case to trial.
Our attorneys work hard to get you full compensation
At Hotz & Associates, we understand the toll that corporate negligence can take on the lives of an individual and their loved ones. That’s why we strive to secure maximum compensation for our clients.
Powerful legal teams represent corporate entities, and with us on your side, you can level the playing field. Our attorneys don’t just accept the first offer that comes our way — we fight to get you the amount of compensation you need to begin rebuilding your life. Our initial goal is always to secure a fair settlement outside of the courtroom, but if that’s not possible, we won’t hesitate to take your case to trial.
What’s the cost of hiring a mass torts attorney?
You’re already dealing with enough after being injured due to corporate negligence. You don’t need to add to that strain by worrying about the cost of legal representation. That’s why our Knoxville mass tort lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t owe us a penny until we successfully obtain compensation on your behalf.
There’s no risk in consulting with our attorneys about your rights and options. We provide free initial consultations and strive to be transparent with our clients about the costs involved. If you decide to move forward and hire us, we’ll provide a reasonable estimate of what you can expect to pay.
Hiring a mass torts attorney is generally more cost-effective than hiring an attorney to represent your case on its own. Mass tort cases involve numerous people, meaning those parties can split the cost of many aspects of legal representation. When you join a mass tort, you’ll be paying for a fraction of the entire effort.
Why you should choose a Knoxville mass tort attorney from Hotz & Associates, P.C. as your representation
Large corporations and other powerful institutions have teams of attorneys who are paid to protect their interests. Without skilled legal representation, your case won’t stand a chance. The team of mass tort lawyers at Hotz & Associates has represented thousands of injured people in the Knoxville area and beyond, and you can count on us to put that experience to work in your favor.
When you turn to us for help, you can expect the highest standard of legal representation. We’ll listen carefully to your story and assess your case to determine the best legal strategy and whether you should join a mass tort lawsuit. We’ll then take care of every legal detail so you can relax and focus on what matters most: your recovery.
If you’re ready to take on the negligent parties who caused your injury, our attorneys are here to help. Call us at (865) 582-0042 for a free consultation to learn more about your rights and options.