Medical Mass Torts to Watch in 2026
The legal landscape is constantly evolving, and 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for medical mass torts. These cases, which involve numerous plaintiffs harmed by the same medical product or action, are complex and can have far-reaching consequences. Staying informed about emerging trends and potential litigation is crucial for both legal professionals and the public. In 2026, several key areas are expected to gain significant attention, driven by new scientific findings, increasing awareness of potential risks, and ongoing legal battles.
Weight Loss Drugs: A Growing Concern
One of the most significant mass torts to watch in 2026 involves weight loss drugs, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. These medications have gained immense popularity for their effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss. However, a growing number of lawsuits allege that manufacturers failed to adequately warn users about the risk of severe gastrointestinal side effects, vision loss, and a rare eye condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
The Allegations:
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Plaintiffs claim that these drugs can cause gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), intestinal blockages, and other severe digestive problems.
- Vision Loss: Reports have linked these medications to vision loss and NAION, a condition that can lead to sudden and permanent vision impairment.
Given the widespread use of these drugs, the litigation surrounding them is expected to be one of the most significant and rapidly growing mass torts. Law firms are actively recruiting plaintiffs, and early entry into this litigation may offer advantages due to lower lead costs and less competition.
Hair Relaxer Lawsuits: Cancer Links
Another mass tort area to watch involves chemical hair relaxers, which have been marketed to and used by millions of people, particularly women of color, for decades. A developing mass tort alleges that regular, long-term use of these products is linked to an increased risk of uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and other hormone-related health problems.
The Allegations:
- Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs): Lawsuits claim that EDCs in hair relaxers contribute to increased health risks.
- Failure to Warn: Plaintiffs argue that manufacturers failed to adequately warn consumers about the potential cancer risks associated with these products.
The litigation is still in its early stages but is growing quickly as more individuals come forward. The potential plaintiff pool is enormous, as millions of women have used hair relaxers throughout their lives.
Paraquat Herbicide: Parkinson’s Disease
Paraquat, a highly toxic chemical herbicide used in commercial agriculture, is banned in many countries but remains in use in the United States. A substantial body of scientific evidence has linked exposure to paraquat to an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
The Affected Groups:
- Agricultural workers who mixed or applied paraquat.
- Individuals who lived near farms where the herbicide was sprayed.
The MDL for paraquat is one of the larger ongoing mass torts, with thousands of plaintiffs seeking justice for their diagnoses. Bellwether trials are scheduled for early 2026, which will be a crucial step in resolving these claims.
Medical Devices: Ongoing Litigation
Several medical device mass torts are also expected to see significant developments in 2026. These include cases involving:
- Bard Hernia Mesh: Lawsuits allege that defective design of the mesh products leads to complications such as pain, infection, and the need for revision surgeries.
- Paragard IUD: Claims that the intrauterine copper birth control device can fracture upon removal, leaving broken pieces embedded in the uterus, causing organ perforation, chronic pain, and infertility.
- Bard PowerPort: Allegations that design and manufacturing defects make the Bard PowerPort prone to fracture or migration after implantation, leading to infections, blood clots, and internal vascular damage.
Depo-Provera: Brain Tumor Risks
The Depo-Provera injectable contraceptive has been linked to an increased risk of developing meningiomas, benign but potentially serious brain tumors. The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has centralized these cases for pretrial proceedings.
The Allegations:
- Failure to Warn: Plaintiffs claim that Pfizer failed to adequately warn healthcare providers about the risk of developing meningiomas associated with prolonged use of Depo-Provera.
- Defective Design: The MDL alleges failure to warn, defective design, and innovator liability.
The litigation is in its early stages, with initial discovery and pretrial proceedings underway. The court has selected five pilot cases to proceed through discovery and trial, aiming to address common issues and defenses early in the process.
Elmiron: Vision Problems
Elmiron, a drug used to treat interstitial cystitis, has been linked to retinal toxicity and vision-threatening maculopathy. Lawsuits allege that Janssen Pharmaceuticals delayed updating the drug’s warning label despite having access to adverse event data linking Elmiron to retinal toxicity.
The Allegations:
- Delayed Warning: Plaintiffs claim that Janssen delayed warning about the risk of vision-threatening maculopathy.
- Misdiagnosis: Many patients continued using the drug unaware of the potential for permanent ocular damage, with symptoms often misdiagnosed as age-related macular degeneration or other retinal conditions.
The litigation has moved into an advanced discovery phase, with both sides exchanging medical records, scientific studies, and expert opinions. The first bellwether trial is expected to begin in late 2025 and could serve as a bellwether for gauging the jury’s response to claims involving drug-induced latent injuries and delayed corporate disclosures.
Environmental Contamination: PFAS and Microplastics
In addition to pharmaceutical and medical device cases, environmental contamination mass torts are also gaining prominence. Two key areas to watch are:
- PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): These synthetic chemicals, found in various products, have been linked to cancers and other health issues. Litigation is accelerating, with thousands of lawsuits already filed.
- Microplastics: Exposure to microplastics has been linked to hormone disruption, brain injuries, and developmental injuries. The potential for mass tort litigation and regulatory interventions is growing as measurement methods improve and studies accelerate.
The Role of Bankruptcy
The use of bankruptcy as a strategy for managing mass tort liability is also under scrutiny. Recent judicial pushback against defensive bankruptcies in cases like Purdue Pharma and Johnson & Johnson shows that courts are growing skeptical of companies using Chapter 11 to circumvent liability.
Conclusion
As we approach 2026, the landscape of medical mass torts is dynamic and complex. Several key areas, including weight loss drugs, hair relaxers, paraquat exposure, medical devices, and environmental contamination, are expected to see significant developments. Staying informed about these trends is crucial for legal professionals and anyone potentially affected by these issues.
If you believe you have been harmed by a medical product or action, it is essential to seek legal advice to understand your rights and options. Contact our firm today for a consultation.