What is a class action lawsuit?

A class action lawsuit is a legal mechanism that enables a group of individuals with similar claims or grievances to sue collectively as a single entity. This procedure is particularly beneficial when the individual claims are too small to warrant the cost and effort of a separate lawsuit. In such cases, a representative plaintiff initiates the suit on behalf of the entire class, making it possible for those affected by similar circumstances — such as consumers who experienced the same product defect or employees subjected to the same discriminatory policy — to pursue justice and seek compensation together.

This collective approach can enhance judicial efficiency and allow for consistent outcomes across multiple claims, as well as enable individuals to share the costs of litigation. It is important to note that class actions often require the court to certify the group before proceeding, ensuring that the claims share common legal and factual issues. The benefits of class action lawsuits underline their significance in the legal system, particularly in matters where individual claims may be too insignificant to pursue on their own.