What is a class action?

A class action lawsuit is a legal action taken by a group of people who have all been affected in a similar way by the same company or entity. Instead of each person fighting their case individually, they band together as a "class" and file a single lawsuit. This is especially helpful when the damages for one person might be too small to justify legal action, but when combined with others, it becomes a significant amount.


In simple terms, it's like a collective effort where one court case represents all the people involved. They appoint a representative, often called the "lead plaintiff," who stands for everyone's interests. If the court rules in favor of the class, any settlement or award is distributed among the class members according to the damages they each suffered. It's a way for many people to have their voices heard and seek justice together, which can be more efficient and powerful than going it alone.