Class Actions

What is a Class Action?

A class action is a type of lawsuit where a group of people, known as a “class,” collectively sue a defendant for similar harms caused by the same conduct. These cases typically involve situations where many individuals have been affected by a company’s wrongful actions, such as consumer privacy violations, data breaches, employment violations, or unfair business practices. By combining their claims into a single lawsuit, class members can seek justice more efficiently and hold large corporations accountable.

Class actions are particularly important when the harm to each individual might be too small to justify a separate lawsuit, but the collective harm is significant. For example, a company that illegally shares consumer data or overcharges customers may affect thousands or even millions of people, making a class action the most effective way to address the issue.

How Do Class Actions Work?

Class actions follow a specific legal process designed to ensure fairness for all involved. Here’s an overview:

Filing the Lawsuit: One or more individuals, called “class representatives,” file a lawsuit on behalf of themselves and others who were similarly harmed. The class representatives work with attorneys to represent the interests of the entire group.
Class Certification: The court reviews the case to determine if it qualifies as a class action. This involves confirming that the class is large enough, the claims are similar, and a class action is the best way to resolve the dispute.
Notification: If the court certifies the class, potential class members are notified (often by mail, email, or public notice) and given the opportunity to join the lawsuit or opt out.
Litigation or Settlement: The case proceeds through negotiation, settlement discussions, or trial. If successful, any recovery (such as monetary damages or injunctive relief) is distributed among class members according to a court-approved plan.
No Upfront Costs: In most class actions, attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless the case is successful. Fees are then paid from the recovery, as approved by the court.

What Types of Cases Are Handled as Class Actions?

Class actions are commonly used to address a wide range of issues, including:

Consumer Privacy Violations: Cases involving unauthorized sharing of personal data, such as under the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) or California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
Data Breaches: Lawsuits against companies that fail to protect sensitive information, like Social Security numbers or financial details, leading to identity theft or fraud.
Unfair Business Practices: Cases involving deceptive advertising, hidden fees, or illegal sales tactics that harm large groups of consumers.
Employment Violations: Lawsuits for wage theft, discrimination, or other workplace violations affecting many employees.

What Are the Benefits of Joining a Class Action?

Participating in a class action offers several advantages:

Strength in Numbers: By joining together, class members can take on powerful corporations that might otherwise avoid accountability.
Cost-Effective: You can seek justice without paying upfront legal fees or bearing the full cost of litigation.
Efficiency: A single lawsuit resolves claims for many people, saving time and resources compared to individual lawsuits.
Fair Compensation: Successful class actions can result in monetary damages, refunds, or changes to a company’s practices, benefiting all class members.

About Clapp & Lauinger LLP
For more than 30 years, Clapp & Lauinger LLP has been fighting for the rights of California consumers and employees through class actions and other lawsuits. We have recovered over $500 million for our clients in verdicts and settlements. (Results depend on the unique facts of each case, and we cannot guarantee any specific outcome.) We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no attorneys’ fees unless we recover money for you. Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation to discuss your potential class action case.