When large corporations prioritize profits over people, they often harm employees, consumers, and the community. Class action lawsuits give individuals the chance to pursue justice with other victims.
At Arias Sanguinetti, our San Jose class action lawyers handle cases involving defective products, consumer fraud, employee rights, and privacy violations. We’ve taken on some of the biggest corporations and recovered over $1.5 billion obtained in case results.
If a company or corporation has wronged you, our San Jose personal injury lawyers are here to support you. As the first attorney to file a class action lawsuit in the state of California, Mike Arias has extensive trial experience. Call us today for a free consultation.
Understanding Class Action Lawsuits
A class action lawsuit allows one or more individuals, known as “class representatives,” to file a case on behalf of a larger group who have experienced similar harm. These claims are combined and presented before a single judge. When the case is resolved, each member of the group, including unnamed class members, shares in the settlement.
Taking on a large organization alone can be overwhelming, but a class action amplifies the voices of many, creating a powerful force for change. The collective pressure often compels companies to settle, avoiding further damage to their reputation. This approach not only seeks justice but also helps prevent future harm.
Our San Jose mass tort and consumer class action lawyers are here to guide you through the process. With our experience and success in class action lawsuits, we work tirelessly to secure justice for all involved.
How Class Action Lawsuits Work
In a class action lawsuit, the court begins by certifying a group of plaintiffs who share similar grievances. This group must be large enough to qualify as a class – which is generally at least 40 people.
A named plaintiff represents the entire group, so not everyone needs to testify or even be identified in court documents. Only the named plaintiffs and their attorneys will present the case on behalf of all.
Our San Jose class action lawsuit attorney can guide you through the certification process, making sure that the interests of all class members are well-represented. This collective approach allows you to seek justice without facing the process alone.
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Common Types of Class Action Lawsuits in California
Class action lawsuits arise when a large group of people suffer similar harm, such as:
- Consumer fraud: Companies should be held accountable for deceptive practices that harm consumers.
- Employment rights violations: Workers deserve protection from unfair treatment and illegal labor practices.
- Defective products: Faulty products can cause serious harm and must be addressed legally.
- False advertising: Misleading claims can deceive consumers and lead to financial loss.
- Medical device or pharmaceutical defects: Defective medical products can pose severe risks to patients’ health.
- Environmental damage: Corporate negligence causing environmental harm demands legal action.
- Privacy breaches: Your personal information deserves to be protected from unauthorized use.
- Auto defects: Defective vehicles can lead to accidents and serious injuries, necessitating legal intervention.
These lawsuits provide a powerful way to address widespread issues, streamlining the legal process when individual cases would be impractical. A class action lawsuit offers an efficient path to justice for many people affected by the same wrongdoing.
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Our San Jose Class Action Attorneys Can Help With Various Cases
At Arias Sanguinetti, we bring over 300 years of combined experience to our class action cases, helping individuals in San Jose and beyond seek justice for widespread misconduct. Whether you’ve faced employment violations or consumer fraud, we can help.
Employment Class Action Lawsuits
Some employment disputes, such as those involving wage and hour violations, unpaid overtime, or meal and rest break violations, qualify for class action lawsuits.
For example, if an employer systematically denies overtime pay or fails to provide legally required breaks, these violations can impact hundreds of employees. Our San Jose employment lawyers can help you file a class action lawsuit to seek compensation.
Consumer Protection Class Action Lawsuits
Our San Jose consumer protection lawyers can help if you’ve experienced deceptive business practices, false advertising, or privacy violations such as data breaches.
For example, suppose a company has overcharged thousands of customers by a small amount—such as $0.10 per transaction—or has mishandled sensitive customer data. In that case, a class action lawsuit can hold them accountable.
Even if the individual damages are small, the collective impact of a class action makes it possible to seek meaningful justice.
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How to Start a Class Action Lawsuit in San Jose
To begin a class action lawsuit, you can contact a San Jose class action lawsuit attorney. During your initial consultation, an attorney can listen to your situation and discuss your legal options. If your claim is strong, a lawyer can draft a class action complaint that outlines your injuries, losses, and the compensation you’re seeking.
If the court certifies the class, notices are sent to potential class members. Most class actions are “opt–out,” allowing individuals to pursue separate claims if they believe their situation is unique.
As the case moves forward, your attorney can investigate the defendant’s actions to determine the damages. Whether your loss is financial or personal, your attorney can advocate for fair compensation for the entire class.
Requirements for Class Actions in California
In a class action lawsuit, the “named plaintiffs” represent the interests of the entire group, so specific rules ensure they do so fairly. Depending on the nature of the violation, either state or federal laws may apply.
California’s Requirements
Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 382, the requirements include:
- A common issue or interest shared by a large group.
- Individual lawsuits being impractical.
Federal Requirements
For federal class actions, like Consumer Credit Protection Act cases, Rule 23(a) prerequisites include:
- Numerosity: Typically, more than 40 members.
- Commonality: The case must address common questions.
- Typicality: The claims of the representatives should be typical of the group.
- Adequacy: Representatives must have no significant conflicts with the group.
Our San Jose class action attorneys can help you determine if your claim might qualify as a class action.
Benefits of a Class Action Lawsuit
Filing a class action lawsuit allows individuals to unite, providing the strength to challenge large organizations. It also makes pursuing smaller claims financially feasible by combining them into a single, powerful case.
However, there are some downsides to consider. If the class action suit is unsuccessful, you lose the chance to file a separate lawsuit. Additionally, once the class representatives accept a class action settlement, you cannot opt out.
When you work with our San Jose class action attorneys, we carefully go over the benefits and potential drawbacks, providing personalized guidance to help you make the appropriate decision for your situation.
Why Choose Arias Sanguinetti for Your Class Action Lawsuit?
Arias Sanguinetti, the first law firm to bring a class action to trial in California, is a leader in handling complex class actions, including those involving consumer rights violations, data breaches, employment disputes, and more.
With a large and skilled team, we manage mass action cases while ensuring that individual clients receive personalized attention. We work closely with plaintiff counsel groups to achieve the best outcomes for all clients.
Our team of attorneys often take leadership roles in class and mass action cases, driving litigation toward fair resolutions for all plaintiffs.
We Work on a Contingency Basis
Our San Jose, California, class action lawsuit attorneys work on a contingency basis, so you do not have to worry about paying upfront for our services. We take our payment from your potential verdict or settlement.
This arrangement allows you to seek justice promptly without worrying about any additional financial risks.
Let Our San Jose Class Action Lawsuit Attorneys Help
Our skilled San Jose class action lawsuit lawyer can help you understand your options and guide you through the process.
At Arias Sanguinetti, we are committed to fighting large organizations on behalf of those who have been wronged. With our extensive experience and proven results, we have the resources to help you seek justice and compensation.
Contact us today to discuss your case in a free consultation.
Call or text 310-844-9696 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form