Mass Torts: Cancer Clusters in North Carolina

General Mass Torts

DeMent, Askew, Johnson & Marshall is dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation in mass tort litigation, including high-profile cases like the Camp Lejeune water toxicity litigation and the PCB contamination at Poe Hall. Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through the complexities of mass tort cases, ensuring that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

What Are Mass Torts?

A mass tort is a civil action involving numerous plaintiffs against one or a few corporate defendants in state or federal court. Unlike class action lawsuits, where plaintiffs are grouped together as a single entity, mass tort cases involve individual claims that are handled collectively to improve efficiency and consistency. Each plaintiff in a mass tort maintains a separate lawsuit but benefits from shared resources and legal strategies.

Elements Constituting Mass Tort Litigation

Mass tort litigation typically involves several key elements:

• Large Number of Claimants: There are many individuals who have been harmed by the same product, action, or event.
• Common Issues of Fact or Law: The plaintiffs share common legal issues or factual circumstances, such as the cause of their injuries or the nature of the defendant's actions.
• Complex Litigation: These cases often involve extensive discovery, numerous witnesses, expert testimony, and significant legal resources.
• Consolidation for Efficiency: Mass tort cases are often consolidated in state or federal court to streamline proceedings, reduce costs, and ensure consistent rulings.

Illness Clusters

An illness cluster occurs when a higher-than-expected number of individuals in a specific geographic area develop a particular disease or condition. Identifying and proving illness clusters is a critical aspect of mass tort litigation, as it helps establish a pattern of harm linked to a common cause. Examples of illness clusters include cancer clusters, where multiple individuals in the same area develop cancer due to exposure to hazardous substances, such as PCBs in Poe Hall or contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

Camp Lejeune Water Toxicity Litigation

The Camp Lejeune water toxicity litigation involves claims by individuals who were exposed to contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, resulting in serious health issues. This litigation is being handled exclusively in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, in Raleigh. The contamination at Camp Lejeune has led to numerous health problems, including various cancers, neurological issues, and reproductive disorders.

Our firm offers local counsel services to attorneys and their clients from other states involved in the Camp Lejeune litigation. Our extensive experience and deep understanding of the local legal landscape make us invaluable partners in navigating these complex cases.

Poe Hall PCB Contamination

Poe Hall at North Carolina State University has been identified as a site of PCB contamination, leading to a cancer cluster among students and staff. PCBs are highly carcinogenic chemicals that were banned in 1979, yet their presence in buildings constructed before the ban continues to pose significant health risks. Our firm is actively involved in representing individuals affected by PCB exposure in Poe Hall, seeking justice and compensation for their suffering.

Local Counsel Services

DeMent, Askew, Johnson & Marshall is proud to serve as local counsel for mass tort matters litigated in North Carolina. Our expertise in both state and federal courts, combined with our commitment to client advocacy, positions us as a leading choice for handling complex mass tort cases. Whether you are dealing with the aftermath of toxic exposure at Camp Lejeune or PCB contamination in Poe Hall, our attorneys are here to provide the legal support you need.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been affected by a mass tort, contact DeMent, Askew, Johnson & Marshall for a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation. Our experienced team is ready to help you navigate the complexities of mass tort litigation and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 866-576-0576  or reach out online to schedule your free consultation.