It is not uncommon to get emails or other notices that you are eligible to be a part of a class action lawsuit. You may even have received payment or other benefits from being a part of such action.
But do you understand the point of a class action lawsuit? Why would you be a part of one instead of suing on your own?
Unclog the legal system
Most class action lawsuits have multiple plaintiffs. Some can have thousands of people joining the case. If every single one of these people took their case to court individually, it would clog up the legal system. Court case timelines would drag out, and getting a resolution would be difficult.
Hold defendants accountable
The main goal of a class action, like any other type of lawsuit, is to deter the actions that brought about the claims. For example, if a company is acting in an illegal manner, the lawsuit aims to stop that and ensure the company follows the law in the future.
Even the playing field
Many times class action lawsuits involve large companies or entities that have been conducting bad business practices. An individual has little ability to go up against the high-powered attorneys who will fight for the company. A class action helps to even the playing field and ensure these companies or entities become accountable for their bad actions.
A class action lawsuit may not seem like a big deal, but it can accomplish so much. The goals are more about the big picture than the individual situations because these lawsuits help institute change.
