Search
Close this search box.

Class Actions

Class action lawsuits have become one of the most effective ways to hold negligent entities accountable for their actions in the American justice system. When big companies or government entities act negligently and harm large groups of people, it may seem as though there are few consequences for their actions. These entities may manufacture harmful drugs, offer deceptive services, produce dangerous vehicles, or flood the environment with toxins. Regardless, they risk Americans’ lives and financial well-being.

While the government may issue fines or penalties, these don’t help the people who are harmed by the company’s conduct. That’s not right.

Nix Patterson’s complex litigation attorneys know how to handle class actions. We help victims get the justice they deserve in lawsuits involving deceptive, unfair, and fraudulent business practices by big companies.

Class action lawsuits are a proven way to hold powerful corporations accountable for the harm they cause to the American people.

If you have been hurt—be it financial loss or physical harm—by a company’s, city’s, or county’s actions, you are probably not the only one. Call Nix Patterson today. We have the experience, skills, size, and resources to deal with even the most deep-pocketed companies on your behalf. Our legal team will manage your class action lawsuit and stand up for you.

What Is a Class Action Lawsuit?

Simply, a class action is one lawsuit, filed by a lead or representative plaintiff, on behalf of a larger group of people who suffered substantially the same harm.

In other words, a class action is a “procedural device that permits one or more plaintiffs to file and prosecute a lawsuit on behalf of a larger group.” This larger group is known as a “class.” The plaintiff who files the class action is known as a “representative plaintiff” because he or she files both in their individual capacity, as well as in a representative capacity for all other putative class members.

In class-action lawsuits, all parties involved suffer the same or very similar injuries. This type of lawsuit may be brought against one or several defendants responsible for the widespread physical and/or financial loss.

In other words, a class action lawsuit is a single lawsuit filed by a class representative for dozens, hundreds, or potentially thousands of plaintiffs, known as the “class.”

Examples of Class Action Lawsuits

A class action lawsuit can arise due to all forms of harmful conduct by government entities, manufacturers, retailers, banks, insurance companies, and employers, among other parties. These suits may cover various negligence claims that include:

What Is a “Lead Plaintiff” or “Class Representative”?

In a class action lawsuit, the lead plaintiff is the individual(s) who files the suit on behalf of the class. They represent the entire class throughout the case and have their names attached to the class action. A lead plaintiff or class representative must:

  • Start the class action
  • Have suffered losses or harm similar to those of the class
  • Find a class action lawyer and file the lawsuit
  • Be actively involved throughout the class action
  • Only accept a settlement that’s in the best interests of the class

Depending on the circumstances, there can me multiple lead plaintiffs in a single class action.

Nix Patterson Maintains a Nationwide Class Action Practice Representing Consumers, Including Insurance Policyholders and Oil and Gas Royalty Owners.

How Do Class Actions Work?

Class actions make legal actions that would otherwise be difficult (or even impossible) for individuals to file a reality. Many individuals lack the resources to take on big companies by themselves. Class actions help plaintiffs combine the value of their individual claims to strengthen their case and hold the negligent party(ies) responsible.

Generally, a class action lawsuit starts with the lead plaintiff filing a class action complaint in court. The court will eventually decide whether to “certify” the class and allow it to proceed. Then, the parties will notify potential victims of their ability to join the case. Once notified, potential class action members may decide whether to join the class action. If you opt-in, the lead plaintiff, working closely with class action attorneys, will represent your interests until a settlement or verdict is reached.

How Long Does a Class Action Lawsuit Take?

Every class action case is different. While some take months to settle, other class action cases result in court battles that can take years to reach a verdict. If the defendant appeals a court decision, this may hold up the process.

Are Mass Torts the Same as Class Actions?

No. Mass tort actions produce different results for plaintiffs with similar claims, while class actions produce the same result for all class members. In a mass tort claim, every plaintiff is treated as an individual, just like in most personal injury cases.

Mass torts often proceed in a consolidated fashion, which is often referred to as a “multidistrict litigation” or “MDL.” MDLs are created by a federal or state judiciary council that oversees scenarios in which multiple claimants file the same or substantially similar lawsuit. The council then consolidates all actions under a single judge for efficiencies and economies.

How to Choose a Class Action Lawyer

Your class action attorney should be fearless in the pursuit of justice on your behalf. Your attorney should always offer you personalized attention and regular updates. At Nix Patterson, no case is too big or too small. We have decades of experience, recovering over $25 billion in settlements and verdicts.

Here are some things to keep in mind when searching for a class action lawyer:

  1. Experience in class action lawsuits
  2. Necessary resources to research, prosecute, and resolve class actions
  3. Proven track record
  4. Reasonable costs and fee structure
  5. Experience in appropriate jurisdictions
  6. Responsiveness

Does It Cost Money to Join a Class Action Lawsuit?

It doesn’t cost you anything to join a class-action lawsuit. At Nix Patterson, we take on class actions on a contingency fee basis, meaning we advance all costs associated with the case and only get paid after a successful settlement.

What Are Some of Nix Patterson’s Notable Class Action Results?

Here are various examples of successful class action claims that our attorneys have handled:

  • QEP Oil and Gas Class Action: $115 million recovered
  • Colossus Software Class Action: Over $1 billion recovered
  • General Contractor Overhead & Profit Class Action: Over $1 billion recovered
  • SM Oil and Gas Royalties Class Action: $55 million
  • CompSource Oklahoma Securities Lending Settlement: $280 million

Contact Our Class Action Lawyers Today

If you believe that you are one of many who’ve suffered harm due to the actions of a negligent company, government entity, or manufacturer, contact a class action attorney from Nix Patterson. Our legal team doesn’t shy away from tough cases, and we are ready to fight for you — no matter how big a company may be.

Our lawyers are here to review your situation and advise you regarding your options. We can also help you determine if it’s best to join an existing suit or start a new one altogether.

When a large company is responsible for your injuries, don’t feel intimidated to go up against them. You and others with similar injuries can hold them accountable for their wrongdoing. Don’t hesitate to contact us for advice and guidance regarding class actions.

Call 512-328-5333 for a free case review of your potential class action suit.

CONTACT US

Nix Patterson only works on a contingency fee basis. Our clients pay us nothing unless we win. Schedule a free consultation today. Call 512.328.5333 or complete the form below. 

PA Contact Form

"*" indicates required fields

Hidden
Hidden
Hidden

Related Pages

LEARN MORE

We’re Here to Be Your Legal Advocates

Nix patterson, LLP
$ 0 Billion
Recovered in Verdicts and Settlements