The first quarter of 2026 reveals a mass tort landscape that continues to grow in both scale and complexity. According to data from the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML), there are currently 158 active MDL dockets containing a combined 197,965 pending actions — a 12% increase over the same period in 2025.
Key Statistics
- Total active MDLs: 158
- Total pending cases: 197,965
- Concentration: The top 25 MDLs account for approximately 95% of all pending cases
- New MDLs formed in Q1: 7, including GLP-1 vision loss (MDL 3163) and Dupixent cancer claims
- MDLs resolved/closed in Q1: 3
Largest Active MDLs by Case Count
1. 3M Combat Arms Earplugs (MDL 2885): Although the $6 billion settlement was finalized in 2024, residual claims and appeals keep this docket active with approximately 12,000 remaining cases 2. Talcum Powder (Various): Over 69,000 combined cases across J&J and cosmetic talc dockets 3. Roundup Herbicide (MDL 2741): Approximately 65,000 pending cases awaiting resolution of the proposed class settlement 4. Hair Relaxer (MDL 3060): Over 11,000 cases and growing rapidly 5. AFFF Firefighting Foam (MDL 2873): Approximately 9,400 cases involving PFAS contamination
Emerging Trends
Several trends are shaping the mass tort landscape in 2026:
- Pharmaceutical litigation is accelerating — GLP-1 drugs, Dupixent, and other widely-prescribed medications are generating new MDLs at an increasing pace
- Environmental contamination cases are expanding — PFAS/"forever chemicals" litigation continues to grow beyond the military AFFF context into municipal water supply cases
- Social media harm litigation — MDL 3047 involving claims against Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, and other platforms has surpassed 5,000 cases
- Bellwether trial outcomes are driving settlements — Successful plaintiff verdicts in bellwether trials continue to be the primary catalyst for global settlement negotiations
Outlook
Legal analysts expect the total number of pending MDL cases to exceed 200,000 by mid-2026, driven primarily by growth in hair relaxer, GLP-1, and PFAS litigation. The resolution of the Roundup class settlement in July 2026 could significantly reduce the overall count if approved.