The biggest factor in determining settlements is the type of case. MDL global settlements are very structured. Much more so than for individual lawsuits. Individual cases: In individual lawsuits, all negotiations revolve around the plaintiff. Not hundreds or thousands of other plaintiffs. Therefore, plaintiffs can present evidence of their unique losses. And plaintiffs may feel more "heard" by the defendant. But without the "safety in numbers" of fellow plaintiffs, plaintiffs may feel shortchanged or ignoreMDLs: Hernia mesh MDL plaintiffs have less opportunity to tell their stories. Instead, each plaintiff has a fact sheet. It contains such information as: Name, address, contact information, age (Older victims may get less money than younger ones.), medical history (Victims that were healthy before the mesh may get more money than victims who were already sick. This is because their losses are more. They may no longer be able to do certain activities. And their lives may be more shortened.), marital status (Only married people can claim loss of consortium.), education, employment history (Plaintiffs who had a higher earning capacity may get more money. This is because their losses are higher than those of low-income plaintiffs.), hernia mesh implant and procedure, revision surgeries (if any), hernia mesh complications (The more serious the injuries, the higher the compensation.), symptoms (temporary or ongoing), information about the doctors and surgeons, evidence of lost wages from the mesh injuries. Then attorneys categorize these symptoms and situations. Ultimately, they use a matrix or grid settlement to calculate the final payout. Plaintiffs who check certain boxes may be entitled to more money. Sometimes attorneys create an online calculator. And plaintiffs can use it to estimate their compensatory damages. Dissatisfied plaintiffs can appeal their award. Each MDL handles appeals differently. Some use mediators or magistrate judges. And they hear evidence from the plaintiff about why the settlement was insufficient. MDL settlements are less personal than in individual lawsuits. But they are efficient. And MDL cases tend to settle first.