Critical Mass Briefing: Key Developments in Mass Torts and Class Actions
The “Critical Mass” series by Law.com’s Amanda Bronstad, published on January 14, 2026, provides a weekly roundup for class action and mass tort attorneys, highlighting significant updates in ongoing litigations. This edition focuses on two major stories: Johnson & Johnson’s revived lawsuit against a talc expert and leadership applications in Roblox child exploitation cases, alongside brief mentions of other developments like a new book on pelvic mesh litigation, the Supreme Court’s denial of review in the Boy Scouts settlement, and jury selection in an Uber rape case.
Johnson & Johnson Gets Second Chance to Sue Talc Plaintiffs’ Expert
A federal judge has signaled plans to revive a lawsuit filed by a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary against Dr. Jacqueline Moline, a prominent expert witness for plaintiffs in talc litigation. On January 8, 2026, U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner in the District of New Jersey issued a certification indicating she would grant the motion to reopen the case. This development gives J&J a “second bite” at pursuing claims against Moline, who has testified in numerous talc-related lawsuits alleging links to ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. The original suit, which accuses Moline of misconduct or flawed testimony, was previously dismissed, but this ruling could allow J&J to challenge her credibility further amid ongoing multidistrict litigation involving thousands of talc claims. No specific quotes from the judge or parties are detailed in the briefing, but it underscores J&J’s aggressive defense strategy in the talc MDL, where recent verdicts have gone against the company (e.g., a $1.5 billion award in Maryland in December 2025).
Prominent Plaintiffs’ Attorneys Seek Leadership in Roblox Child Exploitation Lawsuits
Five well-known plaintiffs’ attorneys—W. Mark Lanier, Bryan Aylstock, Sarah London, Alexandra Walsh, and Bob Hilliard—have applied for leadership roles in 85 coordinated lawsuits accusing Roblox of child exploitation. These cases were consolidated last month into multidistrict litigation (MDL) before Chief Judge Richard Seeborg in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The lawsuits allege that Roblox’s platform enabled grooming, sexual abuse, and exploitation of minors, with plaintiffs seeking damages and reforms. The attorneys, known for high-profile mass tort work (e.g., Lanier in opioid and talc cases), aim to steer the MDL, which could involve discovery, bellwether trials, and potential settlements. This follows increased scrutiny of online platforms for child safety, similar to cases against companies like Meta and TikTok.
Additional Context and Related Stories
The briefing also touches on:
- Elizabeth Burch’s new book, The Pain Brokers, released on January 12, 2026, which examines the pelvic mesh litigation and critiques the mass tort system’s handling of women’s health claims.
- The U.S. Supreme Court’s January 12, 2026, denial of review for a $2.46 billion Boy Scouts of America settlement, providing closure for survivors; attorney Ken Rothweiler commented, “A lot of the men involved in this case are older, and dozens have died during the bankruptcy proceedings. My first thought after seeing the decision this morning is that it finally gives these men closure and the ability to move forward.”
- Jury selection beginning January 7, 2026, in a bellwether rape case against Uber, part of broader sex assault litigation.
For the full article and related coverage, visit Law.com’s mass torts section. If you’d like more details on any specific case or updates, let me know!