What is a class action certification?

A class action certification is a ruling by a court that allows a group of people to collectively bring a lawsuit against a single defendant. This type of lawsuit is usually brought when there are many people who have suffered the same injury, but the individual claims are too small to warrant individual filings. In Washington, class action certification is also known as a “certificate of review.” When a court rules that a class action lawsuit can move forward, all of the people identified as members of the class must receive written notice of the class action certification. This notification will provide an opportunity for individuals to opt out of the lawsuit. A class action certification requires the court to determine that certain criteria have been met, including whether the people involved have suffered similar injuries and a common legal issue that binds them together. The class action certification is key to a successful lawsuit because it sets forth the requirements for bringing a case against the defendant. The plaintiff must show that each member of the class has been treated similarly in terms of the alleged injury. Additionally, the plaintiff must also prove that there are legal issues that are common to all members of the class. Class action certification is an important tool that allows individuals to seek justice when they have suffered the same harm at the hands of a single defendant. It empowers people to join forces and collectively fight for justice when their individual claims are too small to warrant individual filings.

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What is a class action certification?

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