What is the difference between class action and individual representation?

Class action lawsuits and individual representation are two distinct legal processes for litigating disputes. Class action lawsuits are filed by a group of individuals who have a common interest in resolving a dispute against a defendant, such as a company or organization. The group of individuals is called a “class” and the class is represented by a single plaintiff, usually a lawyer. The class action lawsuit is litigated collectively, meaning all members of the class are bound by the court’s ruling and can benefit from any award or settlement. Individual representation, on the other hand, is a lawsuit filed by an individual plaintiff against a defendant. The individual’s legal counsel represents only that person, rather than the entire class, and the court’s decision will only affect the individual plaintiff in the lawsuit. In California, class action lawsuits are governed by the California Code of Civil Procedure. They are often used if a large number of individuals have suffered similar injuries due to a single act or omission by the defendant. On the other hand, individual representation is more common if the injury is unique or complex, or if the individual wants greater control over the outcome of the case.

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