What is the difference between class action and individual litigation in consumer fraud cases?

Class action and individual litigation are two distinct approaches to bringing a lawsuit regarding consumer fraud in South Carolina. In a class action lawsuit, the plaintiff (i.e. person bringing the lawsuit) represents a large group of people who share similar claims against a defendant (i.e. person being sued). Generally, the plaintiff is a representative who has been chosen by the group. Conversely, an individual litigation lawsuit is brought by an individual on their own behalf. In this type of lawsuit, the individual’s claim against the defendant must be based on their own injuries or losses that were caused by the defendant’s actions. In either type of lawsuit, the plaintiff will seek compensatory damages for the losses that they have suffered as the result of the defendant’s consumer fraud. In consumer fraud cases, compensatory damages are usually awarded to cover the cost of repairs, replacements, or even refunds for products purchased that were never delivered or that were defective. The main difference between class action and individual litigation is that a class action lawsuit seeks to compensate a large group of people with similar claims, while an individual litigation lawsuit seeks to compensate just one person who has suffered damages due to consumer fraud. The outcome of both types of lawsuits can result in a settlement or a jury verdict.

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