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 Connecticut, mass torts are handled similarly to other jurisdictions in the United States. They involve a large number of plaintiffs who have been injured by the same defendant or defendants under similar circumstances. These cases often arise from exposure to harmful substances, defective products, or invasions of privacy such as data breaches. While mass torts can be filed as individual lawsuits, they are frequently consolidated into class action suits for efficiency and consistency in rulings. Connecticut follows the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure for class actions, which require that the case must meet certain criteria such as numerosity, commonality, typicality, and adequacy of representation. Additionally, Connecticut state statutes and case law provide guidance on the management of these complex cases, including the process for certifying a class action, notifying potential class members, and handling the distribution of any settlement or judgment. It is important for plaintiffs in Connecticut considering a mass tort action to consult with an attorney experienced in this area of law to navigate the complexities of these cases.