KEY DIFFERENC MASS T CLASS A
For former U.S. Army Cavalry Scout Ryan Finch, life after his tour of duty was a battlefield of its own. Haunted by PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and the weight of his experiences, Ryan struggled to navigate even the simplest moments of daily life. But then Scout A BLACK LAB’S ROLE IN TRANSFORMING A VETERAN’S LIFE SCOUT’S MEANINGFUL MISSION
Through our work at Dickerson Oxton, we encounter one question more often than any other: “What’s the difference between mass tort litigation and class action litigation?” The similarities between the two can cause confusion, as clients sometimes find themselves involved in a mass tort case when they initially believe they should be part of a class action suit. Here is a brief overview of both litigation types — highlighting their similarities and the key differences that set them apart. SAME DEFENDANT, DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES Both mass tort litigation and class action lawsuits involve several plaintiffs pursuing legal action against one defendant. In a class action suit, all parties have experienced the same loss and thus can be classed as one plaintiff. A lead plaintiff is then chosen to pursue the lawsuit on the class’s behalf. In mass tort litigation, each defendant is considered an individual part of the plaintiff group. Why make this distinction? Let’s say a group of plaintiffs is seeking recovery for an injury sustained from a defective safety feature in an automobile. If every plaintiff experienced the same injury, they could pursue a class action suit against the defendant. However, if the exact THE MASS TORT MINUTE Dickerson Oxton Law Firm is pleased to announce that we have taken leadership roles in mass tort litigation against major catheter companies on behalf of thousands of plaintiffs nationwide. Other firms rely on our expertise to make informed decisions and advance these critical litigations. Here is a review of these current cases and an update on the actions against the military base Camp Lejeune. THE CASE AGAINST FAULTY CATHETERS. Attorneys at Dickerson Oxton have assumed key leadership positions in the federal lawsuits against port catheter manufacturers AngloDynamics and C.R. Bard Inc., representing plaintiffs seeking damages after sustaining injuries caused by defects in the companies’ products. The litigation involving
came into his life and became a lifeline, a symbol of hope, and a steadfast partner in his journey toward healing.
Scout, a vibrant black Lab, has done more than help Ryan manage his anxiety; he’s transformed his world. Crowds and loud noises, once overwhelming triggers, are now manageable with Scout by his side. Soccer games, family gatherings, and the everyday joys of life that once seemed
impossible are now part of Ryan’s new normal. Scout’s presence allows Ryan to enter spaces he never thought he’d enter again, not as a man weighed down by his past, but as a father, a husband, and a human being rediscovering connection. The story of how Scout came into Ryan’s life feels almost destined. Before his deployment, Ryan and his wife had adopted a black Lab, coincidentally named Scout, who died before Ryan went overseas and whose loss Ryan never truly reconciled as he was away from home. So, when Ryan arrived at K9s For Warriors, and the trainers introduced him to his new service dog — a black Lab named Scout — it was a moment of profound healing and renewal. It was as if life had come full circle, offering Ryan a second chance at hope. K9s For Warriors is a testament to the life-changing power of service animals. Determined to combat the devastating reality that 20 veterans die by suicide every day, this program rescues and trains dogs to become service animals for veterans grappling with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma. The result is transformative. Veterans find independence, confidence, and purpose, while rescue dogs gain a life of devotion and meaning. The impact is undeniable. Graduates of the program report mended family relationships, reduced medication reliance, and renewed joy in life. Ryan’s wife has seen the change firsthand, describing her husband as more engaged, animated, and hopeful for the future. Scout symbolizes resilience and proves that an incredible bond can heal even the deepest wounds.
the Bard PowerPort catheter alleges that unstable compounds used in the product’s construction could cause severe infections, organ damage, deep vein thrombosis, cardiac arrhythmia, and hemorrhages. The AngioDynamics lawsuits claim that despite the company’s assurances of product safety, its catheters had significant design flaws that increased the risk of fractures, displacement, and severe infections. Dickerson Oxton’s participation in these
2
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator