Class Action Attorneys

Answer 1

When a group of people have the same or similar injuries from the same product, a class action lawsuit is usually filed by class action attorneys. The injuries may occur in several states, requiring the legal representation of more than one attorney or law firm. Other names for a class action lawsuit include a multi-district litigation or mass tort litigation. People who agree to this type of suit seek justice for the wrong they believe resulted from a defective product such as pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices and motor vehicles. Groups of people have also sued for consumer fraud practices, securities fraud, corporate misconduct and employment practices.

Class action attorneys pursue a lawsuit for multiple people who might not have had a major case independently. The group files a lawsuit with a lead plaintiff. The value of the claims adds up, and consolidating defendant, evidence, witnesses and other aspects of the litigation has a greater impact. Also, pursuing a high number of claims individually for the same issue is not impractical. A collective battle makes a stronger case.

Examples of Class Action Lawsuits

Examples of class action lawsuits handled by class action attorneys vary. Patients who suffer from serious side effects due to a prescribed medication could file a claim against the manufacturer of the drug. A group of employees might make a claim of race or gender discrimination against an employer. Residents in a community could file a claim for toxic spill injuries.

Benefits to Filing a Class Action Lawsuit

The biggest reason for filing a class action lawsuit is efficiency. Potentially thousands of claims are pursued and disposed of at one time. Otherwise, attorneys might not pursue each case individually. The question of who wins is decided by a judge for all litigants.

If the judge rules in the plaintiffs’ favor, the recovery amount is divided equally among each plaintiff. However, if the defendant wins, individuals in the group cannot pursue individual claims in a new lawsuit. Also, the high cost of litigation is lowered, but class action attorneys are trained and experienced in handling this type of case.

Each person affected by the judge’s ruling in a class action lawsuit receives a notice when the action has started. This means that each person does not have to appear in court; however, class action attorneys are ordered by the court to notify unknown class members through the media such as advertising in a newspaper or television commercial.