Naples Class Action Consumer Litigation Lawyer
There are a number of laws designed to protect consumers from deceptive and fraudulent business activities. One barrier to enforcing such laws is that an individual consumer’s financial loss is often small and not seen as worth the time and effort of a lawsuit. But if there are hundreds–or even thousands–of consumers who suffered the same loss, it may be worth their while to band together in a class action.
Class actions are an important vehicle for holding businesses accountable for their actions. They are also a complex form of litigation. That is why it is essential to work with a Naples class action consumer litigation lawyer who has experience in building such cases. The Naples Law Firm has handled many such claims on behalf of clients and we can help you in obtaining compensation from companies whose actions violated your legal rights.
What Happens in a Florida Consumer Class Action?
Consumer class action claims cover a wide variety of legal subjects, including the sale of defective and dangerous products, deceptive warranties, mortgage fraud, breach of contract, and general unfair business practices. Regardless of the subject matter, all consumer class actions follow the same basic procedures:
- One or more plaintiffs filed a lawsuit on behalf of a “class” of individuals who have suffered a similar legal injury.
- A judge must “certify” the class, determining whether there are common questions of law or fact involving all class members.
- The plaintiffs who filed the initial complaint are typically named as “class representatives,” meaning they will actually conduct the litigation on behalf of the class members.
- The class representatives must make reasonable efforts to identify and notify all potential class members.
Many consumer class actions never actually make it to trial. Instead, the class representatives and the defendants will negotiate a settlement. The proceeds of that settlement are then divided between the class members. The same is true if the case does proceed to trial and results in a jury verdict for the class members.
Contact The Pendas Law Firm Today
While class actions get a bad rap in some quarters, the truth is that they are an important tool for enforcing the legal rights of consumers. Class actions often mean lower litigation costs, which in turn can help ensure that more class members benefit from the final judgment or settlement. It is also far less burdensome on the courts to have a single judge preside over a class action than to have hundreds or thousands of cases heard in courtrooms around the country.
That said, deciding to bring a class action lawsuit is not something that should be undertaken lightly. It is important that you work with a skilled Naples consumer class action litigation lawyer who understands the potential risks–and rewards–of initiating such a case. If you would like to learn more about consumer class actions and how they might apply to your situation, contact the Pendas Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.