What is the difference between class action and individual litigation in consumer fraud cases?
Class action lawsuits and individual litigation are two different approaches individuals can take when filing a consumer fraud case in Washington. In a class action, a representative (usually one person) brings a lawsuit on behalf of a group that shares an interest in the case, such as when a product or service was misrepresented by a company. All members of the group must have a similar legal claim, and all must have been harmed in the same way. This type of lawsuit is advantageous because it is more efficient and cost-effective for members of the group since a single lawsuit can resolve all their claims. In individual litigation, a single person or small group of people files their own lawsuit against a company or other entity they believe has committed consumer fraud. This type of lawsuit is advantageous when the harm occurs in a more personalized or individual manner. For example, if a consumer was defrauded in a one-off transaction, they may want to pursue individual litigation. In any case, the consumer should know their rights and the legal remedies available to them. It is important to consult a lawyer to determine which approach is best in a particular situation.
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