How to Find Out if You're Included in a Class Action Lawsuit

In 2009, there were 109 class action settlements valuing 2.8 billion dollars. (see ref 3)

Most class-action settlements do not require you to opt-in because if you use a service --- such as a credit card service that charged illegal interest rates or if live in an affected area, such as a city that is involved in a class action suit over polluted drinking water --- you are automatically included. However, you might not know of your involvement until the company or manufacturer notifies you. If you would like to find out sooner, you must consult a lawyer.

Instructions

1. Consult a lawyer who specializes in class-action settlements or civil suits. Ask her to investigate any pending class-action suits to see if you are named. Alternately, if you were harmed by a particular product or service, have her investigate to see if there is a class-action suit pending and if you are included in that suit.

2. Ask if your case meets their requirements if you are not already included. Often the requirements for participating are exact; for instance, you must have suffered a specific type of ailment as a result of taking the medication. If you do not meet that qualifications, but you believe that you were injured by the product, contact your own lawyer and inquire about how you can pursue a separate lawsuit.

3. Follow your lawyer's instructions if you can become part of the suit. For example, you may be asked to provide medical records for a lawsuit involving a medication or dietary supplement, or you may have to provide a bill that demonstrates you were overcharged or otherwise treated wrongfully by a corporation.

References

• Classaction.com: What is a Class Action Lawsuit?
• Class Action Litigation Information: Frequently Asked Questions About Class Actions
• The 10b-5 Daily: Lies, Dam Lies, and Statistics: Cornerstone Releases Report on Settlements; Lyle Roberts; March 2010