What is class action litigation?

Class action litigation is a type of civil lawsuit in which one or more people sue another person or company on behalf of a larger group of people, usually to recover money for damages suffered by the group. In Massachusetts, a class action lawsuit must meet certain requirements. First, the class must be so large that it would be impractical to join all members as individual litigants. Second, the claims of the class must raise common questions of law or fact. Third, the claims of the class members must have similar legal and/or factual issues, and the class must be represented by party or parties who will adequately represent the class. When a class action is certified, the court appoints a representative plaintiff or plaintiffs who act on behalf of the entire class. The representative plaintiff must act in the best interests of the class and maintain communication with class members throughout the lawsuit. All class members are usually bound by the outcome of the class action, meaning that the results of the lawsuit apply to all members of the class. Class action lawsuits can be a powerful tool for individuals, particularly those who may not be able to afford to file their own lawsuit. They also allow for the efficient resolution of a large number of claims at once. However, class action lawsuits may not be appropriate for all cases and may have certain disadvantages. There is also the potential for class action abuse, where class representatives do not adequately represent the interests of the class. It’s important to consult with an attorney to determine if a class action lawsuit is the right choice for a particular situation.

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What is class action litigation?

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