Consumer Class Actions FAQ

What is a class action?

A class action is a lawsuit or claim brought by one or more individuals or entities on behalf of a larger group consisting of those who have the same or similar interest. Class action suits are intended to help people who have been harmed by another party, such as an insurance company, a publicly traded company, or a financial institution, when the individual harm done might be too diminutive to justify the expense and cost of a lawsuit but the combined damages make the pursuit of such liability worthwhile.

Why file a class action?

Class action lawsuits are efficient, bringing together all possible claimants, and consolidating costs. Such suits may resolve hundreds or thousands of claims that would be very difficult and expensive to rule on an individual basis.

The amount awarded to the class as a whole will depend on the size of recovery at trial or the amount of any settlement. Although in some cases the amount awarded to each individual plaintiff is small, the aggregate amount may be quite substantial and represent a significant victory for those who have been injured as a group. Moreover, many judgments and settlements will require the defendant to change the behavior that resulted in the claim in the first place.

An individual or entity desiring to bring a class action should consult with a firm, such as Drubner & Hartley, LLC to determine whether they have a viable claim that is worthwhile bringing as a named plaintiff. Serving as a named plaintiff is not necessary to participate in a class action, though it is an important role that will enable the class, as a whole, to seek recourse.

How long does it take?

Class actions are time consuming, requiring much research and administrative work. Defendants in class actions are often large corporations with extensive resources, who have the ability to delay the progress of the case through extensive motions and other legal maneuvers. Accordingly, class actions can take years to resolve.

What is the cost?

Class actions are litigated on a contingency fee basis. All costs and expenses of the litigation are advanced by the firm, which seeks fees from the court only if it succeeds in obtaining a recovery for the class. In the event of a recovery, the firm seeks reimbursement for its expenses from the court.

If you believe you may be eligible to participate in a current class action, or that you have been injured in manner similar to many others, contact our offices in New York or Connecticut and speak with an attorney at Drubner & Hartley, LLC. The firm’s attorneys have extensive experiencing successfully litigating these types of complex actions.