A class-action lawsuit is a legal action brought by several persons, called plaintiffs, who have suffered injuries or harm through a corporation’s negligent actions.
Under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 42, citizens of the state of Texas may bring class-action lawsuits forward when a group of plaintiffs suffered the same or similar harm by a particular defendant.
Filing a case against a large corporation can be daunting for a single plaintiff, especially if one person’s damages are not large enough to make filing a personal injury case desirable. Class action lawsuits can make a stronger case since a large number of plaintiffs act as a group.
If you have suffered harm from a defective drug, or defective product, or were otherwise injured or discriminated against by a corporation, you could file or join in a class-action lawsuit. See how a Dallas class action lawsuits lawyer from Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help by calling 800-959-1444 today.
Class Action Lawsuits
If you are considering joining or initiating a class-action lawsuit, you might wonder how these types of claims work.
Typically, in class action lawsuits, a lead plaintiff works as the representative for the entire group. The lead plaintiff normally suffers from the same type of harm and injury as the other plaintiffs. They will be the person who hires the attorney and makes some of the major decisions regarding the settlement.
Lead plaintiffs are actively involved in the class-action lawsuit, unlike the other plaintiffs, and they do have some control over the strategy and handling of a case. While the majority of plaintiffs simply wait to hear of the outcome of their class-action lawsuit, the lead plaintiff has to attend court hearings and depositions.
A class-action lawsuit comes with no cost to the group of plaintiffs. If the action is successful, you will receive a part of the settlement, typically in the form of financial compensation. All plaintiffs usually receive the same payout, with the exception of the lead plaintiff, who may receive a larger settlement. Class action lawsuits can take months to years to conclude.
For a free legal consultation with a class action lawsuits lawyer serving Dallas, call 800-709-1441
Examples of Class Action Lawsuits
Class action lawsuits can include action against a government entity, banks, manufacturers, employers, and retailers, among other parties. Class action lawsuits can cover a multitude of negligence claims. Some examples of class action lawsuits are:
- Defective products
- Defective drugs
- False advertising
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Discrimination
- Unlawful employment practices
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Pros and Cons of Class Action Lawsuits
There are several advantages to a class action lawsuit, such as a plaintiff being able to find legal recourse even if their damages are relatively minor. Other advantages can include:
Strength in Numbers
A defendant may be more inclined to settle claims in a timely fashion when presented by a large group of plaintiffs alleging negligence. Some class-action lawsuits are very large and command considerable media and press coverage. They can have hundreds or thousands of plaintiffs, such as the Exxon Valdez oil spill, which compensated around 32,000 plaintiffs for their losses connected with the disaster, according to The Washington Post.
Lower Legal Costs
Class action lawsuits can considerably lower the litigation costs and make for a more streamlined legal process compared to filing several separate personal injury lawsuits. Since class action lawyers typically work on contingency and on a “no win, no fee” basis, there is no cost for the plaintiffs unless they win the case. The attorney’s fee and court costs are taken out of the settlement, so there is no financial risk for plaintiffs and no out-of-pocket costs.
Consistent Compensation
All plaintiffs in a successful class-action lawsuit will typically receive the same or a similar settlement amount, even those who may have only small damages and might not receive much compensation in a personal injury lawsuit.
A class-action lawsuit can also have some disadvantages, including:
Smaller Individual Settlements
If you had extensive damages and costs due to a corporation’s negligence, you might not receive adequate compensation in a class-action lawsuit and might want to consider filing a personal injury claim instead. Plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit typically also give up the right to sue the defendant independently.
In a class-action lawsuit, plaintiffs can potentially receive a settlement without the usual responsibilities and risks of filing a personal injury lawsuit. While the lead plaintiff and attorney work on all plaintiffs’ behalf, you do not have to do anything and can wait for the case’s outcome.
If you think you may have grounds to start a class action lawsuit or received a letter or saw a class action notice online or on TV, a Dallas class action lawsuit lawyer might be able to help. We can look at your individual case and advise you on your legal options and the best course of action, whether a class action lawsuit or an individual personal injury lawsuit. Call us today for a free consultation.
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Ben Crump Can Help You with a Class Action Lawsuit
If you suffered harm by a negligent company, manufacturer, or government entity, you might have the right to compensation. We do not shy away from tough cases and can fight to protect your rights, no matter how big a company may be.
We can also help you determine whether you can join an existing class action lawsuit or start a new suit. We can build a class action lawsuit case and fight the defendant in court. Class action lawsuits are an important tool to get justice for plaintiffs and hold large corporations to account so that they do not harm consumers or employees any further.
When a large company is responsible for you and other plaintiffs’ injuries, they should pay for the damages. Do not hesitate to contact us for advice and guidance regarding a class action lawsuit you could join or initiate.
Consult with a Dallas class-action lawsuits lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you contact us, the sooner you could receive a settlement. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC now for a free evaluation of your potential class-action lawsuit at 800-959-1444.
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