Strength in Numbers: Class Action Lawsuits

Over $350,000,000 Recovered Nationwide

Class action lawsuits play a pivotal role in the American legal system, offering a powerful mechanism for individuals to collectively enforce their rights. When a large group of people has been wronged or harmed, but no single person has the incentive to file a lawsuit individually, they can unite as a "class" of plaintiffs in a single legal action.

However, class action lawsuits are highly complex, legally demanding, and often lengthy processes that require a law firm with the financial and intellectual resources to navigate. Meyer Wilson is widely recognized as a leader in defending the rights of victims of corporate and other large-scale wrongdoing.

With a formidable team of attorneys, Meyer Wilson possesses the technology and experience necessary to provide effective representation in nationwide class action lawsuits. Our attorneys have led class actions that have resulted in settlements worth hundreds of millions of dollars across various practice areas, including defective consumer products, data breaches, and TCPA violations.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of corporate wrongdoing, do not hesitate to seek justice. Contact Meyer Wilson at 866-938-2021 or visit <meyerwilson.com> to explore your legal options and take the first step towards holding those responsible accountable.

What is a Class Action Lawsuit?

Have you ever received a notice informing you that you might be eligible for a share in a class action settlement? If so, you've witnessed the power of class action lawsuits firsthand. These legal proceedings allow individuals with similar claims to band together and seek justice collectively, even if their individual cases may not be financially viable to pursue alone.

Strength in Numbers

The essence of class action lawsuits lies in the strength of numbers. While hiring a lawyer and filing an individual lawsuit makes sense for high-value cases, such as those involving life-changing injuries from defective products, not all claims can realistically be pursued individually. By joining forces, individuals with smaller claims can collectively seek compensation and hold companies accountable for their actions.

How Class Action Lawsuits Work

The Lead Plaintiff and The Class

Class action lawsuits begin like any other legal proceeding: a plaintiff hires an attorney, who then files a claim with the court on their behalf. However, in a class action lawsuit, this initial plaintiff is known as the "lead plaintiff" or "class representative." The lawsuit is filed not only for their benefit but also for the benefit of all those who are "similarly situated" or affected in the same way – collectively referred to as the "class."

Defining the Class

Each class action lawsuit specifically defines who qualifies as a class member. Generally, it includes anyone who purchased a particular product, paid for a specific service, or experienced a similar issue during a given time period. The number of eligible participants can range from thousands to millions, with the class defined on either a nationwide or state-wide basis.

Responsibilities of the Lead Plaintiff

While there may be numerous class members, there is typically only one lead plaintiff or a small group of lead plaintiffs. These individuals work closely with the class action attorney, assisting in gathering evidence, participating in hearings, and attending trials. Importantly, the lead plaintiff also has the authority to accept or reject settlement offers on behalf of the class. In recognition of their additional efforts, lead plaintiffs may be eligible for an extra payment at the court's discretion.

The Benefits of Class Action Lawsuits

Class action lawsuits offer several advantages, including:

  • Access to justice for individuals with smaller claims
  • Increased bargaining power against large corporations
  • Efficient resolution of numerous similar claims
  • Deterrence of corporate misconduct

Get Involved and Seek Justice

If you've received a class action notice, don't disregard it. Take the time to understand your rights and potential eligibility for compensation. By participating in class action lawsuits, you can join forces with others and hold companies accountable for their actions, promoting fairness and justice for all.

Class Action Lawsuits: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Are you considering joining a class action lawsuit but unsure of the process? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps involved in pursuing a class action case, from filing the initial complaint to receiving your settlement share.

Step 1: Filing the Lawsuit

The process begins when an attorney drafts a complaint outlining the case's facts, the proposed class members, and the desired remedy from the defendant. This complaint serves as the foundation for the class action lawsuit.

Step 2: Discovery Phase

The discovery phase is where both parties gather evidence, request documents, and potentially collect sworn testimony from relevant individuals, including the lead plaintiff. This investigative process is crucial for building a strong case.

Step 3: Class Certification

Before a case can officially become a class action, the court must certify it as a viable class action. During this crucial stage, the judge evaluates several factors, including the attorney's experience, skills, and resources to effectively represent the class.

