What is a class action lawsuit?

A class action lawsuit is a legal process that allows a large group of people to collectively sue a company or other entity for damages when they have all been similarly affected. In Washington, class action lawsuits are governed by the Washington Consumer Protection Act, as well as state common law. A class action is typically initiated by a single person, known as the class representative, on behalf of the class of people affected by the wrong. After the class representative makes the initial filing, other members of the class can choose to join or opt out of the lawsuit. Each affected person may have a claim from the same event, but the claims may vary in amount. If the class action lawsuit is successful, the defendant is typically ordered to pay damages to the class, often in the form of refunds, restitution, corrective action or other compensation. Class action lawsuits are sometimes seen as a way of circumventing the high cost of individual lawsuits. Class action lawsuits are generally seen as a way of mobilizing legal protection and providing a remedy for a large number of persons who have all been similarly wronged, which can be an important tool in protecting the public from fraudulent and deceptive business practices.

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What is a class action lawsuit?

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