Class Action Claims in Vermont

When you have sustained an injury in an accident, you may hope to file a legal claim to recover compensation. However, what if your injury is one that many people have experienced? 

Class-action lawsuits are civil claims brought on behalf of many individuals or businesses. The plaintiffs in these cases have sustained similar injuries with the same cause. 

In a class-action suit, a single person or entity will represent all of the plaintiffs. The group of plaintiffs is known as a “class.” 

The issues that class-action lawsuits focus on vary widely. However, each class-action suit will focus on many plaintiffs with a similar claim for damages. 

These lawsuits can be filed in either state or federal courts. If you believe that you have a valid class-action claim in Vermont, you may wonder how to find the best class-action lawyer in Vermont. 

Below, we will discuss several important strategies to locate the best legal representative for you. But when you need a class-action lawyer in Vermont, make sure to consult with the accomplished team at Morgan & Morgan. 

Our knowledgeable tort attorneys can handle your Vermont class-action case. For a no-cost legal consultation, make sure to complete the contact form on the Morgan & Morgan website today.

The Benefits of Class-Action Lawsuits

Before you know if you need to contact a class-action lawyer in Vermont, it is important to understand the basics of this type of legal claim. For instance, why is the lawsuit filed as a group? Could each plaintiff simply file their own claim in cases where many people have sustained the same damage from the same cause? 

While this is possible, class-action lawsuits are more practical for the claimants, the courts, and the defendant. Plaintiffs benefit from this type of lawsuit because the representing attorneys only need to deal with: 

• A single set of witnesses
• One group of experts
• A single group of legal claims
• One collection of relevant evidence 

The fact that tort law firms can streamline these cases means that claimants save money on legal fees. Some losses are significant but not massive enough to justify a lawsuit by a single plaintiff. 

For instance, suppose an investment firm wrongfully charges a million different clients $500 each. While the total damage is enormous, the distribution of losses means that no single victim would want to pursue a lawsuit. 

In cases where you are owed a minor amount of damages, you should speak with a class-action lawyer in Vermont. The knowledgeable class-action attorneys at Morgan & Morgan know what it takes to get results!  

Class-action cases are also very advantageous for the court system. Only one judge and one courtroom are needed rather than requiring resources for hundreds or thousands of similar cases.

In many class-action cases, the defendant is a large corporation or other entity. Because of this, individual claimants may not have the legal resources to hold the defendant accountable.  

By banding together, the plaintiffs can hold powerful companies to account. The accomplished attorneys at Morgan & Morgan have plenty of experience representing plaintiffs' interests in class-action claims.

Common Grounds for Filing a Class-Action Suit

Many situations can serve as the basis for a class-action lawsuit. Any time many people have suffered similar injuries, they may choose to file this type of claim. 

Some of the most common reasons for filing or joining a class-action lawsuit include: 

• Hazardous medications
• Dangerous or defective medical devices
• Wrongful business practices
• Systematic discrimination against employees
• False advertising
• Breaches of contract 

If you believe that you can file or join this type of claim, reach out to a skilled class-action lawyer in Vermont. The seasoned attorneys at Morgan & Morgan will review your circumstances and determine whether a class-action claim is a good decision for you.

Steps to Filing a Vermont Class-Action Lawsuit

Even if you believe that you have sustained the same type of injury as a large class of people, most individuals are uncertain about how to proceed. The claimant must file a complaint with the Vermont civil courts.  

This complaint should include the details of the allegations. You will also need to serve the defendant with the complaint.  

The distinguishing step in class-action lawsuits is securing the certification of the plaintiffs as a “class.” The decision to certify the “class” belongs to the courts. The requirements for establishing classes will vary by state. 

The knowledgeable experts at Morgan & Morgan have a thorough understanding of Vermont's statutes and laws governing class-action suits. Contact our firm to consult with a seasoned class-action lawyer in Vermont. 

To secure the certification of a class, you must show the following elements: 

• You have sustained the same harm as the other plaintiffs
• It is possible to determine who is in the class
• The number of claimants makes separate lawsuits impractical
• Common legal issues underlie all of the alleged damages
• The representative’s situation is sufficiently like the other claimants’ circumstances 

The case is typically dismissed if the judge decides not to certify the class. After the certification of a class, the case can proceed.  

The certification of the plaintiffs as a group is the primary difference between class-action suits and other personal injury claims. Negotiations between the plaintiffs and defendant will begin after the class has been certified. 

How Can I Find a Trusted Class-Action Lawyer in Vermont?

Seeking legal representation can be difficult, especially if your case is not a standard personal injury claim. When you believe that you are owed compensation through a class-action suit, it is vital to find a skilled legal professional to handle your case. 

Do not simply hire the first attorney that you find in Vermont. To secure trustworthy legal representation, follow these proven steps:

Online Search Results

Begin your search for legal representation by looking online. Any accomplished legal firm will have a substantial online presence.  

Online research can provide you with testimonials from former clients who have hired various firms. These reviews will give you a way to predict what your experience would be like if you worked with certain attorneys or firms. 

Make sure to gather reviews from many different websites rather than reading only the quotes on the firm’s page. Typically, firms will choose their most positive reviews to showcase online. This can be misleading. So make sure to check elsewhere!  

Take the time to search multiple online sources to find firm reviews. If most former clients report difficult or negative experiences, move on and look at another firm.

Hire a Class-Action Specialist

Class-action cases are distinct from other types of tort claims. That is why you should look for an attorney with experience in these cases. 

Not all lawyers have the same knowledge or legal specialization. Make sure to find an attorney or firm that has successfully handled class-action lawsuits in the past.

Arrange an Initial Free Meeting

Tort firms typically provide prospective clients with a free consultation to discuss the facts of their case. You should never have to pay for your first meeting with a class-action lawyer. 

This initial case evaluation allows you to meet the attorney and decide whether they are right for you. The class-action attorney will also ask questions about your case. 

When you arrive at the case evaluation, bring any documents or photos related to your injuries. Also, it is helpful to prepare specific questions related to your class-action claim. 

Asking questions like the following will help you to determine the best path forward: 

• How many years have you been practicing tort law?
• Do you believe I can get the class certified?
• Is a class-action lawsuit valid in this situation?
• What are the challenges associated with this claim?
• Who is at fault for the damages that I sustained?
• How much do you believe this claim is worth?
• How does your firm handle payment?
• What are the next steps after this consultation? 

You should also ask about the specifics related to your case. The more you understand about filing a class-action lawsuit, the better. 

The legal specialists at Morgan & Morgan will gladly review your case to help you decide whether a class-action lawsuit is right for you. When you need the best class-action lawyer in Vermont, look no further than the team at Morgan & Morgan.