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 North Dakota, a mass tort is a type of civil lawsuit where numerous plaintiffs bring similar claims against one or a few defendants. These cases often arise from exposure to harmful substances, defective products, or privacy violations such as data breaches. Mass torts in North Dakota can be filed as class action lawsuits, which allows for the collective legal action of many individuals whose cases are sufficiently similar. The North Dakota Rules of Civil Procedure, along with relevant state statutes and federal laws, govern the conduct of mass tort litigation. These rules ensure that the legal process is fair and efficient, and they address issues such as the certification of a class, notification of potential class members, and the management of the litigation. It's important for plaintiffs in mass tort cases to consult with an attorney experienced in this area of law to navigate the complexities of these cases.