Cases

We use the term "class action" generally to mean claims brought under court rules permitting class actions, collective "opt-in" actions, and multiple plaintiff cases. You can see from the case descriptions that every class action begins with an individual or group of people who have experienced illegal conduct and decide to do something about it. They agree to become plaintiffs in lawsuits that are brought in their names individually and also on behalf of others who have experienced similar treatment.

When successful, class actions provide monetary compensation to the plaintiffs and the class for the losses caused by the illegal conduct. Class actions generally also seek what is called "injunctive relief." If the class action is successful, the defendant makes changes in its operations to correct the effects of its unlawful conduct and make sure it doesn't happen again. This type of relief can occur either as a result of a Court order or by negotiated settlement.

From the case descriptions below, you can see the power and results that class actions give to persons prosecuting many different types of claims:

Employment Discrimination

Race Discrimination in Employment

Gender Discrimination in Employment

Age Discrimination in Employment

Other Discrimination in Employment

Employee Benefits

Overtime Claims

Other Employment + Consumer

Victims of Terrorism