A class action is a lawsuit, which provides a means for a large group of people with common legal issues to join together and participate in one large action. Class actions are a relatively efficient and cost-effective way for groups of people with common legal issues to gain access to the legal system and seek justice.

In order for an action to proceed as a class action, the court must determine whether it is appropriate for the case to be treated as a class action. One of the factors under consideration by the courts is whether the people in the class really do have common issues or simply related ones. The analysis of whether a class should be certified as a class takes place at a certification hearing and is decided by a judge.

• They avoid the necessity for hundreds, or thousands of people or groups to file similar individual lawsuits.
• They help eliminate common barriers, such as economic barriers, which prevent people and groups from pursuing litigation.
• They seek to ensure that people or groups with similar claims are treated similarly.

Generally, Siskinds does not charge a legal fee unless the class action is successful.

Since class actions are usually brought against large corporations and involve complex legal issues, they can take years to settle. Fortunately, class members have very few responsibilities while a claim is ongoing and they are free to move on with their lives.

Yes. When a Class Action is certified, class members are always given an opportunity to opt-out of the action. A deadline is imposed for opting out. If you do not opt-out by the given deadline, you are deemed to be a class member.

Lawyer fee awards are subject to court review and approval.