Muhammad Ramadan | November 6, 2024 | Illinois Law
A class action is a lawsuit where a group of plaintiffs, numbering from dozens to thousands, get together to collectively sue a defendant. If the case is successful, the court distributes the settlement or award among all class members. The plaintiffs who initiated the lawsuit, known as class representatives, may receive a larger share as compensation for their active involvement and contributions throughout the legal process.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys will share what you should know if you’re eligible for a class action lawsuit payout:
Why File a Class Action Lawsuit?
The class action lawsuit is a useful legal innovation when you have dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of lawsuits to resolve, all involving similar facts. Imagine the release of a toxic chemical into a city water supply, injuring 10,000 people, for example. You could resolve 10,000 cases individually, proving the same facts 10,000 times. Alternatively, you could combine 10,000 cases into a single case, prove each fact once, and pay 10,000 people at the end of the case.
Another reason to go the class action route is when each individual claim is too small to justify a lawsuit, but collectively, the harm represents a significant issue that the legal system needs to resolve for the sake of public health. You probably wouldn’t bother filing a lawsuit for a $30 payout, for example, but you probably would cash a $30 check made out to you.
How Class Actions Work: An Overview
Here is a bare-bones outline of how class action lawsuits work:
- A single plaintiff files a lawsuit. The lawsuit complaint asks the court to certify it as a class action, and it describes the class of plaintiffs.
- The judge will determine whether to certify the class.
- If the judge certifies the class, the court will notify the plaintiffs.
- You’ll have the option to opt out. Typically, plaintiffs will be included in the lawsuit unless they specifically opt out–whether or not they actually knew about the lawsuit.
- You get compensated. You’ll probably get your payout through a check in the mail, a direct deposit into your bank account, or a prepaid debit card.
In some cases, you’ll only be included if you actively opt-in by submitting a written form, so mreo sure you speak with an attorney about your specific circumstances.
How Do I Find Out If I am a Potential Plaintiff in a Class Action Lawsuit?
Notifying large groups of people that they may be potential plaintiffs in a class action can be challenging. There are several methods for reaching out, but none can fully ensure that everyone is informed about their involvement in the lawsuit in time.
Here are the most common ways to find out if you’re eligible for a class action lawsuit payout:
- Direct notice: You may receive a notice in the mail or by email. This notice will explain the lawsuit, inform you of your rights, and tell you how to participate in any settlement.
- Online databases: Many class action cases have dedicated websites or online databases that allow you to search to see if your name appears.
- Media announcements: Settlements are sometimes announced in newspapers and other publications, both online and offline.
- Legal websites: Some websites specialize in class action lawsuits. These websites frequently list current and settled cases.
- Class action lawyers: If you believe you might be eligible for a payout, you can contact a law firm specializing in class action cases.
In conclusion, staying informed about potential class action lawsuits can require some proactive effort.
What To Do If You Receive Notice
Even if you receive a notice, you may not qualify. Courts sometimes send notices to anyone who might be eligible. Here’s what to do:
- Read the notice carefully: If you receive a notice, read it to understand the claims, the settlement terms, and the deadline for opting out or in.
- Check the website: Visit the website listed in the notice you received for further details.
- File a claim: If you believe you qualify for a payout, follow the instructions to receive your share of the payout.
Payouts usually come in the form of private settlements, not courtroom verdicts. Check your mail regularly (both email and snail mail) so that you won’t miss any important information about your claim.
Opting Out
If you opt out of the lawsuit, you reserve the right to file your own individual lawsuit. This is also true if it is an “opt-in” lawsuit and you fail to opt in. Litigating on your own might make sense if you have additional claims or more extensive injuries than the other plaintiffs.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
Do you believe you might be eligible for a class action payout? If you don’t know how to find out, try speaking to a Chicago personal injury lawyer. Contact Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
Contact Our Chicago Personal Injury Law Firm For Help Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, Illinois, and need legal help, contact our experienced personal injury lawyers at Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Cook County and its surrounding areas:
Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers
134 N La Salle St #2160
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 929-2884