What Is a Class Action Lawsuit and How Does It Work?
Many people have legal claims that are simply too small to pursue individually. For example, imagine being overcharged $5, $50, or even $500 by a large corporation. While the amount may be meaningful to you, it may not justify hiring an attorney on an individual basis.
When small harms affect thousands — or even millions — of people, a class action lawsuit may provide a solution.
What Is a Class Action Lawsuit?
A class action lawsuit is a legal action filed by one person (or a small group of people) on behalf of a larger group who have suffered similar harm.
The individual who initiates the case is called the:
- Class Representative
- Named Plaintiff
The larger group is known as the Class.
If the court certifies the case as a class action, the lawsuit proceeds on behalf of all similarly situated individuals.
Why Class Actions Exist
Class actions are designed to:
- Provide access to justice for individuals with small claims
- Promote judicial efficiency
- Hold corporations accountable for widespread misconduct
- Prevent companies from profiting from small but repeated overcharges
Without class actions, many unlawful practices would go unchallenged because the cost of individual litigation would outweigh the potential recovery.
How Class Actions Work
Before a case can proceed as a class action, a court must determine whether:
- The class is sufficiently large
- There are common legal or factual issues
- The claims of the representative are typical of the class
- The representative can adequately protect the interests of the class
If these requirements are met, the court may certify the case as a class action.
Examples of Class Action Cases
Class actions often involve:
- Consumer overcharges
- Defective products
- False advertising
- Unlawful fees
- Securities violations
- Data breaches
Are Class Actions Always the Right Choice?
Not every dispute qualifies as a class action. Some claims are better handled individually, particularly where damages vary significantly among individuals.
An experienced attorney can evaluate whether a class action is appropriate under the circumstances.
Free Consultation
If you believe you and others may have been harmed by the same unlawful conduct, contact Wites & Rogers to discuss your legal options.
954-933-4400
Consultations are confidential.
