Class action lawsuits generally arise when a group of people that suffered similar damages come together to start legal action against an employer, a business, or another entity. Class action lawsuits can be particularly useful when a plaintiffs’ individual damages are not extensive enough to warrant an individual lawsuit.
Filing a class action lawsuit can be a convenient and efficient way to pursue justice and compensation with one attorney and one lead plaintiff taking charge of the claim while the rest of the class simply awaits the outcome.
If you want to find out how you could start or join in a class action lawsuit in Charlotte, call a Charlotte class action lawsuits lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC today and speak to a team member about your case at (800) 709-1441.
Types of Class Action Lawsuits
Class action lawsuits can cover a number of different subjects and areas of litigation, including:
Defective Products
If a group of plaintiffs suffered harm due to a defective product, they can potentially file a class action lawsuit against a company. Defective product claims can cover manufacturing defects, defectively designed products, and failure to provide adequate warnings or instructions with a product. Defective products suits can cover all types of consumer products, appliances, cars, and many other products.
Medications
Class action lawsuits for defective products can also cover medications and supplements. Plaintiffs who suffered harm from defective drugs or supplements can potentially go after a manufacturer and other liable parties. Drugs can be defective in design, manufacture, or instructions/labeling. Class action lawsuits can also potentially address unsubstantiated claims touting the effectiveness of herbal supplements.
Medical Devices
Some class action lawsuits address defective medical devices that caused injury and harm to a number of patients. Class action lawsuits for defective medical devices have previously dealt with faulty breast implants, dental implants, and pacemakers, to name just a few examples according to HealthLeaders.com.
Environmental Hazards
If a group of plaintiffs suffered harm and damages due to exposure to an environmental hazard such as toxins in the workplace, or pollution in their neighborhood, they can potentially file a class action lawsuit. A group of plaintiffs could hold an individual or a business to account for exposure to environmental hazards.
Employment
If a group of employees suffered harm or unlawful treatment by an employer, they can potentially file a class action lawsuit against the employer. Employment class action lawsuits can cover many different subjects, including discrimination, disputes about wages and hours, or complaints about dangerous working conditions.
Finance
Financial class action lawsuits can cover issues with banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions. If a financial institution used deceptive practices or failed to comply to state and/or federal laws, plaintiffs who suffered financial damages can potentially come together and sue an institution with a class action lawsuit.
Civil Rights
If a group of plaintiffs suffered from discrimination or another violation of their civil rights, they can come together and potentially sue an employer, business, financial institution, or government entity in a class action lawsuit.
This is by no means an exhaustive list. If you are wondering whether you have a claim suited to a class action lawsuit in Charlotte, you should speak to a Charlotte class action lawsuits lawyer who can advise you and potentially help you file your claim.
For a free legal consultation with a class action lawsuits lawyer serving Charlotte, call (800) 709-1441
How Class Action Lawsuits Work
In a class action lawsuit, one person typically initiates the action on behalf of a number of others (the “class”) that all suffered the same type of harm. Typically, the person who started the class action lawsuit will then act as the “lead plaintiff” and advance the claim.
What Is a Lead Plaintiff?
The lead plaintiff is the person appointed by the court who is responsible for progressing the case together with the attorney. The person acting as the lead plaintiff will have a number of responsibilities, including:
- Hiring an attorney for the class action lawsuit
- Conferring with the attorney regularly throughout the suit
- Attending all relevant meetings and hearings on behalf of the class
- Representing the best interests of the class in all matters
- Deciding on the final settlement
Since the lead plaintiff has extensive responsibilities and spends a considerable amount of time and effort on a class action lawsuit, they may, in some cases, receive a larger settlement than the plaintiffs in the class.
The Advantages of a Class Action Lawsuit
In a class action lawsuit, plaintiffs in the class have no risks or responsibilities, unlike with an individual lawsuit. They can sit back and wait for the settlement. There are no lawyer’s fees, no court appearances, and every plaintiff will receive the same amount of damages as the others, regardless of the extent of damages suffered. This can suit those who suffered only minor harm and damages, as it may not be economically viable for them to initiate a personal injury lawsuit.
A class action lawsuit provides strength in numbers and is a fairly streamlined process. One case moves considerably quicker through the court system than several individual suits. This can make class action lawsuits extremely efficient.
The Disadvantages of a Class Action Lawsuit
Plaintiffs who suffered considerable harm and damages at the hands of a business or from a defective product may not receive an adequate settlement in a class action lawsuit and could be left severely out of pocket. If you suffered from sizable damages, it may be advantageous to file an individual lawsuit instead. While a class action case can be convenient for plaintiffs, they lose control and have no say in the case. The lead plaintiff and attorney make all the decisions, including when to settle, and what to settle for.
If you have suffered any type of harm through the actions of a company, it can be challenging to decide whether an individual lawsuit or a class action litigation is the right choice for you. However, you do not have to make the decision on your own and can consult with a Charlotte class action lawsuits lawyer for professional advice with your potential claim.
Charlotte Class Action Lawsuits Lawyer Near Me (800) 709-1441
Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC for Help
There is no doubt that a class action lawsuit can be an extremely efficient and convenient way to get justice for a group of plaintiffs. However, you need to do what is right for you. We can help you assess whether a class action lawsuit is right for you personally and be by your side every step of the way.
Call us today and speak to one of our team members to determine whether you have a case at (800) 709-1441.
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