multidistrict litigation

Multidistrict litigation (MDL) is a legal process used in the United States to efficiently manage complex cases that involve similar issues, such as product liability or mass torts. When many lawsuits are filed across different federal courts concerning the same subject, a panel can consolidate them into one court for pretrial proceedings. This streamlines the process by allowing for coordinated discovery and hearings, reducing duplicative efforts. After these pretrial matters are resolved, cases may be returned to their original courts for trial. MDLs aim to provide fairness and efficiency in handling large-scale litigation.