A class action lawsuit encompasses a group of people who have experienced similar effects or damages from a negligent product, an environmental hazard, or a discriminatory practice. This type of lawsuit gets its name because the group included in the litigation are class members, joining forces with one lawsuit versus individual ones.
Plaintiffs sue in a class action because sometimes separate trials result in different judgments. These different judgments might conflict, making it hard to hold the responsible party accountable. Class members also sue together based on sheer numbers. If there are too many plaintiffs to sue individually in a practical way, they band together.
While there is often an appointed attorney that has worked to investigate the claims, each individual class member can also have their own counsel, usually a member of the lead counsel’s team.
Depending on the type of lawsuit you want to file, you may be able to receive compensation for your damages. If you believe you qualify to join a class action lawsuit, your class action lawsuit lawyer can inform you of your options, and help you decide upon the best course of action. In such cases, compensatory and punitive damages might be available to you. As long as you have relevant evidence, your attorney could build a strong case for you.
Class Action Lawsuits and Lead Plaintiff
One or more lead plaintiffs represent the group of plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff must prove to the judge that the class has a valid claim, and that as the lead plaintiff, they qualify to represent the group adequately, according to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
A lead plaintiff may represent the group, but this does not fully protect your interests. Securing legal representation may be your best option to ensure you receive your share of the award.
If the lawsuit results in a compensatory award, the class shares it. While the amount is often less than you may receive in a personal injury lawsuit filed separately from the group, it can provide some financial assistance.
Class action lawsuits involve more of an emphasis on holding business, manufacturers, and companies accountable for negligent actions that place their employees or consumers at risk.
While class action lawsuits are generally associated with dangerous products (see the talcum powder cancer MDL against J&J, the Truvada and Zantac lawsuits, or the dangerous booster seats lawsuits to name a few), they can also involve cases of discrimination or unfair employment practices.
A class action lawsuit attempts to serve justice for those who mislead the public by intentionally withholding important information or warnings. Holding the defendants accountable by filing a class action lawsuit may ensure they never use such tactics again.
Some of the most notable class action lawsuits of our present times are the Truvada lawsuit, the Zantac lawsuit, and the Camp Lejeune water contamination case, among others. Bringing pharmaceutical giants or the military to justice is not an easy feat, but the more people raise their voices, the better chances they have to receive compensation and fair settlements for their injuries or disabilities.
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Joining a Class Action Lawsuit
Large companies and manufacturers have multiple lawyers protecting their best interests with a class action lawsuit. It may help to get your own lawyer who is unafraid to take on these companies in a class action.
One key component of a class action lawsuit is what the defendant knew and when they knew it. An investigation into a company’s actions to hide the dangers or to mislead the public can lead to valuable evidence in a personal injury case.
If you experienced serious harm from the deceptive practices or products of a corporation, business, or manufacturer, joining a class action lawsuit is your right as someone who suffered harm due to the negligence of someone else.
Most class action lawsuits settle outside of court. While a class action lawsuit involves one or more lead plaintiffs representing the class, protecting your interests is still an option.
Ben Crump Law, PLLC has the experience you need during this challenging time. Hiring legal representation allows you to join the class action without putting your life on the backburner.
A class action lawsuit is a resourceful way to streamline one case that affected many people in a similar way. It is important to understand that by joining a class action lawsuit, you forfeit your right to pursuing an independent case later if the group effort is unsuccessful.
The one shot at securing compensation for a negligent corporation, business, or manufacturer is why it is imperative to protect your best interests as much as possible.
To learn more about how Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help you, call now for a free case evaluation at 800-709-1441. There is no fee out-of-pocket for you. We only profit when your case is successful, and the defendant sometimes pays our fee as part of the overall settlement.
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