multidistrict litigation (MDL)

Multidistrict litigation (MDL) is a legal process used when multiple cases involving similar legal issues or facts—such as product defects or mass accidents—are filed in different courts across regions. To streamline proceedings, these cases are consolidated into one federal court for pretrial matters, under a single judge. This process improves efficiency, ensures consistent handling, and prevents conflicting rulings. Once the key issues are resolved in the MDL, the individual cases are typically sent back to their original courts for trial or settlement.