Distinguished, Effective Legal Advocacy

Leading The Way In Complex Litigation And Class Actions

At Barrett Law Group, P.A., we understand that facing complex legal challenges can be daunting. From our office in Lexington, Mississippi, we represent clients across northern and central Mississippi and nationwide, delivering experienced legal counsel in complex litigation and class-action lawsuits.

We are proud to be one of the select few law firms in Mississippi that focus on mass torts, complex litigation and class actions for plaintiffs. Our attorneys carry the wisdom of three generations, backed by nearly 200 years of combined legal experience, ensuring that we approach each case with a depth of knowledge and a commitment to success. Whether you are dealing with issues stemming from consumer fraud, environmental harm or large-scale corporate misconduct, we are here to help you stand strong against adversaries and fight for the justice you deserve.

Taking On The Most Difficult Complex Litigation Cases

Our group is highly experienced in handling complicated cases that are considered to be complex litigation. A case is considered to be complex litigation if it involves multiple parties in multiple jurisdictions, large amounts of money, lengthy trial or complex legal issues.

For example, on November 30, 2017, Don Barrett’s firm led the filing of the first RICO class action on behalf of U.S. hospitals against the manufacturers and distributors of opioids for deceptive marketing. Our lawsuit claims that these drug companies pushed highly addictive, dangerous opioids and falsely represented to doctors that patients would only rarely succumb to drug addictions. As a result of this deceptive marketing, hospitals have had to treat patients for opioid addiction, overdoses and babies born with opioid addiction. On January 4, 2018, Judge Dan Polster, presiding over In Re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation, MDL No. 2804 (N.D. Ohio), appointed Don Barrett to the Plaintiffs Executive Committee as the representative of hospitals.

In 2017, our group filed 11 civil RICO lawsuits on behalf of the state of Mississippi against all corporate and individual conspirators connected to the prison bribery scandal involving former Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner Chris Epps. Our lawsuits allege that multiple corporations paid millions of dollars in so-called “consulting fees” to individuals who then used those fees to pay bribes and kickbacks to Epps. Based on those kickbacks, Epps awarded, directed or extended approximately $800 million in public contracts to those private prison contractors. Epps is accused of running one of the largest and longest criminal conspiracies in state government history, taking at least $1.4 million in bribes and kickbacks over eight years to steer more than $800 million worth of state prison contracts. Several defendants have already settled their claims for a total of around $10 million dollars. Litigation is still active for those defendants who have not settled.

Our group currently represents over one hundred women in In Re: Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Products Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation (MDL No. 16-2738) for their injuries caused from the use of Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products. Johnson & Johnson failed to warn women of the risk of developing talcum powder related injuries, such as ovarian cancer, from the use of its popular baby powder in the pelvic region. The litigation is currently ongoing.

Barrett Law Group, P.A., currently represents Bridgestone Americas, Inc., against International Business Machines Corporation in a breach of contract dispute over a failed software implementation. The case is currently set to go to trial in 2018.

When Does A Lawsuit Qualify As Complex Litigation?

Complex litigation involves legal matters that require more time to resolve and the presence of certain complicating factors. Those unique factors may include:

Multiple plaintiffs or multiple jurisdictions
Claims based on complicated legal issues
Overwhelming amounts of evidence/discovery information to review
High financial stakes
Extended litigation timelines
Coordination with state or federal authorities
Unusually complicated procedures, such as case consolidation

You can trust our experienced complex litigation attorneys to manage every intricate detail of your case, providing the steady hand and expert guidance you need to win.

Is A Class Action Or Mass Tort The Better Option?

Mass torts involve numerous plaintiffs alleging similar issues, each filing separate lawsuits. Class actions are unified lawsuits brought on behalf of multiple parties.

Generally speaking, a mass tort may be a wise option in cases where each plaintiff sustained different damages due to the misconduct, negligence or contractual breaches of an outside party. In a mass tort, each plaintiff has their claim evaluated separately and receives compensation based on their unique circumstances.

Does This Issue Require Mississippi Or Federal Litigation?

Determining whether to file your case in the Mississippi state courts or the federal courts can be a challenge. The Class Action Fairness Act of 2005 (CAFA) makes federal filing accessible in cases involving 100 or more class members. State litigation may be beneficial in a mass tort scenario. Mississippi-based lawsuits may be subject to multidistrict litigation (MDL) rules in addition to state laws.

This legal procedure combines numerous pending lawsuits to allow for a single pretrial process. The MDL consolidation process occurs to make the management of complex litigation more efficient and reduce the burden on the courts. Certain representative test cases may proceed before others. They become “bellwether trials” that predict outcomes in the other related lawsuits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Complex Litigation

Navigating a high-stakes legal battle can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to find the answers alone. We’ve clarified the most common concerns below to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.

Do I qualify for a class action lawsuit?

Yes, you may qualify for a class action if you and numerous others suffered the same losses or damages caused by the same defendant. How close you live to other plaintiffs and the time between your purchases/injuries can influence your eligibility.

How long do I have to file a complex lawsuit?

If you file in a federal court, you generally have two years from the date of the injury. Because the Mississippi statute of limitations varies based on the nature of your claim, we offer a case-specific review to ensure your right to recovery is protected.

We Will Fight Tirelessly For Your Rights

If you are overwhelmed by a complex legal issue or believe you might be part of a class action, do not face it alone. Contact Barrett Law Group, P.A., today by calling 662-834-2488 or by filling out our online contact form. Our team of dedicated attorneys is ready to evaluate your case and guide you through every step of the legal process. Let us help you achieve the compensation and justice you are entitled to.