Frequently Asked Questions

Why The Law Group?

As an experienced Chicago consumer product law firm, we have obtained billions of dollars in compensation for our clients. We have been, and continue to be, a powerful force in prosecuting actions against some of the largest, seemingly untouchable industries and corporations in the United States and abroad that manufacture dangerous and defective products. 

Our experienced Chicago product liability attorneys have the legal expertise, skills and resources needed to take on and win cases against corporate wrongdoers. Our hard work and innovative strategies result in record-breaking verdicts and landmark court decisions that prove The Law Group is qualified to take on the most complex global litigation on behalf of injured consumers.

Our team of Chicago dangerous product lawyers takes great pride in our progressive and personal approach to the practice of law.  We are committed to taking on the role of a “consumer watchdog” and to be recognized as a law firm with cases that benefit society.

What is a Mass Tort?

A mass tort is an injury claim in which claimants have been similarly injured by a defective product, hazardous substance, or disaster. A person who sustains this injury may be able to use tort law to receive damages (usually monetary compensation) from, typically, a manufacturer or corporation responsible or liable for those injuries.

What is Multi-District Litigation (MDL)?

MDL stands for The United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, known informally as the MDL Panel.  MDL is a procedure utilized in the federal court system to transfer to one federal judge all pending civil cases of a similar type filed throughout the United States. The purposes of this transfer or “centralization” process are to avoid duplication of discovery, to prevent inconsistent pretrial rulings, and to conserve the resources of the parties, their counsel and the judiciary.

Transferred actions not terminated in the transferee district are remanded to their originating transferor districts by the Panel at or before the conclusion of centralized pretrial proceedings. As an experienced Chicago consumer product litigation firm, The Law Group effective experience practicing in this arena, and with our knowledge base and experience, can best represent you to maximize your recovery.

What is a class action?

A class action is a legal tool which allows individuals who have experienced a common injury to assert their claims in an affordable and efficient manner. Class actions deter businesses from using deceptive business practices or finding a way out of accountability by committing multiple "minor" violations. The class action empowers individuals who have been wronged but cannot afford to engage in lone combat against a powerful defendant and all its available resources.

Who are the class action representatives and class members in a class action?

Plaintiffs specifically identified in a class action are known as class representatives. A class representative represents an entire class of individuals with similar complaints.  There may be more than one class representative.  Serving as a class representative does not involve a lot of time, as the representative’s attorneys are responsible for the management of the litigation.  

Is multidistrict litigation a type of class action?

No, although class actions may be transferred to an MDL consolidation in the same manner as an individual injury case.  Qualified cases to be transferred to an MDL must have one or more common questions of fact. Since commonality is also a required element for a class action, it is practical to litigate class actions in MDL proceedings.

Do I need an attorney?

In theory, you can file your own lawsuit. Although more practical in small claims cases where your damages are under $5,000, filing a lawsuit in complex litigation where there are serious damages is not advisable, and can be disastrous.  In complex litigation, including mass torts such as toxic torts, unsafe pharmaceuticals, defective medical products and dangerous consumer products, filing a lawsuit without legal counsel is like going to war with no weapons.  You are up against corporate giants who certainly do not represent themselves without an attorney.

Do I need a local attorney?

Much of our practice takes place in the mass tort arena with multidistrict litigation.  The location of the specific court may be anywhere in the United States.  In an MDL, most federal courts have provisions that allow attorneys across the country to practice in their courts. As an experienced consumer product law firm, we have filed cases in courtrooms from Illinois to California, New York and Louisiana.  We utilize the latest technology to effectively and aggressively manage cases across the country.  

How do you determine your fees?

In most personal injury cases, including mass torts and multi-district litigation, attorneys representing the injured party work on a contingency basis, recovery of which is based on a pre-determined percentage.  Most, if not all, related expenses are advanced by the attorney, who is reimbursed for those expenses out of any recovery.  If there is no recovery, the client is not responsible for any costs and/or attorneys fees.  In class actions, fees and costs are advanced, and if the lawsuit is successful, the attorney petitions the court to award attorneys fees and out of pocket costs. Again, if there is no recovery, the client is not responsible for any costs and/or attorneys fees.

How long will it take for my lawsuit to be resolved?

Each case is different; however, the length of time of a lawsuit from filing to settlement varies depending on the complexity.  A simple auto accident lawsuit may take less than a year.  More complex multidistrict cases may take longer depending on whether the judge “stays” or stops litigation while “test” cases are tried or settlement agreement is hammered out.  

How much money will I receive in a settlement?

Each case is different. The damages paid to clients depend greatly on the seriousness of the injury sustained, the related financial loss, the difficulty establishing the defendants' liability, and the terms of the settlement agreement.