What Should You Do After Receiving a Class Action Lawsuit Notification
- October 15, 2019
Class action refers to a lawsuit filed by a group of people who have suffered from similar damages caused by the same act.
Being part of a class action means sharing any settlement or judgment with other participants.
Receiving a notice of a class action lawsuit usually indicates your involvement in a particular case and that you might receive a possible compensation for the damages they caused.
Many of these types of cases are the result of a defective product, you can learn more here about the most dangerous Defective Product Recalls in 2019.
Notices can be sent at various times in a class action lawsuit. It’s even possible to receive one at the time of the settlement. Once you receive one, it’s essential to review all the details before taking any action.
I met with Harry Brown personally and he sat with me for 20 minutes at our initial consultation to explain everything. He even called after my surgery to see how I was doing. I met with him several more times after that and was kept informed about my case throughout. I highly recommend Harry Brown as an attorney.
The First Step to Take After Receiving a Class Action Notification
The first thing you need to do is to read the notice very carefully and check if the class definition applies to you. The information within the document usually explains the class definition near the beginning of the notice and lays out who is included in the class.
A proper class action settlement notice will describe these options in a language that even a nonlawyer can understand. A class member just needs to read the notice carefully and follow the instructions depending on the three possible options they can choose from.
Participating as a Class Member
In most instances, an individual who fits the description of the class and does nothing upon receiving the notice of the class action lawsuit will become automatically included as a member in the lawsuit.
By participating in this manner would mean giving up any right you might have had to file your own private lawsuit. The affected will have no other option to independently pursue a case against the defending party with a private claim.
When the person no intention to pursue a lawsuit on your own, participating in a class action does little harm in the situation.
Those who decided to participate as a class member and do nothing will eventually be notified about the settlement or recovery and will be told how to collect their portion of the recovery.
Participating as a Named Plaintiff
As a qualified class member, you have the option of hiring your own attorney and participate in the case as a named party.
While there’s little to lose by becoming a class member, playing a more active role in the entire class action suit might be necessary for those who are not happy with the way the case is being handled.
Participating as a plaintiff is a viable option if you receive extensive damages and want to be more active in the lawsuit.
Opting Out
In most cases, a class member has a series of decisions to make and at the top of the list is to either stay in the settlement or opt out. This is an important decision that requires careful consideration of several factors.
There are several reasons why people might want to opt out of a class action lawsuit. Most people who consider opting out of a class action suit might want to file a personal claim as opting out keeps your right to sue individually.
They might not receive the proper compensation they think they deserve since the class action suit is divided among all participants.
Alternately, they might also find that their situation is different from most members and their interests wouldn’t be addressed by the class action.
A class member who doesn’t want to participate in the lawsuit can just read the notice to receive which should describe what needs to be done to opt out of the case. This usually requires sending back a notice to the settlement administrator stating that you don’t want to be included in the settlement.
Not everyone can follow class action settlement notices as they’re not all written in straightforward, everyday language. Before making a decision to whether participate as a class member, a named plaintiff or opt out, you should consult with an experienced class action attorney.
Personal Injury Attorneys from The Brown Firm have the necessary skills and experience to give helpful legal advice or to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Give us a call today at (912) 200-9755 for a Free Consultation to discuss the nature of your case.
Ready to Talk to a Lawyer Who Has Your Back?
Our Recent Personal Injury Articles
Macon, GA – Two Teens in Critical Condition After Deputy Chase in Stolen Vehicle
A stolen vehicle chase with deputies left two teens in critical condition after they lost control of the vehicle.
Dunwoody, GA – A Bus On Fire On I-285 Causes Ramp Closure
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
Cartersville, GA – Pedestrian Fatally Hit By Train
A pedestrian in Cartersville, GA, was hit and killed by a train while crossing the tracks. The pedestrian's identity is unknown.
Macon, GA – Gray Highway Will Get New Pedestrian Crosswalks In Efforts To Decrease Pedestrian Fatalities
Concrete medianettes will be built on Gray Highway and Shurling Drive in Georgia to improve pedestrian safety. These medianettes will provide a safe space for pedestrians to cross busy roads,...
Atlanta, GA – Hit-And-Run Crash Leaves Two Critically Injured
(August 27, 2023) Two victims in a hit-and-run accident on Northside Parkway are in severe condition and were taken to the hospital. The details of the collision are still under...
Douglas County, GA – Westbound I-20 Closed Due To A Fatal Crash
(August 24, 2023) There was a fatal tractor-trailer truck accident on I-20 in Douglas County. The accident resulted in the closure of all westbound lanes. Emergency personnel were working to...
Sandy Springs, GA – Pickup Truck Crash Blocks Access Ramp To Roswell Road
The driver of a pickup truck wrecked Monday afternoon, prompting Sandy Springs Police to close the eastbound Roswell Road ramp. No fatalities were reported.
Augusta, GA – Eastbound I-20 Congestion Caused By Truck On Fire
There was a semi-truck fire on I-20 near Warren Road, causing traffic congestion. The Augusta Fire Department was present and suggested alternative routes for drivers.
Atlanta, GA – Multi-Car Accident In Atlanta Intersection Results In Gunfire
Following a car crash in Atlanta, several men opened fire at vehicles in the intersection. The crash involved three vehicles, with a Chevrolet Camaro being at fault. The men from...
Cobb County, GA – Man Killed in Pedestrian Collision
A 76-year-old Marietta man was killed Sunday night after a car hit him as he crossed Austell Road in central Cobb County.
Contact The Brown Firm
Get the Answers and Compensation You Deserve
You’ll notice the difference when you contact The Brown Firm! Our local dedicated attorneys want to help you recover and rebuild.
Schedule your free consultation by calling (800) 529-1441 or completing our simple online form.