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Class Action
A class action is a lawsuit where one person or a small group sues on behalf of a larger group of people who have similar claims against the same defendant.
What it actually is
It is a procedural device that allows many individual claims with common questions of law or fact to be resolved in a single case. The court must first certify the class, meaning it decides that the group is sufficiently large and the claims are sufficiently similar to proceed collectively. Once certified, the case proceeds with representative plaintiffs and class counsel acting for all members.
Why it matters in your case
If you are a member of the class, you are generally bound by the outcome—whether a judgment or settlement—unless you take steps to opt out. For a defendant, a class action consolidates what could be thousands of separate lawsuits into one, potentially limiting liability but also creating high stakes if the class prevails.
The common misunderstanding
Many people assume they must actively join or sign up to be part of a class action, but in most cases you are automatically included unless you choose to opt out. Another common misunderstanding is that each class member will receive a large payout; in reality, individual recoveries are often modest, especially after legal fees and administrative costs.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.