What makes a class-action lawsuit different from a regular lawsuit?
A key difference between a class-action lawsuit and a regular lawsuit is the number of people involved. A class-action lawsuit consists of many workers who have experienced similar employment violations, such as unpaid overtime or gender discrimination. A regular lawsuit involves an individual taking legal action against their employer.
The group of employees, known as a class, can consist of hundreds or thousands of people. In a class action, the settlement or damages are split among the class members. The class representatives typically get an extra amount as compensation for their time and effort. In an individual lawsuit, a single plaintiff receives all the damages.
Class actions are beneficial when going up against large companies, which are often armed with teams of lawyers. The similar claims of multiple employees can help strengthen the case and even stop the employer’s illegal employment practices. In a regular lawsuit, the plaintiff is only representing their own interests in court.
When deciding whether to pursue an individual lawsuit or a class action against an employer, there are many considerations. Discuss your situation with a skilled Oakland employment lawyer at Erlich Law Firm to learn more.
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My parents were heavily involved in community organizing. Seeing neighbors and friends’ parents struggle in the workplace gave me a sense of purpose that I wanted to help others. Many employees feel helpless and powerless in the workplace, and helping them vindicate their rights is the right thing to do.
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