Class Action
A class action is like a mass tort, but they are not the same. Class actions involve people suffering the same wrong and pursuing and potentially receiving the same legal remedy. A class action can arise when many people have suffered a similar kind of damage caused by the same defendant(s). But, with a class action, all the plaintiffs have their claims joined as one big case, instead of retaining separate claims as they would with a multidistrict litigation. Compared to mass torts, class action lawsuits are more specific, and the plaintiffs of the class must share definite common characteristics. In a mass tort, each person has a different set of facts which would include different injuries and treatment. In a class action, each person would usually be considered to have the same or similar injury and likely would receive the same award or settlement amount. Mass torts often involve product liability claims, whereas class actions may involve consumer fraud claims, false advertising violations, and labor law abuses. If an injured person becomes part of a class action, he or she is legally bound by whatever settlement agreement is reached or whatever amount a judge or jury awards.
