There are many ways that people can become injured. If the injured party wishes to pursue legal action for a sole issue of their own, this can be done with a personal injury claim. However, there are many cases in which a group of people sustains the same or similar injuries caused by the same action or product. This is known as a “class action” lawsuit. There is a different system in place for cases such as these. If you find yourself in such a situation, it is important to retain the services of an experienced New Jersey class action lawsuit attorney.
What is a Class Action Lawsuit?
A class-action lawsuit is used when a number of people have sustained the same injuries as one another due to the same situation. In many cases, these injuries were minor enough that the individual may not have pursued legal action on their own. However, the value of all the victims’ claims can add up, which is why they can sue as a class. Suing as a class means consolidating. This can be the attorneys, defendant, evidence, witnesses, as well as other aspects of the case. The resolution of these cases is brought against a person or entity. There are various different examples of class action lawsuits. This can include but are not limited to the following:
- A group of employees subjected to race discrimination
- A group of patients prescribed a drug with injurious side effects
- A group of neighborhood residents whose homes were harmed by a toxic spill
- A group of consumers who purchased a defective product that caused their injuries
How Does it Work?
In a class-action lawsuit, the class is represented by one or more plaintiffs. The injuries that were sustained by the class must be at least similar to one another. Before a class action can proceed, the class must be certified. This is done by a judge. In order to do so, the lead plaintiff is required to demonstrate that the plaintiffs have a valid claim against the defendant and all class members have similar claims. They must also show they can represent all group members. Once the class is certified, the plaintiffs of the case are notified of the lawsuit. All of them are automatically notified unless they wish to withdraw.
Contact our Firm
If you or someone you would like to speak with a skilled attorney further about class action lawsuits, contact The Law Office of Roosevelt Nesmith today.