Class action lawsuits are proof there is strength in numbers and large groups of people. When multiple individuals consider filing lawsuits against an entity for the same reason, those people may benefit from a class action lawsuit that represents action for the greater good.
If you need advice on initiating or joining a class action, contact the team of lawyers at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at 800-959-1444 to learn how a Houston class action lawsuits lawyer can help you build a strong case.
Class Action Lawsuits Save Resources
According to the Legal Information Institute, class action lawsuits exist for more reasons than the size limits of state and local courtrooms. Class actions save all involved parties the costs of multiple lawsuits, give multiple plaintiffs with the same issue fair settlements, and save other court system resources.
In certain cases, people are involved in a class action without knowing until a settlement is determined. In other cases, plaintiffs will be notified through an effort, such as a mass mailing, which they will need to respond to in order to opt into the lawsuit. There are no consequences for accepting an invitation to become a class member in a class action lawsuit.
How Class Actions Work
Problems addressed by class actions commonly include defective products, employer negligence, fraudulent practices, and other scenarios. “
Generally, a large sum of budgeted compensatory damages is sought and divided among the legal representatives and class members, but in certain circumstances, the damages may be divided in other ways.
Similar to many other types of lawsuits, class actions do not always go to trial and might be settled out of court. If you opt to join a class action by invitation, there is a good chance you will never need to set foot in a courtroom for the issue the lawsuit addresses.
While you typically will not require formal representation if you are invited to join a class action, a Houston class action lawsuits lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can work with you to understand your options, investigate your circumstances in cases similar to yours, and initiate an entirely new lawsuit if necessary.
Rule 23 in Class Actions
Rule 23 outlines the prerequisites for individuals and entities that wish to represent others in a class action. Generally, Rule 23 stipulates that the following apply to classes in class action lawsuits:
- Number of people: While there is no defined minimum number of people required to form a class, the number must make it impractical to pursue damages as one single party, rather than a party of individuals.
- Common Law Questions: The class must have common issues at stake.
- Typical Representation: The individual or representative for the class must have the same interest and legal issues at hand to represent those of the class.
- Protect Interests: The class representative will “fairly and adequately” protect the class in litigation.
There are more particular guidelines for defining a class in a class action lawsuit. A lawyer can explain all the relevant information to you once you begin working together.
For a free legal consultation with a class action lawsuits lawyer serving Houston, call 800-709-1441
Information About Joining or Pursuing a Class Action Lawsuit
In a class action lawsuit, the class representative will work with an attorney to file a formal complaint and file it in the civil court system. In the complaint, the representative will provide detailed information about the individuals who could be affected by the class action in addition to the scope of the case.
For example, class action lawsuits could be limited to a town, a state, or within the bounds of the entire country. When a judge certifies the class, the lawsuit is formalized against the defendants, and discovery can begin.
The way evidence is handled in a class action lawsuit is similar to individual lawsuits. The discovery period is a time for all plaintiffs actively involved to submit evidence for review, in addition to obtaining expert opinion and testimony concerning the details of the case. It is rare, but a class action can occasionally proceed to trial and require court-intensive deliberations.
Anyone who is eligible to collect a settlement from the resolved class action can collect the same amount of money as most of the others who were involved.
Anyone who receives a notice and does not wish to be involved can opt-out of the lawsuit. When money from the class action settlement is unclaimed by those who do not respond or choose to opt-out, it may be donated to a similar charitable cause or returned to the defendant.
Houston Class Action Lawsuits Lawyer Near Me 800-709-1441
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, for Legal Representation
When you work with a lawyer to navigate a particular class action, you can rest assured that the legal representation you receive will consider all the facts of your case. Calling a lawyer for a free consultation is a smart way to hold corporations and businesses responsible for negligence.
Hiring a lawyer can help you or your family deal with the stress of fighting for compensation, especially when you or a loved one are suffering from physical or mental trauma. Medical bills and other expenses can pile up and cause a lot of stress as you deal with the effects of a company’s negligence. Depending on the type of case, a loved one could have died due to this negligence.
A Houston class action lawsuits lawyer can help you understand your options and the information you need to know about pursuing a class action lawsuit. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at 800-959-1444 today.
Call or text 800-709-1441 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
