How Long Do Class Action Lawsuits Usually Take?

Class action lawsuits allow individuals to collectively pursue the justice and compensation they deserve after being injured by a product. While class action lawsuits are a valuable resource for injured individuals, they can also be complicated and time-consuming.

The legal team at De Castroverde Personal Injury & Accident understands that you want immediate justice if an unsafe or defective product has injured you. However, holding careless companies accountable for their actions requires patience and a solid legal team with the power and resources to mount a compelling challenge that can stand up in court.

How long do class action lawsuits take, and what can you expect if you decide to join one? At De Castroverde Personal Injury & Accident, our Las Vegas product liability lawyers have the answers you need. They can help you understand the ins and outs of class action lawsuits.

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Common Length of Class Action Lawsuits 

Several factors can influence the length of a class action lawsuit. Some lawsuits can take as little as a few months to settle. However, most class action lawsuits take years before reaching a final resolution. There is no “average” length of a class action lawsuit. Class action lawsuits are often complicated, and getting a case to the point where it can stand up to challenges in court takes time, effort, and patience.

Class action lawsuits are legal proceedings where one or more individuals bring about a lawsuit on behalf of a larger group of individuals. Although all individuals must demonstrate they were harmed in some way by the careless company’s actions, only the lead plaintiff or plaintiffs take the case to court. Awards can be distributed to all those who joined the class action lawsuit if the case is successful.

These lawsuits require time and dedication because reaching out to class members or individuals hurt by the defendant’s actions takes time. The lead plaintiff and their legal team often send notices to those potentially impacted. Submitting these notices and waiting for a response can be time-consuming, especially if many people are affected.

Another factor that can impact the length of a class action lawsuit involves the time it takes to prepare a court case. Discovery is the formal legal process where both sides in a court case gather information relevant to the proceedings. Discovery involves:

  • Gathering evidence and documentation to strengthen your case from the other side
  • Taking depositions of witnesses and other parties
  • Preparing a case for the courtroom

Discovery is often the most intense and time-consuming part of the legal process.

Procedural delay is another barrier to resolving class action lawsuits, a common tactic to draw out litigation. Backlogs in the legal system can also cause delays to push back trial dates. Finally, a class action lawsuit doesn’t always end when a judge or jury reaches a final decision. The appeals process can hold up class action lawsuits for months or years.

Unfortunately, those looking for a quick resolution to a class action lawsuit tend to settle for less than their case is worth. It is generally in the best interest of the opposing side to attempt to settle for as little money as possible. Those without the patience for the legal process to play out may rush to accept an offer, even if it does not accurately reflect the totality of their financial losses. Although there are no guarantees or “easy wins” in the legal field, the more patience and dedication you exhibit, the better your chances of recovering maximum compensation.

Class Action Lawsuits - How long do they take?

What to Expect When Joining a Class Action Lawsuit

Joining a class action lawsuit may feel overwhelming. Once you receive the notification you are eligible to participate in a class action lawsuit, joining is relatively straightforward. You may need to provide specific documentation and fill out forms allowing you to join the lawsuit.

Almost anyone can join a class action lawsuit if they believe they have suffered or been injured physically or financially by the defendant’s careless actions. Online search tools and class-action websites offer updated information to the public about current and ongoing class-action lawsuits and investigations.

Technology has made it easier to find crucial information about class action lawsuits and whether you can join one. You may also receive notifications about class action lawsuits through the U.S. mail. However, be wary of scams and always research before handing over your personal information. Never send money to anyone claiming you must pay a fee or purchase something to join a lawsuit.

While joining a class action lawsuit is relatively simple, starting a class action lawsuit is not. If a consumer product, medical device, or pharmaceutical injures you, contact an experienced class action attorney to discuss your situation. An attorney can review your case, collect valuable evidence, and attempt to locate others who may be in the same situation as you.

Familiar Class Action Lawsuits 

Chances are, you have heard about class action lawsuits before. These cases can include vast numbers of individuals and involve popular and name-brand companies. They also generate significant headlines in the media. Some class action lawsuits that you may be familiar with include:

These lawsuits are only a fraction of the class action cases filed against major American manufacturers, companies, and pharmaceutical corporations. New and emerging cases are always in the legal pipeline.

Contact a Knowledgeable Attorney Today for More Information 

As a consumer, you expect the products you own, the car you drive, and the drugs and medical products you use to be reasonably safe. When one of these products is defective and causes a significant injury, you may seek compensation for your financial losses. The Las Vegas product liability lawyers at De Castroverde Personal Injury & Accident can protect your rights and help you fight back, holding a reckless company responsible for their actions and working to recover the money you need to move forward with your life.

Has a product, drug, or medical device hurt you or your family? Contact our Las Vegas office today to arrange a confidential legal consultation with one of our resourceful product liability attorneys.