Step 4: Resolution

Most certified class action lawsuits result in a settlement, but some may proceed to trial. If the case goes to trial, the lead plaintiff may be called upon to testify, following the same procedures as other types of lawsuits.

Step 5: Notifying Class Members

Once the case is resolved, the class action attorneys are responsible for notifying all affected individuals and providing instructions on how to claim their share of the settlement. This notice includes:

  • An explanation of the lawsuit
  • Eligibility criteria for making a claim
  • Instructions for submitting a claim
  • The claim deadline

Class members also have the option to "opt out" of the settlement, forfeiting their claim but retaining the right to file an individual lawsuit. In some cases, class members may need to "opt in" to waive their right to pursue separate legal action against the defendant.

Stay informed and take advantage of this comprehensive guide to navigate the intricate process of class action lawsuits with confidence.

Meyer Wilson's Class Action Settlements

Meyer Wilson is one of the country's top class action law firms. Meyer Wilson's attorneys have since represented plaintiffs in a wide range of class actions that have resulted in significant results for our clients, including:

    • $262,000,000 Class Action Verdict Against Prudential Securities on behalf of in investors in an unauthorized trading and breach of fiduciary class action against Prudential Securities.
    • $75,500,000 from Capital One in Largest TCPA Settlement in a case filed in Chicago, Meyer Wilson and its co-counsel achieved the largest all-cash class settlement in the history of the TCPA. Consumers who received automated or prerecorded calls on their cell phones were able to make claims for their share of the common fund; more than 1.4 million persons did so and received checks as a direct result of this historic settlement.
    • $40,000,000 in Cash for Robocall Victims against HSBC for a settlement fund for the benefit of consumers who received automated or prerecorded message on their cell phones from HSBC.
    • $32,000,000 from Bank of America paid in a class action lawsuit brought by Meyer Wilson in San Francisco. The plaintiffs alleged that the debt collection robocalls they received were illegal.
    • $30.5 million from Waste Management of Ohio paid in a class action lawsuit on behalf of small business owners in Ohio.  The plaintiffs alleged that Waste Management overcharged them for waste hauling services.

Contact Meyer Wilson's Class Action Attorneys

Meyer Wilson continues to be a national leader in class actions. We built our name and reputation by taking on some of the biggest companies in the world and fighting for victims of corporate wrongdoing.

Our lawyers represent consumers, homeowners, professionals, investors, and businesses in class action lawsuits that hold corporations accountable and provide real benefits to class members. Get in touch with Meyer Wilson today for a free review of your class action legal rights.

FAQs:

  1. Q: What is a class action lawsuit?
    1. A: A class action lawsuit is a legal proceeding where a group of people with similar claims against a defendant join together to seek justice collectively. It allows individuals with smaller claims to unite and pursue compensation that might not be financially viable on their own.
  2. Q: What are the benefits of participating in a class action lawsuit?
    1. A: Benefits include access to justice for individuals with smaller claims, increased bargaining power against large corporations, efficient resolution of numerous similar claims, and deterrence of corporate misconduct.
  3. Q: What is the role of a lead plaintiff in a class action lawsuit?
    1. A: The lead plaintiff, or class representative, works closely with the class action attorney, assists in gathering evidence, participates in hearings, and has the authority to accept or reject settlement offers on behalf of the class.
  4. Q: Q: How do I start a class action lawsuit?
    1. A: To start a class action lawsuit, first identify a widespread issue affecting many people. Then consult with an experienced class action law firm like Meyer Wilson. The attorneys will evaluate your case for class action viability. If viable, your attorney will file a complaint in court and you may become the lead plaintiff or class representative. Lastly, the court must certify the lawsuit as a class action.
  5. Q: What should I do if I receive a class action notice?
    1. A: Don't disregard it. Take the time to understand your rights and potential eligibility for compensation. By participating, you can join forces with others to hold companies accountable and promote fairness and justice.
Consult With Our Legal Team
There is never a cost associated with a consultation.

Meyer Wilson
Meyer Wilson
Quick Links
The information contained in this Website is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. No recipients of content from this site, clients or otherwise, should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in the site without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from an attorney licensed in the recipient's state. Read More
The information contained in this Website is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. Read More
crosschevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram