Common Types of Class Action Lawsuits

A class action lawsuit represents multiple people with similar claims. Class action suits can be more efficient than individual lawsuits when the claimants have typical complaints against the same defendant. Types of class action cases include defective products, consumer protection, and data breach claims.

Most class action lawsuits fall under federal law. For legal advice about filing or joining in class action litigation, contact an experienced class action attorney.

Overview of Class-Action Lawsuits

A class action lawsuit represents a group of people with similar claims against the same defendant. For a class of people with similar legal complaints, a class action lawsuit is more efficient than dozens of individual lawsuits. Depending on the type of claim, a class action lawsuit can have a few dozen or more than a thousand plaintiffs.

To file a class action lawsuit, a court must certify the class. Under federal law, there are four requirements for class certification:

• Numerosity (enough members)
• Common questions of law or fact
• Typicality for class members
• Class representatives fairly protect the class

Like other civil lawsuits, class action cases can settle before trial. A class action settlement involves the parties coming to a mutual agreement to resolve the lawsuit.

Types of Class Action Claims

Every lawsuit is different because there are various facts involved in every case. However, some types of claims have similar elements and damages.

For example, a car accident between two drivers is unique to that situation. However, accidents caused by defective brakes in thousands of cars are more similar. Instead of thousands of individual lawsuits, a class action can join the entire class of individual plaintiffs to resolve the dispute.

There are many types of class action claims, depending on the group of individuals involved. Common types of class action lawsuits include:

• Product liability claims
• Consumer fraud
• Data breach claims
• Defective drugs and medical devices
• Civil rights violations
• Employment wage and hour violations
• Toxic torts

Product Liability Class Actions

Some of the most common class action lawsuits involve dangerous or defective products. Victims of dangerous product injuries can take legal action against the manufacturers or distributors. Product liability lawsuits involve design defects, manufacturing defects, and lack of warning claims.

There have been many accidents and deaths caused by defective vehicle parts. Injury victims could file personal injury claims against the car company. However, when the defective parts involve a large number of defective vehicles, a class action lawsuit is a better way to manage litigation. Common types of product liability lawsuits include:

• Vehicle and automobile part defects
• Drug defects
• Medical device defects
• Dangerous children’s toys
• Bike and e-scooter defects
• Defective tools

For example, there were class action claims against vehicle manufacturers for defective airbag injuries. The allegedly defective airbags were installed in millions of vehicles. The class action case was settled, and the settlement paid vehicle owner class members.

Consumer Fraud Class Actions

Consumer fraud is another common type of class action claim. When a company makes false representations to consumers, thousands of people could suffer damage because of the deception. Litigation would not be worth it if individual damages were small. However, a group of consumers could join their individual cases together in a class action lawsuit to hold the company accountable.

For example, a clothing company sells shirts with 100% cotton on the label. The shirt costs about $20. Later, consumers find out the shirt is 50% cotton and 50% polyester. It would not make financial sense to sue the company for $20. However, if the company sold 100,000 shirts, the potential class damages could be $ 2 million.

Types of consumer fraud cases include:

• False advertising
• Deceptive business practices
• Antitrust violations
• Securities fraud
• Debt collection fraud
• Data breaches
• Privacy violations

Employment Discrimination Class Actions

Employment discrimination by your employer generally doesn’t qualify for class action claims. However, a class action lawsuit is an option for large corporations with discriminatory hiring practices. Thousands of employees or prospective employees can have similar claims against the employer. Types of employment discrimination that collective actions may involve:

• Disability discrimination
• Race, religion, or national origin discrimination
• Sex discrimination
• Age discrimination
• Sexual harassment

Class Action Settlements

Most class action lawsuits settle before going to trial. A settlement is an agreement between the parties to end the legal claims in exchange for compensation or injunctive relief. Oftentimes, a settlement is in everyone’s best interests. A settlement provides clarity and certainty. Plaintiffs know what they will get in compensation. Settlements also save time, court resources, and legal expenses.

Class Action Help With an Attorney

Plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit include the proposed class’s representative and absent members. The lead plaintiff who files the lawsuit is the representative class member. Other people in the proposed class can join the claim without filing a lawsuit. However, if you have individual damages that are not typical of the class, your attorney can file an individual claim.A class action lawyer can review your case and explain your legal options. Your attorney can also help you join a class action to get compensation for your losses. Contact a local class action attorney for legal advice.