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 South Carolina, 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 can be filed as class action lawsuits, which allows for the consolidation of individual claims into a single action for efficiency and consistency. South Carolina follows both state statutes and federal laws governing mass torts and class actions. The South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure provide guidelines for class actions, including requirements for certification, notice to class members, and settlement procedures. Additionally, federal rules and laws, such as the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 23 and the Class Action Fairness Act (CAFA), may apply, especially if the case involves parties from multiple states or federal questions. These regulations are designed to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all parties involved in a mass tort.