How Do Class Action Lawsuits Work?
While many people have heard of them, most do not know what they are. The Anastopoulo Law firm answers the question “how do class action lawsuits work?”
If there is a group of people who have been injured or killed by a defective product, suffered discrimination in the workplace or have had wages unlawfully with held, they can be part of a class action lawsuit. Defective services, such as telephone, banking or even financial investment advisories can also be class action lawsuits.
The advantage of a class action lawsuit is that one large suit is filed on behalf of hundreds or thousands of plaintiffs at one time, instead of multiple lawsuits of the same sort filed individually. As the suit progresses through the legal system, everyone is notified via one mailing announcement or broadcast email.
Another benefit is that the class action case format can lower the high cost of litigating massive suits.
Basically, a product or service becomes known as being deceptive or defective, impacts people’s lives and/or financial status. A class action lawsuit then gets filed and as legal research into the defect continues, more people who are directly impacted are added to the suit.
A class action lawsuit must be certified before it can go forward. Generally, a lawsuit is certified when:
- Many potential claimants exist to where it is impractical to file individual lawsuits
- The lawsuit must be based on the same common wrongdoing
- The plaintiffs have the same, or a very similar claim about the wrongdoing
What Are The Steps In A Class Action Lawsuit?
In general, the steps for a class action suit are these:
- A common defect or wrongdoing for a product or service must be identified
- Multiple parties must have been negatively impacted by the defect or wrongdoing
- The suit is certified
- As legal research proceeds, affected individuals’ contact information is collected, they are contacted and notified
- Depending on the lawsuit, affected people may have the option to opt out of the lawsuit, but this is not always the case
- If the lawsuit has merit and the deciding court rules for the plaintiffs, there is some form of compensation for each person
- The compensation varies from suit to suit, and all plaintiffs will be notified as to what compensation they may be entitled to receive
There are many variables for each class action lawsuit, but these are the general steps
For a free legal consultation, call 803-222-2222
What Should I Do If I Am Notified I Am Part Of A Class Action Lawsuit?
Unless there is an opt-out option, you need do nothing but wait for further notifications about the suit. This could take months, but there is no action on your part that needs to be taken.
Once the suit has been successfully settled, you will get notification of this and any compensation you may be eligible to receive.
The Anastopoulo Law firm has the expertise to file and resolve class action lawsuits. If you believe you should be part of one, call us now at 800-777-777 for a free consultation to see if you deserve compensation.
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