Class Action Attorney

Class actions cover a broad range of legal issues, and understanding the categories can help you determine if your case qualifies. The most common types include:

1. Defective Products

When a product is unsafe or fails to perform as advertised, affected consumers may unite to seek compensation. Examples include:

• Automobile Defects: Airbags that fail to deploy or malfunctioning brakes.
• Consumer Goods: Household appliances prone to overheating or breaking prematurely.

2. Consumer Fraud

Class actions can address deceptive practices by companies that mislead customers. Common examples include:

• False Advertising: Products that do not deliver on their promises.
• Hidden Fees: Financial institutions charging undisclosed fees to customers.

3. Environmental Disasters

When pollution or negligence causes harm to a community, a class action can hold corporations accountable. Examples include:

• Oil Spills: Contamination of water supplies due to negligent drilling operations.
• Toxic Exposure: Communities affected by chemical leaks or hazardous waste.

4. Data Breaches

With the rise of digital technology, data breaches are becoming increasingly common. Affected individuals may join a class action if their sensitive information has been compromised. 

Examples include:

• Retailers experiencing hacks that expose credit card information.
• Healthcare providers failing to protect patient records.

5. Employment Violations

Employees who experience systemic workplace violations may band together in a class action. Examples include:

• Wage and Hour Disputes: Failing to pay overtime or minimum wage.
• Discrimination: Practices that unfairly target specific groups of employees.

If your experience aligns with any of these categories, you may qualify to join an ongoing class action or start a new one.

Once a class action lawsuit is filed, several steps occur to ensure the case is handled fairly and efficiently. Here’s what to expect:

1. Class Certification

The court will determine whether the case meets the criteria for a class action. Key considerations include:

• The number of affected individuals.
• Whether the legal issues are common to all class members.
• Whether a single representative can adequately represent the group.

2. Notification of Potential Class Members

Once the lawsuit is certified, potential class members are notified through:

• Mail, email, or public announcements.
• Instructions on how to opt-in or opt-out of the class action.

3. Claims Evaluation

The court and attorneys evaluate the claims to determine their validity. This may involve:

• Reviewing evidence submitted by class members.
• Conducting depositions or interviews with witnesses.

4. Settlement or Trial

• Settlement: Most class actions are resolved through negotiated settlements, where the defendant agrees to compensate the class members.
• Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge or jury determines the outcome.

5. Distribution of Compensation

If the class action is successful, the settlement is distributed to class members. This process involves:

• Submitting proof of eligibility (receipts, documents).
• Receiving compensation based on the agreed-upon terms.

While both class actions and mass torts involve groups of people seeking compensation, they are distinct legal approaches:

Class Actions

• Unified Claims: All plaintiffs are treated as a single group with identical claims.
• Representative Plaintiff: One individual represents the entire group.
• Uniform Outcome: All class members receive the same compensation per the settlement terms.

Mass Torts

• Individual Claims: Plaintiffs file separate lawsuits but share resources like evidence and expert witnesses.
• Diverse Outcomes: Compensation varies based on the specific harm suffered by each plaintiff.
• Examples: Pharmaceutical injuries, such as side effects from defective medications.

Understanding these differences can help you determine the best path for your case.

At Morgan & Morgan, our team of experienced class action attorneys has successfully represented countless clients in similar situations, securing millions in compensation. As the largest personal injury law firm in the country with over 1,000 lawyers nationwide, we have the resources, knowledge, and dedication to fight for your rights. 

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay unless we win your case. Morgan & Morgan believes justice should be accessible to all, so our motto is the Fee Is Free™—you only pay if we win.

We take pride in holding corporations accountable when their actions harm consumers, employees, or communities. If you’ve been affected by unfair business practices, defective products, or corporate negligence, you may have the right to join a class action lawsuit. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation to explore your legal options.

Morgan & Morgan’s class action lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that there are no upfront fees or expenses until your case comes to a successful conclusion. That’s right—the Fee Is Free™, and you only pay if we win.

Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount, ensuring we are motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

No. Consultations at Morgan & Morgan are completely free. We believe everyone deserves access to legal advice, regardless of their financial situation.

Hiring one of our class action lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation on our site or by phone.

