Stronger Together: What You Need to Know about Class Action Lawsuits

You may have seen commercials on TV asking if you have used a certain product. Perhaps you have received a notice in the mail encouraging you to call regarding a pending class action lawsuit. Before you change the channel or toss the notice in the garbage, learn the facts. It is important to know that a class action lawsuit allows a group of individuals who have been wronged by the same entity to file a lawsuit together and claim damages. To understand if you should participate in this type of action, contact attorneys Randy Akin and Greg Burton in Longview, TX, using their online form or by calling (903) 297-8929. Our attorneys offer free consultations to determine your eligibility for a class action lawsuit and, if appropriate, help you take the necessary steps to proceed. 

Class action suits can save a collective group of individuals money on legal services, among other benefits.

About Class Action Litigation

When a group of plaintiffs has been affected in the same way by a defective product or party's negligence, they can join together to file legal action against that company or entity to seek remedy and compensation. Typically, one plaintiff or group of complainants will be named in the lawsuit as bringing the action in the name of a group (class) of people who join in the class action lawsuit. The Class Action Fairness Act of 2005 regulates class action lawsuits, and this type of action may be filed in every state in the United States. Mr. Akin and Mr. Burton can answer your questions about class action lawsuits filed in Texas.

Benefits and Considerations

Any number of eligible people can join in this type of legal action. Sometimes the number can be in the hundreds or even thousands. A benefit for those who participate in a class action lawsuit is the cost savings for representation. The amounts can be shared among all the participants, thus lessening the overall legal fee per participant. 

Types of Class Action Lawsuits

There are several different types of class action lawsuits. Common examples include:

• Consumer Cases – These legal cases involve products or substances that have negatively impacted the health of consumers or caused injury or death. Recent class action lawsuits involving talcum powder and mesothelioma have captured national attention.
• Medical Devices – Devices such as hernia mesh (a surgical device used in hernia repair surgeries) and the Essure birth control device have been named in class action lawsuits in which plaintiffs allege negligence and adverse outcomes due to defective products.
• Drugs – Class action lawsuits have been initiated against makers of certain popular drugs, such as Invokana® and testosterone therapy medication, that have allegedly caused negative or dangerous side effects in patients.

How to Join a Class Action Lawsuit

In most cases, individuals do not need to do anything to join a class action lawsuit. During the preliminary hearings, members will be identified based on a number of factors, including whether you bought a certain product or received a particular type of treatment at a healthcare facility.

Our firm can provide a free consultation to determine your eligibility for a class action lawsuit and, if appropriate, help you take the necessary steps to proceed. 

Once the class is certified, members will be notified about their inclusion in the lawsuit. At this time, you may be asked to submit a claim to receive your share of the settlement. While this is typically a straightforward process, it is important to seek the advice of an attorney before completing this step. A lawyer can help you understand any rights you may be waiving and determine if you are eligible for further compensation.

Contact Our Law Office

If you believe that you, like many others, have been negatively impacted by a consumer product, medical device, or leading drug, our firm can help you navigate the process of joining a class action lawsuit. Recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer over successive years by his peers, Randy Akin is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell. Our team can help you understand the process during a free consultation. Call us today at (903) 297-8929 or schedule an appointment online.