Meyers & Flowers: Championing Your Rights, One Class Action at a Time
If you or a loved one have been a victim of negligence and you suspect that many others have been harmed by that same entity, you should speak with a Chicago personal injury lawyer at Meyers & Flowers. When a group of people or business entities who have suffered common injuries because of another corporation’s wrongdoing, they may be able to join together and file one lawsuit, a class action. Contact us today for legal guidance.
What Are Class Action Lawsuits?
A class action lawsuit is a civil litigation that is filed on behalf of a larger group of people who have suffered similar harm or injury by an entity. Instead of each filing a separate lawsuit, the group is represented by one or a few people, known as class representatives.
There are several types of class action lawsuits, including:
- Consumer Class Actions: These lawsuits are filed by consumers harmed by a company’s products or services, such as false advertising or defective products.
- Securities Class Actions: These lawsuits are filed by investors who have suffered losses due to a company’s fraudulent or misleading statements.
- Employment Class Actions: These lawsuits are filed by employees who have been discriminated against or denied fair wages or benefits by their employer.
- Environmental Class Actions: These lawsuits are filed by individuals or communities harmed by pollution or other environmental hazards.
The Process Of A Class Action Lawsuit
In general, anyone who has suffered a legal wrong and who believes others have suffered a similar wrong can start a class action lawsuit. Usually, the best first step is to find a class action attorney who can aid with this process, since class action suits require going through a specific legal process, that includes:
- Filing: The first step in a class action lawsuit is filing a complaint. This is typically done by a lead plaintiff, who represents the class. The complaint should outline the alleged wrongdoing by the defendant and why the plaintiff believes the defendant is liable. The complaint should also identify the class members and how they were harmed.
- Certification: After the complaint is filed, the court will determine whether the case can proceed as a class action. This is known as certification. To be certified, the class must meet specific requirements, such as having numerous members who have suffered similar harm. If the court certifies the class, the case will proceed as a class action.
- Settlement or Trial: Once the class is certified, the parties will typically engage in discovery, exchanging information and evidence. After discovery, the parties may attempt to settle the case. If a settlement is reached, the court will review and approve it. If a settlement is not reached, the case will go to trial. At trial, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant is liable and that the class members have suffered harm. If the plaintiff is successful, the court will award damages to the class.
Benefits Of Class Action Lawsuits
Here are some of the many benefits of a class action lawsuit:
- Efficiency: Class action lawsuits are more efficient than individual ones because they consolidate similar claims into one case. This means the court can resolve many claims simultaneously rather than hearing each claim individually. This saves time and resources for both the plaintiffs and the defendants.
- Equal Representation: Class action lawsuits provide equal representation for all plaintiffs, regardless of their financial resources. This means that all plaintiffs have access to the same legal representation and can participate in the lawsuit on an equal footing. This is particularly important when individual lawsuits are too expensive for some plaintiffs.
- Lower Costs: Class action lawsuits are generally less expensive than individual lawsuits because the costs are shared among the plaintiffs. This means that each plaintiff pays a smaller amount of the total costs of the lawsuit. Additionally, class action lawsuits often result in settlements, which can be less expensive than going to trial.
Noteworthy Class Action Lawsuits
Tobacco Litigation
Tobacco litigation refers to class-action lawsuits against tobacco companies for their alleged role in causing lung cancer, heart disease, and other health problems. In the late 1990s, several states filed lawsuits against tobacco companies, which resulted in a settlement of $206 billion over 25 years. The settlement also included provisions for tobacco companies to change their marketing practices, reduce youth access to tobacco products, and fund smoking cessation programs.
Asbestos Litigation
Asbestos litigation refers to class-action lawsuits against companies that manufacture or use asbestos-containing products. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral commonly used in building materials, insulation, and other products until the 1980s, when it was linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other health problems. The lawsuits alleged that companies knew about the health risks associated with asbestos but failed to warn workers and consumers.
As a result of these lawsuits, many companies have filed for bankruptcy, and funds have been established to compensate victims of asbestos exposure. The largest of these funds is the Asbestos Trust Fund, which has paid billions of dollars to victims and their families.
Silicon Breast Implant Litigation
Silicon breast implant litigation refers to a series of class-action lawsuits filed against manufacturers of silicone breast implants. In the 1990s, there were concerns that silicone breast implants could cause autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. As a result, the FDA banned the use of silicone breast implants for cosmetic purposes in 1992.
