What is a class-action lawsuit?

A class-action lawsuit is defined as a legal action filed by one or more individuals on behalf of a larger group of people who have similar claims or grievances. This type of lawsuit allows individuals who have suffered similar harm or injury to collectively address their issues against a defendant, often when the claims are too small in amount for individual lawsuits to be feasible. The class representative(s) advocate for the interests of all class members, ensuring that the legal action is efficient and that the claim is resolved effectively.

This approach is particularly useful in cases of widespread harm, such as consumer fraud, environmental issues, or employment discrimination, where many individuals might be affected by the same actions of a company or organization. Class-action lawsuits encourage judicial economy by consolidating many similar claims into one case, making it easier for the courts to manage and adjudicate complex issues. This not only saves time and resources but also provides a way for individuals to seek justice collectively, often resulting in more significant settlements or judgments than they could achieve individually.