Class Actions

A class action is a very large-scale legal proceeding in which the plaintiffs number in the thousands or millions. Class action lawsuits are civil actions that are brought by one or more people on behalf of themselves and other parties who are in a similar situation and who share a common defendant.

Hundreds, thousands, or even millions of people with similar claims are typically involved in class actions. The “certification” of a class action enables all claims to be heard during a single trial. A class of plaintiffs is just another way to say a bunch of them. When it comes to securities, the class is typically made up of all stockholders who held the relevant shares at the time the alleged fraud would have had an impact on the share price. Contact the skilled California class action lawyers of regal attorney at (222) 555-555 right away if you’re interested in launching or joining a lawsuit.

Composing and submitting a complaint against the defendants is the first stage in pursuing a class action lawsuit. Following filing in court, this document is sent through the US mail or a process server to the defendants, who are subsequently served with it. The defendants often submit an answer refuting the charges following the filing of the initial complaint. They could also choose to oppose the complaint by submitting certain motions to dismiss the case. If motions are filed, unless the case is dismissed, an answer will be needed following the judge’s decision on the motions.

The plaintiff will submit a motion to certify a class action following the conclusion of all preliminary discovery, and the defendants will submit objections. After that, the Court will hold a hearing, and if the plaintiffs prevail, the case will move forward to certification. The court will order notice to be given to the class if the lawsuit is one seeking monetary damages. Typically, notice is published in the newspaper or given through mail. This notice outlines the class members’ legal options and specifies when they must object, “opt out,” or join the class action. Before the matter is tried, more discovery may be required after the final certification is given. If the case does not resolve after that round of discovery, a trial date is set. A class action procedure is tried in the same way as any other civil case.