When people, be it in tens or thousands, are harmed due to negligence conducted by a company or an organization, they have the right to file a case against them. When this group of people come together to file a case together, it is called a class action lawsuit.
Class action lawsuits can be filed due to defective products, such as a food product that led to illness, or other reasons, such as unfair business practices, employment issues, stockholder claims, etc. By pursuing a class action, the plaintiffs can claim compensation for the damages they have incurred.
However, class actions are not easy; big firms usually have a team of aggressive lawyers who will leave no stone unturned to protect the defendant’s interests. This is why legal representation matters; mass tort lawyers from Dolman Russo have extensive knowledge and experience that allows them to handle mass torts with ease, no matter who the opponent may be.
If you are planning to join a class action lawsuit, this guide will help you get a clearer understanding of the process.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Before you dive headfirst to join a class action lawsuit, you need to determine if you are eligible to file it. Eligibility to join a class action lawsuit is usually determined by the court; they set up specific criteria for members of the class. This criterion is usually that the person wishing to join must have experienced similar damages as those faced by the current members of the said class.
This standard eligibility criteria ensures that all the plaintiffs have similar damages, which is suitable for collective action. A lawyer can give you a better understanding by assessing your case.
Step 2: Gather Necessary Information
Proof can strengthen a case. You can collect various types of evidence to support your claim. The evidence does not need to be very detailed; remember, you are not fighting alone.
Suppose you are planning to join a class action lawsuit due to a harmful product that led to severe stomach issues; you collect supportive evidence such as receipts, medical records, product packaging, etc.
Step 3: Submit the Claim Form
Once you are set with the necessary evidence, you need to file a claim. You’ll need to find the appropriate form and fill it out. These forms usually ask for your personal details, such as name and contact information, as well as other details that may get complicated. It is better to have a lawyer find, fill, and file the form, as mistakes such as using outdated forms, filling in the wrong information, or missing the statute of limitations might lead to your claim being denied.
Step 4: Wait for Processing and Payment
After filing the claim, you can keep an eye on the proceedings of the case, but keep in mind that class actions can go on for months or even longer. Once a class action lawsuit is closed, favoring the plaintiffs, the payment will be distributed among them; the payment is usually processed via your preferred payment option. It is important to note that, as there are several people in a class action lawsuit and a specific settlement amount, the compensation you receive may vary.
