Can individual class members opt out of a class action settlement?

In West Virginia class action law, individual class members may opt out of a class action settlement. This means that the individual class member may choose not to participate in the settlement and not receive any of the settlement benefits. Instead, they can still pursue their own legal action against the defendant. There are a few conditions that must be met before a class member can opt out, which include receiving a timely notice of the class action settlement, filing an opt-out request in writing, and timely submitting all necessary information. If an individual class member wishes to opt out of the class action settlement, they must submit an opt-out request to the court or the class representative. The request must be in writing and it must include the individual class member’s name, address, and other contact information. The notice must also include a statement that the individual class member is opting out of the settlement and renouncing any claim to a settlement benefit or damages award. Once the opt-out request is received, the individual class member has no further legal obligation to the class action settlement. However, they may still pursue their own legal action against the defendant as an individual. If they do so, they will have to cover all costs associated with the legal action, such as lawyer’s fees, court costs, and other expenses. In addition, they may not have the same legal protection that the class action settlement may provide.

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