What is the difference between a class action lawsuit and a citizens’ suit?

A class action lawsuit is a type of legal claim that is brought by a group of people who have been wronged in similar ways and are seeking a remedy for the same issue. This type of lawsuit is filed by attorneys on behalf of all of the parties involved. In contrast, a citizens’ suit is a lawsuit brought forward by a single individual who has been wronged or affected by the actions of another party. The individual is the plaintiff and the party that caused the wrong is the defendant. In Hawaii, a class action lawsuit may be filed when a group of individuals have experienced the same or similar harms due to the same unlawful acts of another party. This type of lawsuit seeks to get justice for all individuals who suffer the same harms due to the same unlawful acts. For example, a class action lawsuit may be filed if a group of individuals experienced harm due to a defective product or if a group of individuals were discriminated against by an employer. In contrast, a citizens’ suit is typically only filed by one individual who has suffered a wrong due to the actions of another party. For example, a single individual may file a citizens’ suit if they experienced a wrongful termination from their job or if they suffered a personal injury caused by the negligence of another party. Both a class action lawsuit and a citizens’ suit are important tools for providing individuals with access to justice when they have experienced a wrong. However, each type of lawsuit has its own criteria, process, and purpose, which are important considerations when determining which type of lawsuit to pursue.

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What is the difference between a class action lawsuit and a citizens’ suit?

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