The landscape of mass tort litigation is shifting rapidly, and 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for new verdicts, evolving case law, and fresh marketing opportunities. Whether you’re looking to scale your intake, enter emerging torts, or reposition your campaigns, keeping a close eye on the right cases is key.
Here are 10 mass torts every plaintiff firm should be tracking in 2025—with verdict momentum, settlement potential, and marketing scalability all factored in:
1. Talcum Powder – The J&J Reckoning Continues
With 58,208 active cases, this remains the largest mass tort following 3M’s exit. On April 1, 2025, a Texas bankruptcy judge rejected Johnson & Johnson’s third attempt to resolve these claims through bankruptcy. The court cited a rushed and flawed voting process and ruled that the company’s tactics to force a $9 billion settlement via a shell subsidiary were improper. This decision marks another major setback for J&J and reinforces that jury trials will proceed in both state and federal courts.
Why Watch: Litigation is back on track, and courts are signalling they won’t allow solvent companies to use bankruptcy as a shield from accountability.
2. Roundup – Federal Slowdown, State Momentum
As of April 1, 2025, the federal MDL shows 4,415 active cases, with just one new case filed in March. However, state courts continue to drive activity, with juries awarding over $4 billion in verdicts. While federal filings have slowed, Roundup remains high-profile due to these state-level developments.
Why Watch: State court activity is thriving and continues to reinforce the value of Roundup campaigns despite the slowdown federally.
3. 3M Earplug Litigation – Nearing the Finish Line
As of April 1, 2025, only 41 active cases remain in the once-massive 3M Combat Arms Earplug MDL. After years of litigation and a historic $6 billion settlement agreement, this landmark mass tort is entering its final chapter. What began with over 250,000 claims has now largely resolved, signaling the close of one of the largest and most complex product liability cases in U.S. history.
Why Watch: While new activity is minimal, the 3M case offers long-term insights into settlement administration, veteran outreach, and mass litigation lifecycle management.
4. AFFF – The Expanding Reach of Forever Chemicals
The AFFF firefighting foam MDL continues to expand, with 498 new lawsuits filed in March, bringing the total to 8,928 active cases. This recent surge reflects growing momentum in personal injury claims—particularly those involving kidney, testicular, and thyroid cancers. The litigation is currently in the expert discovery phase, with major Daubert motion deadlines set for summer. All eyes are on the first personal injury bellwether trial, which remains scheduled for October 6, 2025.
Why Watch: As the MDL grows and discovery advances, the upcoming trial could set important precedent. Firms focusing on targeted intake around eligible cancers have a timely opportunity to strengthen their position.
5. NEC Baby Formula – Building Toward a Bellwether
As of April 1, 2025, the NEC MDL holds 683 active cases. March saw a slowdown with 20 filings, down from 63 in February. Still, momentum remains high, with over half a billion in verdicts across state courts. A recent defense verdict reversal due to trial misconduct has further emboldened plaintiffs.
Why Watch: The first federal bellwether trial is just weeks away and could set the tone for future settlements.
6. Paraquat – Court Tightens Compliance
With 5,859 pending cases, the Paraquat MDL is seeing cleanup action. On April 1, the court signaled intent to dismiss over 100 cases for repeated non-compliance in filing Plaintiff Assessment Questionnaires (PAQs). This move aims to focus resources on strong Parkinson’s-related claims and streamline the docket.
Why Watch: Courts are sharpening their approach to case quality, creating a more efficient path forward for viable claims.
7. Hair Relaxer Litigation – Rising Community Awareness
As of March 2025, the hair relaxer MDL held steady at 9,788 active cases, following a dip in filings earlier this year due to claim dismissals. While new case volume has slowed, significant developments are unfolding behind the scenes. Both sides are now working to select 40 discovery pool cases for upcoming bellwether trials, with expert deadlines scheduled to begin this fall.
The focus is tightening around high-quality uterine and ovarian cancer claims, setting the stage for trial pressure and, eventually, meaningful settlement discussions.
Why Watch: Though filings have leveled off, the litigation is entering a pivotal phase. Firms with strong qualifying cases and community-informed messaging are well positioned as the first trials take shape.
8. Ozempic & GLP-1 Agonists – Emerging Risks in Popular Drugs
As of March 2025, 164 new cases were added to the GLP-1 MDL, continuing a steady increase. These lawsuits target semaglutide-based drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy for causing gastroparesis and other gastrointestinal injuries. A key milestone is the May 2025 Daubert hearing, which will determine the admissibility of plaintiffs’ expert testimony.
Why Watch: High-profile drugs + increasing media coverage + Daubert hearing = critical phase for legal strategy.
9. Depo-Provera – Gaining Early Momentum
The newly formed MDL around Depo-Provera has quickly grown to 130 pending cases, with 52 new filings in March 2025 alone. Plaintiffs allege that long-term use of the birth control shot has caused meningioma brain tumors.
Why Watch: With early volume and a sharp intake curve, this is one of the most promising pharma torts of 2025. Campaigns can leverage strong medical records and clearly defined usage timelines.
