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 Mississippi, 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 Mississippi can be filed in state or federal court, depending on the specifics of the case, such as the diversity of citizenship and the amount in controversy. They are often related to exposure to harmful substances, defective products, or privacy violations. While mass torts can be filed as class actions, they must meet certain criteria under Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or the equivalent state rule if filed in state court. This includes certifying the class, showing that the claims or defenses of the representative parties are typical of the claims or defenses of the class, and that the representative parties will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the class. It's important to note that mass torts are complex and require the expertise of an attorney who specializes in this area of law to navigate the procedural intricacies and substantive legal issues involved.