What is the difference between a class action lawsuit and a private attorney general action?

A class action lawsuit is a legal action taken by a group of people who have suffered a common injury or harm and seek to have their damages redressed through a single lawsuit. In a class action, one or more people, called class representatives, bring the lawsuit on behalf of the rest of the class. The court then decides whether all members of the class may share in the damages or other relief. A private attorney general action is similar to a class action, but instead of a class representative bringing the lawsuit on behalf of the class, a private individual or corporation brings a lawsuit to benefit the public at large. In Washington, private attorney general actions are authorized by statute where a private individual acts to protect the public interest. These actions can be used to address matters of public safety and consumer protection, as well as to enforce state laws that are not being adequately enforced. The difference between a class action lawsuit and a private attorney general action is that in a class action, the relief sought benefits the group of individuals that make up the class; whereas, in a private attorney general action, any relief obtained benefits the public at large. In addition, private attorney general actions are usually brought by an individual or corporation, whereas class actions are usually brought by class representatives.

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What is the difference between a class action lawsuit and a private attorney general action?

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