Class Action Lawsuits

When you have suffered harm due to a defective drug, device, or product, there is a strong chance you are not alone. When a manufacturer produces something that turns out to be harmful, a large number of consumers are put at risk.

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If you or a loved one is a part of a class-action lawsuit against a manufacturer or another party, you have the right to take legal action to not only pursue fair compensation but also keep what happened to you from happening to others in the future.

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At Oliver Bell Group, our team of skilled attorneys is dedicated to defending the rights of consumers nationwide. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

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A class-action lawsuit is a legal action taken by a large group of individuals that has suffered similar harm by a single party or entity. Due to the impracticality of hundreds (or even thousands) of different people filing separate lawsuits against the same party, a class-action suit allows the larger group to be represented by a smaller group or a single individual in one, all-encompassing legal action.

How Class Actions Work

In order for a class-action suit to be filed, there are certain steps to follow. These steps include, but are not limited to:

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• Determining how many people have been similarly affected

• Determining if there is already legal action taking place making the same claims

• Making sure the action will fall within the applicable statutes of limitations

• Having the lawsuit officially certified as a class action by the presiding judge

• Notifying all potential class members and giving them the option to participate or opt-out

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In many cases, class-action lawsuits are settled prior to trial. If a settlement is reached, it must be approved by the judge presiding over the case before it becomes official. If the case is not settled and proceeds to trial, the individual representative(s) for the class may be called to testify, along with other witnesses.

Types of Class Action Lawsuits

There is a wide range of cases that can reach the level of a class action. Some of the more common examples include:

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• Prescription drugs causing widespread injury due to allergic reaction or side-effects

• Stockholders suffering financial loss due to the illegal or negligent actions of a corporate executive or stock trading organization

• Individuals injured or whose homes or places of business were damaged due to environmental disasters (oil spills, pipeline leaks, gas releases, etc.)

• Victims of discrimination based on their gender, race, age, or other factors

• Consumers who have been subjected to false advertising, price-gouging, or defective merchandise

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There are laws in place to protect individuals from civil rights and consumer rights perspectives at both the state and federal levels. When a company or entity produces a harmful product or shows a pattern of mistreatment toward employees or customers, a class-action lawsuit becomes a possibility.