Sacramento Class Action Lawyer
Class action and mass tort lawsuits help victims level the playing field with large corporations and governments. Facilitating access to justice for one or more plaintiff’s on behalf of a larger group.
What is a class action?
A class action is a procedural tool that legally permits a plaintiff(s) to file and prosecute a lawsuit on behalf of a larger group or “class”. By pursuing class action lawsuits, it allows courts to manage multiple similar lawsuits that would otherwise be unmanageable (due to the number of named plaintiffs).
Class actions are highly complex matters that can involve hundreds, sometimes thousands, of class members with claim amounts often exceeding hundreds of millions of dollars. Once the lawsuit has begun, others who have been harmed in the same way have the opportunity to participate. This approach can be a low-risk, low-cost way to recover losses in situations where it would otherwise not be feasible.
In most cases, a company or organization will be asked to defend themselves when accused of causing widespread harm to multiple people in the same or similar way. By acting together, a class action can resolve the claims of all class members in a single lawsuit. This is an effective too that holds companies and governments accountable.
What is a mass tort?
Although class actions and mass torts both provide similar outcomes, each are handled differently.
In contrast to a class action, mass torts differ by allowing plaintiffs to pursue their cases individually. While both types of lawsuits involve a group of plaintiff’s alleging harm caused by a common defendant, mass torts treat each member as an individual. Each plaintiff must prove certain facts, including how each person was injured by the defendant.
Mass torts typically consist of a smaller group of plaintiffs who have different interests and varying circumstances. These types of lawsuits are generally more complicated as they do not necessarily follow standard legal procedure. In many cases, mass torts are filed when consumers are injured on a large scale by defective drugs or products.
These actions are also often funded through contingency fee agreements with the plaintiff’s law firm. This financial arrangement removes the plaintiff’s responsibility to pay for court related costs and out of pocket expenses while the case is being tried.
Examples of class action and mass tort lawsuits
Harmful actions by individuals and corporations come in various forms. Often, class action and mass tort lawsuits will fall into one of the following general categories:
- Product defects
- Employment (compensation, harassment, discrimination, and more)
- Environmental disputes
- Finance (fraud, misconduct)
- Civil rights
- Pharmaceuticals (dangers or defective drugs)
Before an action can be established, a motion must be filed in court identifying a representative(s) who will act as a plaintiff(s) on behalf of all members.
Sacramento class action lawyer
Class action lawsuits require specialized knowledge and lawyers who are dedicated to performing the intense work required to succeed. They are incredibly resource-intensive and very few law firms are in a position to take them on.
The Fraser Law Firm, P.C. has extensive experience with classes and torts successfully taking on Fortune 500 companies in the food, consumer, and health product industries. We’ve successfully represented consumers, employees, and investors and are committed to holding those who’ve wronged you accountable.
Every client matters. Whether your case is large or small, you will receive expert advice, guidance, and attention from an experienced attorney who will ensure that your rights are protected and that your case is handled professionally.