A class action lawsuit allows many people with similar claims to sue a company or organization together. These cases may involve defective products, data breaches, consumer fraud, employment violations, dangerous drugs, financial misconduct, or privacy violations.
A class action lawyer represents the group, also called the class. Instead of each person filing a separate lawsuit, the claims are combined into one case.
Class actions can be powerful because they allow ordinary consumers or workers to challenge large companies. They can also make legal action possible when individual damages are too small to justify separate lawsuits.
If the case settles or wins, class members may receive payment, refunds, services, or other benefits.
Not every claim qualifies for class action treatment. The court must usually decide whether the case meets certain requirements, including common issues among class members.
If you receive notice of a class action, read it carefully. You may need to file a claim, opt out, or object by a deadline.
A class action lawyer can explain whether your situation may qualify for a group claim.