The term bellwether refers to the sheep at the head of a herd who wears the bell. In the context of a Mass Tort, it is the case or cases that are tried first and whose outcomes shape or determine the settlement value of the other cases. The Plaintiff’s attorneys want the very strongest of the cases to be the bellwether cases, so the verdicts are very high. The defense attorneys of course want the opposite. If your case is not filed, it will not be considered in determining bellwether trials. If you have a good claim, but there are issues, we may advise that your case not be filed unless required due to time limitations. If your case is selected as a bellwether, you must give a deposition, respond to significant discovery, have your doctors deposed, and attend a trial that may last several weeks and will likely not be in the state in which you live.