A mass tort is a civil lawsuit that involves hundreds or thousands of plaintiffs and one or a few defendants in which the plaintiffs have the same or similar claims against the defendant or defendants. Mass tort lawsuits are often filed as class action lawsuits (a procedural mechanism for joining the plaintiffs in one lawsuit), and are typically based on alleged wrongful acts (torts) such as exposure of the plaintiffs to harmful substances (asbestos or benzene), or defective products (pharmaceuticals or medical devices), or invasions of privacy (data breaches).

In Alabama, mass torts are civil actions that involve a large number of plaintiffs against one or a few defendants. These plaintiffs generally have similar legal issues or have been harmed in a similar manner by the defendant's actions. Mass torts in Alabama can be filed as class action lawsuits, which allows for the collective representation of the plaintiffs' shared interests. This procedural mechanism is particularly useful in cases where individual claims might be too small to justify separate lawsuits. Mass torts in Alabama often address issues such as exposure to hazardous substances, defective products, or large-scale invasions of privacy. The Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure, along with relevant state statutes and federal laws, govern the proceedings of mass torts in the state. It is important for plaintiffs to consult with an attorney who has experience in mass tort litigation to navigate the complexities of these cases and to ensure that their rights are adequately represented.