Class action lawsuits provide an avenue for injured parties to seek justice and enact change or secure financial compensation.
Unfortunately, individuals, businesses, and other entities do not always act lawfully or ethically. Unjust and unlawful behavior, whether perpetrated by a major corporation or government body, can harm multiple individuals, sometimes for many years.
Class action lawsuits provide an avenue for injured parties to seek justice and enact change or secure financial compensation.
Organizing and submitting a class action lawsuit can involve a complex legal process. If you think you are among several individuals who have been harmed by a company or other entity, and you are interested in pursuing legal action, you may want to consider seeking legal counsel from a St. Petersburg class action lawsuit lawyer.
Ben Crump Law, PLLC, is here to help. Call our legal team at (800) 709-1441 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation and possible next steps.
What Is a Class Action Lawsuit?
A class action lawsuit is a legal proceeding in which multiple individuals bring a suit against one defendant. The plaintiffs who file the suit represent a larger group, known as the class. Members of the class are people who have suffered similar injuries due to the defendant’s actions. There is no limit to the number of people who can join a class. All must have something in common with the rest of the class, such as similar injuries or losses.
The defendant in these cases is typically a large corporation, government entity, manufacturer, retailer, or employer. If there is a settlement or judgment in favor of the plaintiffs, the funds are distributed among class members. Class action lawsuits utilize the principle of strength in numbers. Typically, people use them when class members’ individual claims are too small to be worth the cost and time of filing individual suits.
There are a few types of class action lawsuits, including civil rights proceedings, consumer product liability cases, and securities litigation. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act (PSLRA) of 1995 specifies particular rules regarding securities litigation. Class action suits address defective products, false advertising, employee discrimination, unlawful business practices, or environmental disasters.
For a free legal consultation with a class action lawsuits lawyer serving St.Petersburg, call (800) 709-1441
How Class Action Suits Work
The class typically consists of employees, investors, patients, or consumers. If the case meets the criteria outlined in Rule 23, the court can designate it as a class action. The Legal Information Institute (LII) explains Rule 23, which includes the above requirements regarding who can join the class, as well as rules regarding organization and proceedings.
To improve efficiency, a lead plaintiff or plaintiffs represents the class. The lead plaintiffs must have allegations and injuries that are representative of the group. The plaintiff must prove they and the class have valid claims and that the suit represents all class members.
The lead plaintiff(s) or their legal counsel can appoint members of the class, or individuals can ask to join. Those who are automatically included can opt out if they wish. Everyone in the class, aside from the lead(s), can wait passively until the suit finishes.
Often, defendants agree to settle a class action lawsuit rather than going to court. Numerous class action lawsuits in history exemplify this.
According to Harvard Law School, a couple of the most notable from 2019 alone were Cobalt International Energy, found liable for $389.6 million, and Alibaba Group Holding, found liable for $250 million. Other class actions that have resulted in significant payouts for class members include suits against Bank of America Corporation, Toyota, Enron, Dollar General Corp., Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana, and Ohio Public Employees Retirement System.
In civil rights class action suits, the class typically requests legal remedies, rather than financial awards. Perhaps the most famous example is Brown v. Board of Education, a 1954 Supreme Court case and hallmark of the civil rights movement.
Whether a defective medical device or discriminatory hiring practices has left you with an injury, a St. Petersburg class action lawsuit lawyer might be able to assist you in pursuing justice and holding those responsible accountable for wrongdoing.
Handling a class action lawsuit takes careful planning and time. If you are considering becoming a lead plaintiff in legal action of this kind, Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can help you start your case and see it through. Call us today to explore your legal options.
St.Petersburg Class Action Lawsuits Lawyer Near Me (800) 709-1441
Benefits of Class Actions
Seeking justice is rarely easy, particularly when it involves holding large entities or powerful individuals accountable for their actions. If an individual’s claim is relatively small, it might not be worthwhile to go through the complex, time-consuming process alone.
However, if many people have been similarly harmed by the same party, a class action can provide an opportunity for several wronged individuals to cooperate in seeking restitution and saving time and energy.
Members of the class also do not have to spend money on attorney’s fees. If there is a settlement or judgment in the plaintiffs’ favor, the attorney’s payment comes out of the total reward.
Other benefits of a class action include:
- Reduce the number of lawsuits in the court systems
- Ensure plaintiffs with similar injuries receive consistent awards
- Motivate the defendant to settle due to the number of plaintiffs
- Streamline the process of filing the suit
- Reduce stress on plaintiffs
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Connect with a St. Petersburg Class Action Lawsuit Lawyer Today
If an employer, government body, major corporation, or other entity has done you harm, and you believe others have suffered similarly, consider consulting with a class action lawsuit lawyer who can advise you of legal recourse.
The team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can support you in your pursuit of justice and financial awards that could compensate you for your losses, including lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical bills, among other damages.
Call the office at (800) 709-1441 today to speak with a staff member about scheduling a free, no-cost obligation.
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