Hare Wynn has a proven track record in class action cases, securing over $2 billion in settlements for clients in class action cases across a wide range of industries.
Handling a class action is different from managing a case for an individual. In a class action, a court resolves a set of related claims that a group of individuals may have, all within a single proceeding. There are specific rules that apply to class actions that do not apply to other types of cases. If you believe you have a potential class action claim, it’s essential to work with an experienced class action law firm.
If you’ve been harmed by wrongful actions that similarly affected a large group of people, reach out to the skilled Birmingham class action lawyers at Hare Wynn.
What Our Clients Say
What is a Class Action?
A class action allows a group of people who have been harmed by the same conduct of a corporation or other legal entity to pursue a legal case as a group, rather than filing individual lawsuits. For example, class actions may arise when a company charges illegal fees to customers, releases pollutants affecting a wide area, or makes misleading statements that impact stock prices.
In a class action, a class representative files a lawsuit on behalf of themselves and others who are similarly situated. This eliminates the need for each individual to file their own case.
For a class action to proceed, the court must confirm that certain criteria are met. When filed in federal court, the criteria are set out in Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23, which requires the following:
If a class action seeks monetary damages, the court must also ensure that the common legal or factual questions predominate over individual issues, and that a class action is the best method for fairly and efficiently resolving the controversy.
Alabama class actions are governed by similar standards, outlined in Alabama Rule of Civil Procedure 23. If a court finds that the required criteria are satisfied, the class can be certified.
Once certified, a class action may proceed to trial, settle, or the court may enter judgment without a trial. If the class receives compensation, members may need to complete a claim form to access the monetary damages they are entitled to receive.
Advantages of a Class Action
Class actions offer numerous advantages, particularly in cases where a large group of people has been harmed in similar ways. For individuals, a class action is an efficient way to resolve claims without having to file multiple lawsuits. Without a class action, each individual would have to hire an attorney, pay filing fees, and possibly attend depositions or trials.
Additionally, class actions help ensure that all members of the class receive fair compensation. Without a class action, a defendant with limited funds might only be able to compensate those who reach a settlement or trial first, leaving other victims without compensation. A class action helps ensure that everyone affected by the same wrongdoing is treated equally.
Moreover, many claims might not justify individual lawsuits because the harm done to each person is not substantial enough. For instance, if a company unlawfully charges a $100 fee to one million customers, it’s unlikely that one person would pursue an individual lawsuit. However, a class action allows the $100 million in total damages to be recovered in a single lawsuit.
Hare Wynn’s Experience with Class Actions
Agricultural Class Action:
Hare Wynn obtained a $1.51 billion settlement for American corn farmers harmed by the negligence of seed producer Syngenta, which disrupted the corn market and depressed corn prices.
Alabama Shareholders’ Class Action:
Hare Wynn secured a $310 million settlement for shareholders defrauded during the settlement of a prior securities class action in Alabama.
Environmental Class Action in Alabama:
Representing North Alabama residents, Hare Wynn secured a class action settlement with 3M and other defendants involved in the contamination of the region with PFAS “forever chemicals.” The settlement required remediation efforts costing over $300 million.
Consumer Class Action in Alabama:
Hare Wynn’s team was instrumental in securing up to a $68 million settlement with a contact lens manufacturer accused of misleading sales practices.
FLSA Class Action:
In a Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) collective action, Hare Wynn represented a group of CVS pharmacists who were not paid required overtime wages.
Why Choose Hare Wynn for Your Class Action Case?
Hare Wynn’s record in class actions places us among the top law firms in Alabama. Our class action attorneys have been recognized for their skill and dedication, earning distinctions from prestigious organizations like Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers, particularly in Mass Torts & Class Actions.
Our commitment to clients is reflected in our history of obtaining substantial recoveries for class members. When you choose Hare Wynn, you’re choosing a law firm that works tirelessly to ensure your case is handled with the highest level of professionalism and care.
How Do Class Action Lawyers Get Paid?
At Hare Wynn, we operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any fees unless we secure compensation for you. In class actions, the court usually awards attorney fees from the damages recovered, so clients don’t need to worry about upfront costs or legal fees.
Contact Hare Wynn for Your Class Action Case
If you believe you’ve been harmed by a company’s misconduct and that your case could be part of a class action, contact Hare Wynn’s experienced class action attorneys. Our Birmingham team is here to review your potential case, gather the necessary legal information, and advise you on the best way to proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a class action lawsuit?
A class action lawsuit is a legal case where one party files on behalf of a group of people who have been similarly harmed. The case is resolved in a single proceeding, making it more efficient than individual lawsuits.
How do I know if I have a class action case?
If you’ve been harmed by a company’s conduct and believe others have been affected similarly, you may have a potential class action claim. Contact an experienced class action lawyer to discuss your case.
What is the process for a class action?
The process begins with filing a lawsuit. If the court determines the case meets the criteria for a class action, it certifies the class, and the case proceeds. A settlement or judgment may then be reached, and compensation is distributed to class members.
