Active Pharmaceutical Mass Torts
There are several high-profile medical mass torts actively seeking plaintiffs in 2026. These cases generally involve pharmaceutical drugs or medical devices that allegedly caused widespread harm.
- GLP-1 Agonists (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro): Thousands of lawsuits are being filed alleging these popular weight-loss and diabetes drugs cause severe gastrointestinal issues like gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) and ileus (intestinal blockage). A newer MDL (Multidistrict Litigation) was also formed in late 2025 specifically for claims involving NAION—a sudden, permanent form of vision loss.
- Suboxone Tooth Decay: This litigation targets the manufacturers of Suboxone sublingual film, alleging the medication’s acidic nature causes rapid, severe tooth decay, leading to tooth loss and the need for extensive dental surgery.
- Depo-Provera Brain Tumors: A new MDL was centralized in early 2025 for claims that long-term use of this birth control injection is linked to an increased risk of meningiomas (brain tumors).
- Chemical Hair Relaxers: Lawsuits continue to grow against manufacturers of hair relaxers, with plaintiffs alleging that long-term use of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in these products caused uterine or ovarian cancer.
Active Medical Device Mass Torts
- Bard PowerPort: This case involves an implantable catheter device used for treatments like chemotherapy. Plaintiffs allege the device’s tubing is prone to fracturing and migrating, leading to blood clots, infections, and organ damage. Bellwether trials are scheduled throughout 2026.
- Paragard IUD: Thousands of women are suing over allegations that the copper IUD has a design defect causing its plastic arms to break during removal, often requiring surgical intervention or hysterectomies.
- Philips CPAP Machines: Following a massive recall, this litigation continues for users who developed respiratory issues or cancer after inhaling toxic foam particles from sleep apnea machines.
- Hernia Mesh: Claims remain highly active regarding various brands of hernia mesh implants that allegedly failed, causing chronic pain, infection, and the need for revision surgeries.
Environmental Exposure (Medical Impact)
- AFFF Firefighting Foam: This massive litigation involves firefighters and military personnel exposed to “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in firefighting foam. Active claims are focused on diagnoses of kidney, testicular, and thyroid cancer, as well as ulcerative colitis.