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

A class action lawsuit and a citizens’ suit are both types of legal action that can be taken in West Virginia. The difference is that a class action lawsuit is brought by a single or group of people who represent a larger class of people, while a citizens’ suit is brought by a citizen or group of citizens without representing a larger class. In a class action lawsuit, the individuals who are bringing the suit represent a larger group of people who have been negatively affected in the same way by the same defendant. It is a way for people to collectively seek compensation for a harm caused by the same act. All members of the class must agree to the settlement, even if they were not personally involved in the suit. A citizens’ suit, on the other hand, is a type of civil suit that is brought by citizens for a public nuisance, or when a government agency fails to meet their duties. A citizens’ suit is meant to preserve the environment, protect public health, and ensure that the government is performing its duties to the public. This is different from a class action lawsuit because it doesn’t require collective representation of a group of people, and it doesn’t have to be for a harm caused by the same act. In sum, a class action lawsuit is a legal action taken by a group of people representing a larger class, while a citizens’ suit is a legal action taken by citizens for a public nuisance or when a government agency fails to meet its duties.

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

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