When you hire Morgan & Morgan, you don’t just hire a lawyer, you hire the largest personal injury law firm in the country with an army of over 1,000 lawyers and offices in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Your case will be handled by a dedicated team of professionals, including personal injury lawyers, paralegals, and support staff. You will be assigned a care team that includes a primary attorney who will oversee your case and ensure you receive personalized attention throughout the process.

After your initial consultation, your care team will schedule regular meetings to discuss your case, provide updates, and prepare you for any upcoming proceedings. We are committed to maintaining open lines of communication and keeping you informed every step of the way.

These meetings can be handled in person, virtually, and by phone, depending on your case’s requirements and your ability to do so.

Class action lawsuits can take months or even years to resolve. Each case is unique, so only an experienced attorney can accurately assess your case. As a broad example, here’s a typical timeline:

1. Investigation and Filing (3-6 Months)

Attorneys investigate the claims, gather evidence, and file the lawsuit.

2. Class Certification (6-12 Months)

The court reviews whether the case meets the requirements for a class action.

3. Discovery Phase (1-2 Years)

Both sides exchange evidence and conduct depositions. This stage can be lengthy but is crucial for building the case.

4. Settlement Negotiations (Several Months)

Many cases resolve during this phase, with the defendant agreeing to compensate class members.

5. Trial (If Necessary, 1-2 Years)

If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial, which can extend the timeline significantly.

6. Distribution of Compensation (6-12 Months)

After a resolution, class members submit claims, and compensation is distributed.

Patience is key during this process, as thorough investigations and negotiations ensure fairness.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long a class action lawsuit will take. Class actions can typically take 2–5 years, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial. However, an attorney can advise you on the specifics of your case and give a more accurate estimation of the time it may take.

Most class actions allow passive participation. However, you’ll need to submit the required documents and respond to notifications when necessary.

The most active participants in a class action lawsuit are the individuals who first bring the case forward. If you think you may be part of a potential class action lawsuit that has yet to be started, contact Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options and what may be required of you.

A class action settlement is generally divided among class members based on factors like the severity of harm and the number of participants. Attorney fees and administrative costs are deducted from the total.

Typically, no. By joining a class action, you waive your right to file an individual lawsuit for the same issue. However, you can opt out of a class action lawsuit before the case is resolved if you prefer to pursue your own claim. This, however, may lessen the strength of your case, as class action lawsuits have power in numbers and usually more resources behind them.

As a member of a class action lawsuit, your responsibilities are generally limited compared to being an individual plaintiff in a lawsuit. However, there are still some key obligations and considerations to keep in mind:

1. Stay Informed

• Read all communications: Pay attention to any notifications or updates about the lawsuit. These may include court documents, settlement proposals, or deadlines for actions you may need to take.
• Understand the case: Familiarize yourself with the details of the lawsuit, including the claims being made, the parties involved, and the potential outcomes.

2. Meet Deadlines

• Opt-in or opt-out decisions: Depending on the type of class action, you may need to decide whether to join or exclude yourself from the lawsuit by a specific deadline.
• Submit claims: If the case settles or results in a judgment, you may need to file a claim to receive your share of the compensation.

3. Provide Information

• Share relevant documents or facts: You may be asked to provide information related to the case, such as proof of purchase, receipts, or other evidence.
• Respond promptly: If the class action administrator or legal team contacts you, it’s important to reply in a timely manner.

4. Comply With Instructions

• Follow the instructions provided by the class counsel or the court, such as how to fill out claim forms or where to send documentation.

5. Support the Class Representative

• While you’re not the one actively litigating, the class representative acts on behalf of all members, including you. It’s your responsibility to support their role in pursuing the collective interests of the group.

6. Understand Settlement Terms

• Review any proposed settlement agreements carefully. You may have the opportunity to object if you believe the settlement is unfair or inadequate.

7. Maintain Confidentiality (if applicable)

• Avoid sharing sensitive or private details about the lawsuit unless specifically authorized to do so by the class counsel.

The best way to determine your legal options and your best next steps is to consult with an attorney. At Morgan & Morgan, we offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. Our team can hear your story and advise you on whether joining a class action or pursuing individual legal action is more beneficial.

Class actions offer a powerful way for individuals to collectively seek justice against corporations or organizations that have caused widespread harm. If you believe you have a claim and want to discover if a class action lawsuit is right for you, contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation.