What is class action litigation?

Class action litigation is a type of lawsuit where a group of people who have been wronged by the same person or entity file a single lawsuit instead of bringing separate individual cases. This type of litigation can help save time and money and make it easier for plaintiffs to get justice. In California, class action lawsuits are governed by the California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP). Class action litigation begins when a single individual, or "lead plaintiff," files a lawsuit on behalf of themselves and all others who are similarly situated. The court then decides whether the plaintiffs have enough in common that they can be classified as a group or "class" of similarly situated individuals. If the court approves the class action, they then issue a notice to potential class members informing them of their right to opt-out of the class action and pursue a separate lawsuit. The lead plaintiff and their attorneys are responsible for managing the class action and negotiating settlements or other forms of relief on behalf of all members of the class. However, class members always have the right to opt-out of the class action and pursue their own individual claims. Class action litigation can be a powerful tool for individuals to hold wrongdoers accountable and obtain justice for a larger group of people. However, the process is often complicated and requires the expertise of an experienced attorney to ensure the best outcome for all class members.

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What is class action litigation?

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