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Understanding class actions

Small purchases.
Shared rights.

When many consumers face the same problem, a class action can give their individual claims a way forward together.

How class actions work

The idea behind a class action

A small purchase can raise
a meaningful question.

In a class action, one or more people bring a case on behalf of a larger group, called a class, subject to the court’s approval. For consumers, the issue may be a misleading label, an undisclosed ingredient, or a promise that influenced a purchase.

The cost of bringing a lawsuit can be much greater than one person’s financial loss. When a similar practice affects many consumers, a class action can make it practical to seek accountability together. Depending on the claims and outcome, a case may seek compensation, changes to a company’s practices, or other relief.

Our consumer investigations focus on the information people received when deciding what to buy—and whether they received what was represented.

Different roles.
A shared concern.

Representing the group

Class representatives

These are the people named in the lawsuit who seek to represent the group. They work with the lawyers and have responsibilities that can include answering questions and giving testimony.

Part of the group

Other class members

These are people who fit the court-approved class definition, which may depend on the product, purchase dates, location, and other circumstances. They generally do not manage the case or attend every hearing.

The court decides whether the representatives and lawyers can adequately protect the class.

From a concern to a case

How a case
moves forward.

  1. Review the concern

    Lawyers evaluate the facts and applicable law to determine whether a claim can be pursued.

  2. File a proposed class action

    A complaint explains the allegations and the group the plaintiffs seek to represent. Filing alone does not establish wrongdoing or create a certified class.

  3. Develop the case

    The parties exchange relevant information and present their legal positions. The court considers whether the requirements for class treatment are met.

  4. Resolve the claims

    A case may settle, proceed to trial, or end through another court ruling. A settlement binding a class requires court approval.

Understanding your options

Received
a notice?

Read it for the class definition, available options, and deadlines. Receiving a notice means your rights may be affected; it does not automatically confirm that you qualify for a payment.

Requesting benefits
A settlement may require a claim form to request benefits. Submitting that form is different from “opting in” to a lawsuit.
Staying in or opting out
In many consumer class actions seeking money, people who meet the class definition remain included unless they timely request exclusion, called “opting out.” The notice explains whether that option is available. Remaining in a class can bind you to the result, including a release of covered claims, even if you do not submit a claim form.
Raising an objection
An objection asks the court to consider a concern about a proposed settlement. It does not remove you from the class.

A few common
questions.

Does everyone receive the same amount?

Any payment depends on the outcome and the applicable eligibility and distribution rules. An investigation does not guarantee a lawsuit, settlement, or recovery.

How are the lawyers paid?

Fees and expenses depend on the representation agreement, applicable law, and the case. In a certified federal class action, an award of attorney fees is subject to court review.

Does contacting the firm make me a class representative?

No. An inquiry begins a conversation. It does not by itself make you a client or a class representative. Any representation would be discussed separately; the court decides class certification and appointment of class counsel.

Our current investigations

A question about
something you bought?

Explore the products we are currently reviewing. If you purchased a listed product before learning about the reported PFAS finding, contact us to learn more about the investigation.

Explore current investigations