What are the pros and cons of having class action suits?

Pros and Cons of Class Action LawsuitsProvide restitution to plaintiffs who would otherwise receive nothing because of attorney costs.Help reduce the number of suits clogging the courts.Reduce the cost of litigation.Ensure that defendants with similar injuries are treated consistently.More items •Jul 21, 2020

Is it worth joining a class action suit?

Joining a class action can be good if you dont have time to fight a case, but You can count on a significantly reduced settlement after a much longer period of time. Were sure youve heard people talking about how much a class action lawsuit is needed for a particular legal problem.

What is the benefit of a class action lawsuit?

Class action lawsuits provide harmed people with many benefits, such as allowing large groups of similarly affected people to come together and file a lawsuit against the same company. This provides strength in numbers for all of the people harmed, typically by large corporations, or businesses that have a vast reach.

What are the benefits of a class action lawsuit from a plaintiffs perspective?

From a Plaintiffs perspective, a class action reduces costs, inconvenience and promotes timeliness in the resolution of many claims. The economies provided by the class action vehicle allows for the prosecution of claims involving smaller amounts in controversy.

How is money divided in a class action lawsuit?

Class action lawsuit settlements are not divided evenly. Some plaintiffs will be awarded a larger percent while others receive smaller settlements. There are legitimate reasons for class members receiving smaller payouts.

What are the disadvantages of a class action lawsuit?

Some of the common disadvantages of class action lawsuits include: Lack of decision making control. Class action lawsuits are, by definition, representative rather than group litigation. That means that representatives of the affected class make the important litigation decisions – including when to settle.

Is there any downside to joining a class action lawsuit?

Some of the common disadvantages of class action lawsuits include: Lack of decision making control. A plaintiff who is not a representative does not have a say in whether to settle or continue to litigation. Cases almost always settle for financial compensation, coupons for future services or rebates only.

Should you exclude yourself from class action lawsuit?

Why would I ask to be excluded? If you exclude yourself from the Class, you wont get any money or benefits from this lawsuit even if the Plaintiffs are successful in winning the case after a trial or if Plaintiffs are able to reach a settlement in the case.

How long does it take to get money from a class action lawsuit?

Dont hold your breath. Assuming there are no further appeals, class members generally receive payment about six to nine months after a settlement agreement is submitted to the court for preliminary approval, says Stuart Rossman, director of litigation at the National Consumer Law Center.

What happens if you dont exclude yourself from a class action lawsuit?

Why would I ask to be excluded? If you exclude yourself from the Class, you wont get any money or benefits from this lawsuit even if the Plaintiffs are successful in winning the case after a trial or if Plaintiffs are able to reach a settlement in the case.

Should you exclude yourself from a class action lawsuit?

Joining the class means youre eligible for compensation, but you waive the right to file a separate lawsuit. If you think you can prove that you have been harmed more than other consumers, consult a lawyer before excluding yourself from the class.

What is the longest running lawsuit?

Myra Clark Gainess fight for the control of her fathers estate lasted 57 years and remains the longest-running court case in US History.