A mass tort is a civil action involving numerous plaintiffs against one or a few corporate defendants. The tort may involve, for example, personal injuries suffered by numerous plaintiffs as a result of a defective product, or a mass disaster in which there were many injured persons, such as an airplane crash, or exposure of a large group of people to toxic chemicals or pharmaceuticals.
Beloit is a city in Rock County, Wisconsin, United States. As of the 2000 census, Beloit had a population of 35,775. Its 2007 estimated census was 37,710. The greater Beloit area is home to more than 91,000 residents. Beloit is the home of Beloit College. It is also home to a Hormel plant, a Frito Lay plant, the world's largest can of chili, and the Beloit Snappers baseball club of the Midwest League. Beloit lays claim to such inventions as the speedometer,Korn Kurls, and John Francis Appleby's twine binder. Korn Kurls, which resemble present day Cheetos, are credited for the founding of the snack food industry.