Class action lawsuits have numerous advantages over regular personal injury lawsuits. Otherwise, they would not even be an option for the injured. Here are some common advantages of class actions.
Higher Chances of Settling Claims
Because class action lawsuits are usually filed by a large group of plaintiffs seeking compensation for common injuries caused by the same defendant, the chances of settling are generally higher. Most companies would want to protect their reputation, especially when sued by a large group of plaintiffs.
For this reason, they may propose to settle the case out of court to save their reputation. In addition, when a case is allowed to proceed as a class action, there is always a high chance that the defendant broke the law in one way or another, causing injuries to the plaintiff.
More Convenient Than Regular Personal Injury Lawsuits
Although class actions are usually more convenient than regular lawsuits, the convenience will depend on your role in the case. For instance, lead plaintiffs typically have more responsibilities than other class members.
On the other hand, class members do not need to do anything about the case. All they have to do is sit back and wait for the outcome. This allows them to focus on other aspects of their lives as the lead plaintiff and their attorney battle against the defense in court.
Cheaper Than Pursuing an Individual Claim
It is much cheaper to pursue a class action than an individual claim. This is because the class members share the legal costs between themselves. To put things into perspective, it might not make financial sense to pursue a claim whose value is much lower than the costs involved. But this does not mean you do not have a valid case; a change of strategy could be all you need to receive compensation for your claim, even for smaller amounts.
What Are Some Drawbacks of Class Actions?
One of the major disadvantages of a class action is that the settlement amount is divided among the plaintiffs. Therefore, although the higher the number of plaintiffs, the better the chances of settling the claim, the settlement might not truly reflect what you are entitled to. Keep in mind that this does not happen to all cases, which is why it is always advisable to consult an attorney before deciding the best legal pathway to pursue the compensation you need.
Another thing you should bear in mind is that the right attorney will always protect your best interests. This is not only because they care for you but also because they will gain if you win.
Personal injury attorneys charge their clients a contingent fee, meaning they do not need any upfront payment to pursue the case. Instead, they only get paid if they win the case. This explains why a seasoned attorney will always have your best interests.
Not sure whether a class action lawsuit is the best pathway for you? Contact a Morgan and Morgan class action attorney today for a free case evaluation.