2023 Guide to Class Action Settlements and Lawsuits
While most people have heard about class action lawsuits, they may not fully realize exactly what they are and how to go about joining one when a defective product or dangerous drug has injured them. This 2023 guide provides details about class action lawsuits, current cases, and other helpful information you need to know when you are interested in filing or participating in a class action lawsuit.
What are class action lawsuits?
Class action lawsuits are a type of civil lawsuit in which one or more plaintiff(s) bring a claim on behalf of a larger group, known as the class. The purpose is to seek damages or other relief from defendants who have allegedly violated the rights of class members.
Class action lawsuits typically involve allegations that companies engaged in deceptive trade practices or fraudulent business activities that resulted in some form of personal injury to the plaintiff(s). The purpose of a class action lawsuit is to seek compensation for victims, while also bringing attention to alleged wrongdoings by encouraging the defendants to modify their behavior and business practices.
Are class action lawsuits crimes?
Class action lawsuits are civil suits, not criminal suits, and do not involve criminal charges. Class actions seek to award monetary damages or other relief to class members as compensation for any harm they have suffered due to the defendant’s alleged wrongful activity.
Class actions do not involve criminal prosecution. Rather, they provide an opportunity for individuals or groups of individuals to hold wrongdoers accountable in a court of law without having to bear the financial burden associated with individual lawsuits.
What are the types of class action lawsuits?
Many types of civil lawsuits could be class action lawsuits if multiple people were injured. Some examples of the more common types of class action lawsuits include:
- Consumer protection cases
- Employment-related class actions
- Product liability lawsuits
- Securities or investment fraud
- Environmental lawsuits
- Antitrust violations
- False advertising
- Deceptive trade practices
- Class actions seeking equitable relief
- Dangerous products
- Pharmaceutical and medical device lawsuits
- Unfair/unlawful business practices
How do class action lawsuits work?
Class action lawsuits work by allowing a single individual, group of individuals, or organization to bring a claim on behalf of an entire class of people who have suffered similarly as a result of the same type of negligence. The class action lawsuit process typically begins when one or more individuals representing the class members files a complaint with the court. If all other legal requirements are met, the court will certify the case as a class action.
The group may be represented by one or more class action law firms and attorneys in court. The lawyers are known as the class counsel. The court will then issue notice to potential class members informing them that they may join in on these proceedings and be eligible for relief if it is ultimately determined they suffered losses due to the defendant(s) wrongdoing.
The parties involved go through various phases of litigation, such as:
- Discovery: The exchange of information between opposing parties
- Motion hearings: Lawyers argue their claims in court
- Settlement negotiations: If an agreement is reached, and all parties agree to settle, the case will not go to trial
- Trial and appeals: The case goes to trial if a settlement is not reached. If the plaintiff(s) win, the defendant(s) may appeal the case.
If the case successfully proves that there was wrongdoing by the defendant(s), all class members will be awarded some form of relief, such as monetary compensation. Additionally, courts may issue orders requiring changes in policies or practices that will benefit not only those who are part of the lawsuit but also the general public.
How can I start a class action lawsuit?
How to file a class action lawsuit starts with submitting the necessary paperwork with the court. This often requires filing a formal complaint, and it is essential that you understand all of the applicable laws governing class actions.
Additionally, ensure you have written evidence of any harm the defendant did, like documents, medical records, and photographs showing damages suffered. These are used as evidence during the proceedings.
Since starting a class action is complicated, you will want to speak to a product liability attorney with expertise in class action lawsuits for assistance. Consider adding other individuals with similar grievances to the case. Doing so could strengthen the case and increase compensation amounts.
How can I find class action lawsuits in 2023?
Class action lawsuits in 2023 can be found in several places. Your best bet is to start by searching online, in legal databases or websites dedicated to class action suits. Additionally, you can look up recent cases by researching specific companies or industries that may have been the subject of a suit.
Sometimes, newspapers and other publications report on current and pending class actions. Court records for class actions are public and include current and past lawsuits. Check your local jurisdiction for any current cases.
Class action lawsuits to join 2023
The thing to remember with class action lawsuits is there are deadlines for joining a case. It is essential to submit your claim before that deadline if you want to become a member of the case and receive part of the settlement.
The following is a small sampling of the number of class action lawsuits that are getting ready to settle or just starting in 2023.
Kia and Hyundai TikTok/Youtube challenge thefts
In May 2022, a TikTok challenge was released that showed people stealing 2011 and 2022 Kia and Hyundai vehicles that failed to have an immobilizer installed to prevent theft. The challenge quickly spread and also made its way onto YouTube. As a result, the thefts of these vehicles quickly grew and continue to be a problem. A settlement was reached in May 2023.
