Employee Rights
Class Action Lawsuit Process
Your Guide Throughout the Class Action Lawsuit Process
A class action lawsuit is a type of lawsuit where an individual sues on behalf of a large group of people who have been harmed in the same or a similar way to that individual. Because these individuals can represent thousands of people, a class action lawsuit must proceed according to a specific process.
At The Nourmand Law Firm, APC, we have represented employees and other clients in a variety of class action lawsuits including employment violations, wage and hour violations, defective products, improper fees, violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Action, and unlawful debt collection. From our office in Los Angeles County, City of Beverly Hills we represent the interests of clients throughout California. Our experience allows us to help you navigate the class action lawsuit process.
Determining Whether a Class Action Lawsuit Can be Filed
The first step to the class action lawsuit process is determining whether this type of lawsuit is an option for you. A consultation with an experienced attorney can help you explore your options and determine whether filing as a class action lawsuit is the right option for you and your case.
Obtaining Class Certification
While an initial consultation with an attorney can assist you with determining whether a class action lawsuit is a viable option for your case, your case cannot move forward until a judge has issued a class certification ruling. This, among other things, involves establishing that the potential impact of the case is large enough that individual lawsuits would be impractical.
Notifying Other Members of the Class
In California potential class members may receive several notices. At the beginning of the class action lawsuit, in California, the attorneys representing the employees have the right to obtain the names, addresses and telephone number of aggrieved employees who were similarly situated. In order to protect the employee’s privacy right a notice will be mailed to employees informing them of the lawsuit and informing them that the employees attorneys are seeking their contact information. After the lawsuit has been certified as a class action lawsuit, notification must be sent to the other people in your class to inform them of the case. This notification will contain information about who the lawsuit is filed against and what the case pertains to. Notification can be sent by mail or through advertisements depending on the scale of the case. Finally, if a class action is settled, a notice of the class action settlement , approved by the court, is mailed to all employees who were similarly situated informing them of the settlement and their rights under the settlement.
Settlement or Trial
For many cases, an attorney can create positive results for you and your class through negotiation. In these cases, a settlement will be offered, and the judge will review and approve the settlement to ensure that it is a fair reasonable and adequate settlement.
However, while many cases end with a settlement, some do go to trial if an agreement is unable to be reached through negotiation. If this occurs, it is important to work with an attorney with litigation experience who is prepared to fight for your interests in court.
Discuss Your Class Action Lawsuit With Us Today
To work with an experienced attorney who can guide you through every step of the class action lawsuit process, contact The Nourmand Law Firm, APC, through our online contact form or by phone at 310-553-3600.