What Is MDL?
Multidistrict litigation (MDL) is a federal procedure that consolidates related cases from different jurisdictions before a single federal judge for pre-trial proceedings. MDLs are created when the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) finds that a group of cases shares common questions of fact and that centralization will serve the convenience of parties and witnesses and promote judicial efficiency.
How MDL Differs from a Class Action
Unlike a class action — where plaintiffs share a single claim and recovery — in an MDL, each plaintiff maintains their individual case. The MDL judge oversees all cases collectively for efficiency during discovery and pre-trial motion practice, but each claimant has their own case with their own specific damages. This is important because individual cases can be settled individually, and the amount each person receives is based on their specific harm.
The MDL Process
A typical MDL proceeds through: (1) Consolidation — the JPML orders cases transferred to a single court; (2) Discovery — the MDL judge oversees centralized discovery from defendants, including production of internal documents; (3) Bellwether trials — representative cases go to trial to test the evidence and inform settlement discussions; (4) Global settlement — if defendants choose to settle, a settlement administrator creates a compensation program for all qualifying claimants; and (5) Remand — cases that do not settle in the MDL can be remanded to their original courts for trial.
What Joining an MDL Means for You
If you file a case that is transferred to an MDL, your local attorney typically continues to represent you. They will work within the MDL leadership structure — a Plaintiffs' Steering Committee (PSC) — that makes collective decisions about discovery and legal strategy. You should remain in regular contact with your attorney about the progress of the MDL and any settlement discussions that affect your case.
Notable MDLs Affecting People's Justice Cases
The Social Media and Video Game Addiction MDL is currently the largest active MDL in the country by number of plaintiffs. The Ethylene Oxide cases have been litigated primarily in state courts (Georgia and Illinois) rather than federal MDL, but similar procedural consolidation mechanisms apply at the state level. Juvenile detention abuse cases vary by state and facility type.