Robert M. Hammers | April 4, 2025 | Mass tort
Class action lawsuits are a legal method used to seek damages when many people are harmed by one party’s negligence. Instead of requiring each injured victim to sue the defendant individually, class action lawsuits allow victims to band together and file a single legal action against the responsible party. Examples of negligence in a class action suit can include defective products, environmental hazards, and discriminatory practices.
These kinds of lawsuits can be somewhat confusing to those outside the legal profession. Here, we will explain the key facts you need to know.
What Is a Class Action Lawsuit?
A class action lawsuit involves a group of individuals filing a single lawsuit against a negligent party. In the class action case, there is a lead plaintiff whose name is on the case and represents a group of people with similar injuries and similar causes. Other members can join the class by opting into the lawsuit.
Perhaps you have received a letter in the mail letting you know of an opportunity to join a class. Individuals who purchased a certain product, were subject to a deceptive billing practice, or lived in the area of an environmental hazard might receive invitations to join a class action lawsuit.
These lawsuits require that all members of the class have a shared legal issue. For example, when a defective product hits the market and many customers suffer injuries due to the same defect, they have a potential class action claim on their hands. The damages suffered by the class plaintiffs must be connected enough to stem from the same cause.
What Are the Benefits of a Class Action Lawsuit?
For members of a class action claim, the main benefit is that they can receive financial compensation without having to go to court themselves. Most class members will never set foot in a courtroom but still receive the same payment as most other plaintiffs.
Class action lawsuits can also hold negligent parties accountable by allowing many plaintiffs to band together as one. Most people would have a hard time suing a huge corporation on their own and winning damages. Together as a group, and with the help of an experienced class action attorney, injured victims can find justice.
How Does a Class Action Lawsuit Work?
Class action lawsuits originate when many potential legal claims appear similar due to a common cause. When the breach of duty, cause of injuries, and damages suffered by plaintiffs are nearly identical, the claim is ripe for a class action claim. Once the lawsuit starts, potential members will be notified that they can join the class.
The court will certify the class once all requirements for the lawsuit are met. From there, settlement discussions will take place between attorneys for the class plaintiffs and the defendant. The court will schedule a trial to settle the disputed issues whenever necessary.
Once the court certifies the class, then the case can proceed as a class action. While the case is ongoing, settlement discussions normally take place between both sides. The case will proceed toward trial within the court system while negotiations take place between the two sides.
If a settlement is reached, all members of the class are notified. Members can accept the agreement or opt out of the settlement and pursue their own litigation if they choose. Once the court approves the settlement, funds are paid out and distributed to all class members.
Contact the Atlanta Mass Tort Lawyers at Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Today
If you were injured due to negligence, you might have a potential class action claim. An experienced lawyer can help. If you received an invitation to join a class action lawsuit, attorneys can help you understand your legal options and pursue the best path forward. Contact one today to schedule a free consultation.
For more information, contact the Atlanta mass tort law firm of Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation. We have convenient locations in Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Lawrenceville, Mableton, Smyrna, and Roswell.
We serve Fulton County and its surrounding areas:
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Atlanta
201 Joseph E Lowery Blvd NW Suite 312,
Atlanta, GA 30314
Open 24/7
(770) 900-9000
About Robert M. Hammers Jr.
Robert M. Hammers, Jr. is the managing partner at Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers in Atlanta. Committed to justice, he represents individuals harmed by negligence, focusing on personal injury litigation, toxic torts, and mass torts involving defective drugs and medical devices.
With over 50 jury trials and $100 million in verdicts and settlements, Rob is known for his strategic thinking and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for his clients. He serves on the Executive Committee for the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association for Justice Board of Governors, and the Plaintiff Leadership Committee in complex multi-district and toxic tort litigations, where he advocates for injured individuals and shapes legal strategies.
Robert is also recognized on Justia for his excellence in personal injury law, further highlighting his reputation and commitment to client advocacy.
