When multiple people have suffered at the hands of another individual or business, justice should follow. Maybe you faced discrimination at the workplace. Or maybe you fell victim to a defective product. You might be aware that other people have similar experiences. Whatever the scenario, it’s vital that everyone harmed receives compensation.
Class action lawsuits allow a larger group of people with similar claims to come together. This civil lawsuit can be brought to state or federal courts. One person or a few people bring the lawsuit to court on behalf of the group. Generally, class actions are used to represent people who are affected by a particular situation, such as:
- Defective products
- Dangerous pharmaceutical drugs
- Fraudulent practices
- Employment discrimination
Class action lawsuits offer many benefits, which include:
- Low risk – Class action lawsuits make it easier to pursue a claim. Large corporations are difficult to go up against, especially when an individual claim is small. With more plaintiffs, the case becomes stronger. Class action lawsuits almost always settle.
- Affordable – Class action attorneys receive compensation after the case is settled. Their costs and fees come out of the recovery, usually as a percentage. The court decides on how everything is divided at the end.
- Efficient – Private lawsuits – meaning each individual files their own – can clog up the courts. Large numbers of actions can also cause scheduling issues due to all the hearings and trials. Class actions are not only beneficial to the plaintiffs. The courts find class actions efficient as well.
Each case is different. Some cases benefit from a class action lawsuit, while others would do better in a private lawsuit. Both class action lawsuits and private lawsuits take time to settle. This depends on whether the claim is small or big. Smaller claims often succeed in a class action. If your injury is easier to prove than the rest of the group, you might benefit from a private lawsuit.
It’s always important to consult with law professional before making major legal decisions.