Several class-action lawsuits were filed against manufacturers of silicone breast implants, alleging that they knew about the health risks but failed to warn consumers. The lawsuits resulted in a settlement of $3.2 billion, which was used to compensate women who had experienced health problems due to their silicone breast implants.
Matthew J. Herman: Class Action Leader
Matthew Herman, partner at Meyers & Flowers, has established a track record of success in class action lawsuits. He has achieved significant settlements on behalf of his clients in several high-profile cases:
- In the Blue Cross Blue Shield case, he secured a $2.67 billion settlement for insurance subscribers who alleged antitrust violations against BCBS entities
- In the Google AdWords Litigation, he helped secure a $22.5 million settlement in a nationwide class action on behalf of AdWord advertisers who claimed that Google unfairly placed ads
- Herman’s success continued with the Tipsword v. IFDA Services case, where he reached a $59 million settlement for a class of purchasers of preneed funeral services who alleged mismanagement of funds
These outcomes demonstrate Herman’s skill in navigating complex legal issues and advocating for his clients in class action lawsuits.
Our lawyers have also worked in many Multidistrict Litigation cases including:
- In Re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation, MDL 1663
- In Re Payment Card Interchange Fee and Merchant Discount Antitrust Litigation, MDL 1720
- In Re Air Cargo Shipping Service Antitrust Litigation,, MDL 1775
- In Re Pharmacy Benefits Manager Antitrust Litigation, MDL 1782
- In Re Bayer Corp. Products Litigation, MDL 2023
- In Re Automotive Parts Antitrust Litigation, MDL 2311
- In Re: Equifax, Inc., Customer Data Security Breach Litigation, MDL No. 2800
- In re: Target Corporation Customer Data Security Breach Litigation, MDL No. 2522.
- In Re Deere & Company Repair Services Antitrust Litigation, MDL 3030
- In Re Paraquat Products Liability Litigation, MDL 3004
- In Re Sygenta AG MIR 162 Corn Litigation, MDL 2591
Meyers & Flowers Are Here To Help
At Meyers & Flowers, we believe that class action lawsuits are a powerful tool for holding corporations accountable for their actions. By banding together with others similarly affected, you can seek justice and compensation for the harm caused.
While class action lawsuits can be complex and challenging, our experienced attorneys have a proven track record of achieving significant settlements and judgments for our clients. We understand the importance of these lawsuits in deterring companies from engaging in illegal or unethical behavior, and we are committed to fighting for our clients’ rights.
We encourage you to consult us if you believe you have a case for a class action lawsuit. Our attorneys will work with you to determine the best action and develop a solid legal strategy to achieve a favorable outcome.
Class Action Lawsuit FAQ
What are the benefits of joining a class action lawsuit?
Joining a class action lawsuit can provide several benefits. First, it allows you to join forces with other plaintiffs with similar claims against the defendant. This can increase your chances of success and reduce the costs of litigation. Additionally, class action lawsuits can hold large corporations accountable for their actions and provide compensation to those who have been harmed.
How do I find out about current class action lawsuits?
There are several ways to find out about current class action lawsuits. You can check legal news websites, consult with a lawyer, or search online databases that track class action lawsuits. Additionally, you may receive notice of a class action lawsuit if you are a member of the affected class.
What compensation can plaintiffs receive in a class action lawsuit?
The compensation that lead plaintiffs can receive in a class action lawsuit varies depending on the nature of the case. In some cases, plaintiffs may receive monetary damages or a settlement. In other cases, plaintiffs may receive injunctive relief, such as company policy or practice changes.
Do I need a lawyer to file a class action lawsuit?
While it is possible to file a class action lawsuit without a lawyer, it is generally recommended to seek legal counsel. Class action lawsuits can be complex and require a thorough understanding of the legal system. An experienced lawyer, such as those at Meyers & Flowers, can help guide you through the process and increase your chances of success.
What are the pros and cons of a class action lawsuit?
The pros of a class action lawsuit include the ability to join forces with other plaintiffs, increased chances of success, and reduced litigation costs. However, there are also cons to consider, such as the potential for smaller individual payouts and the time for a case to be resolved.
Can I start a class action lawsuit against the federal government?
It is possible to start a class action lawsuit against the federal government, but it can be difficult. The government has certain immunities and protections that can make it challenging to bring a successful case. Additionally, some strict rules and procedures must be followed when suing the government. It is recommended to consult with an experienced lawyer if you are considering filing a class action lawsuit against the federal government.