Airlines price fixing
Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, United, Continental, and U.S. Airways have all been sued for price fixing. While a settlement has been reached, consumers may still qualify for a share of the settlement from the specific airline.
JBS USA Pork
Plaintiffs allege that JBS USA Pork and other defendants, including Tyson and Smithfield Foods, violated antitrust laws with the intent to increase pork prices. If you purchased pork products from January 1, 2009, through April 2, 2021, you may be eligible to file a claim as long as it is submitted by June 30, 2023.
Build-A-Bear
People that received unwanted and unsolicited text messages from Build-A-Bear from September 24, 2017, through March 28, 2023, may be entitled to a settlement from a class action lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges that people received two or more text messages even after they opted out.
Facebook has settled several class-action lawsuits, including a data breach and location tracking. Facebook has agreed to pay consumers who are part of the class action a total of $762.5 million. The deadlines to submit a claim are August 11 and August 25, 2023.
Artificial tears eye drop lawsuit
People who used artificial tears and developed an eye infection and vision loss or blindness may be eligible to sue EzriCare and Delsam Pharma brands manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare. Participants may be entitled to recover damages for medical expenses, vision loss, and blindness.
LG solar panels
There may be a potential defect in LG solar panels that is causing decreased power output long before the 25-year warranty expires. Currently, attorneys in the case want to hear from any consumer that has experienced decreased energy production.
How can a class action help a consumer?
A class action lawsuit may help a consumer if they have suffered financial or other losses due to illegal activities by a company or organization. By joining the lawsuit, consumers can receive compensation for any harm inflicted and potentially even influence industry-wide change to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Class actions also provide an opportunity for individuals who otherwise could not afford to bring a suit against large corporations by offering them legal representation and spreading costs among all participants. Finally, successful class actions often result in companies changing their practices to make them fairer for consumers.
How long do class action lawsuits take?
Class action lawsuits can take anywhere from months to years before a resolution is reached. Every case varies, depending on the complexity of the claims and several other factors. There is a period for filing complaints and responses before settlement negotiations begin, which may last up to another year or more, depending on how long it takes to reach an agreement.
In some cases, if both sides cannot come to an effective settlement after litigation proceedings have been exhausted, the case will go to trial. Trials could double or triple the time for resolution.
How much do class action lawsuits pay?
The amount of money a plaintiff may receive from a class action lawsuit depends on the particular case. Plaintiffs who join a successful class action may be awarded payment for any injuries or losses they suffered due to the defendant’s wrongdoing, commonly in the form of monetary compensation or other beneficial relief deemed appropriate by the court. Additionally, all participants are typically reimbursed for any legal fees associated with pursuing the suit.
What class action lawsuits can I join?
As a consumer, you may be eligible to join class action lawsuits for things such as defective products or services, unfair business practices, false advertising, or deceptive trade practices. Class actions are available in many different industries and can help consumers recover losses from companies that have caused harm through illegal activities.
You can search online to find out which open suits are currently being litigated. Additionally, your state’s Attorney General’s office may have information about any ongoing investigations related to potential class action cases and how individuals can be included.
What should I do if I think I have a class action?
If you think you have a class action case, the first step is to consult an experienced personal injury attorney specializing in this area of law. They will be able to assess your situation and advise you on the best way to proceed.
They can assist with filing a formal complaint and starting negotiations with the defendant. Additionally, they can discuss any potential financial risks associated with pursuing a class action suit and ensure that any compensation received from a successful lawsuit is fair for all class members.
Class action lawsuit lawyers in Colorado
If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of product liability in the state of Colorado, it is important to seek legal representation from experienced class action lawyers who can help fight for your rights. At Bachus & Schanker, we understand the complexities and challenges involved when dealing with large-scale cases and take pride in providing dedicated service to each individual client.
We offer free consultations to competently assess your situation and provide sound advice on how best to proceed. No one should ever feel powerless against big corporations. Let us handle the hard work while you get closure, compensation, and justice.
Contact Us Today For A Free Consultation And More Information About Colorado’s Class Action Laws.
Sources:
Are LG Solar Panel Defective? Lawsuit Investigation Looks into Potential Degradation Problem. (2023).
Domestic Airline Antitrust Litigation Settlements. (2021).
Eye Drop Lawsuits: Artificial Tears Linked to Infection, Blindness. (2023).
$500 Payments Coming Soon in Build-A-Bear Settlement. (2023).
Pork Antitrust Litigation (Indirect Purchases Actions).
Swidler, F. (2023). Kia, Hyundai Owners Could See Payouts in New $200M Class-Action Settlement Over Car Thefts.
You Could Get Paid in Two Facebook Settlements (No Proof Required!). (2023).
