There is no definitive answer to how long it takes to resolve an AFFF mass tort lawsuit, as it depends on various factors, such as the number of plaintiffs, the complexity of the issues, the availability of evidence, the cooperation of the parties, and the court schedule. However, based on some recent reports and estimates, it may take several months or years before a settlement or a verdict is reached.
According to Law360, there are more than 5,000 cases pending in the multidistrict litigation (MDL) for the AFFF mass tort lawsuit as of August 2023. The first bellwether trial in the MDL is scheduled to begin in September 2023. A bellwether trial is a representative case that is selected to test the strength of the claims and the defenses and to provide guidance for future settlements or verdicts.
Based on past experience with similar mass tort MDLs, the most likely time frame for a settlement is 4-6 months after the first round of bellwether test trials are completed. However, this is not a guarantee, as some cases may take longer or shorter to resolve. Some factors that may affect the settlement time include:
- The outcome of the bellwether trials: If the plaintiffs win the bellwether trials, they may have more leverage in negotiating a higher settlement amount. If the defendants win the bellwether trials, they may have more incentive to continue fighting the cases or offer lower settlement amounts.
- The willingness of the parties to settle: Some parties may prefer to settle the cases quickly and avoid the uncertainty and expense of litigation. Some parties may prefer to litigate the cases fully and exhaust all possible appeals.
- The availability of funds: The defendants may have limited funds to pay for all the claims, especially if they face multiple lawsuits from different sources. The plaintiffs may have urgent financial needs and may accept lower settlement amounts.
- The involvement of third parties: Some third parties, such as insurance companies, government agencies, or class action lawyers, may have an interest or influence in the settlement process and may affect the terms and conditions of the settlement.
Therefore, it is difficult to say with any certainty when you can expect a resolution for your AFFF mass tort lawsuit. However, you can increase your chances of getting a fair and timely compensation by working with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can handle your case with skill and compassion.
Your AFFF mass tort lawsuit case
If you are looking for a qualified personal injury lawyer who can handle your AFFF mass tort lawsuit case, look no further than our team at Mass Tort Intake Center. We have extensive experience in handling mass tort cases involving defective products, environmental contamination, and personal injury. We have the resources, the knowledge, and the dedication to help you achieve a favorable outcome for your AFFF mass tort lawsuit claim.
To join the AFFF mass tort lawsuits, you need to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you gather evidence of your exposure and injury; file your lawsuit in the appropriate court; negotiate with the defendants or their insurance companies; and represent you in court if necessary. A personal injury lawyer can also advise you on your legal rights and options; protect you from any attempts to undermine your claim; and fight for your best interests throughout the legal process.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our AFFF mass tort lawsuit attorneys. We will review your case, answer your questions, and explain how we can help you. There is no obligation and no fee unless we win your case. Don’t wait any longer. Fill out the form to get your free claim review now.
