FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A class action is a type of lawsuit where a group of people with similar injuries or damages sue a defendant as a group. Instead of hundreds or thousands of individual lawsuits, class actions allow claims to be resolved efficiently in a single case. This is particularly effective when individual damages might be too small to justify separate lawsuits, but the defendant's conduct has harmed many people in the same way.

  • You may qualify if you've experienced the same type of harm or damage as other class members. For example, if you were affected by a data breach, purchased a defective product, or were subject to the same deceptive business practice as others. Our attorneys can help determine if your experience qualifies you for an existing class action or warrants a new case.

  • There is NO out-of-pocket cost to participate. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for the class. Our fees are approved by the court and typically come from a portion of the overall settlement or verdict amount.

  • Initially, we need basic information about your experience: what happened, when it occurred, any documentation you have (such as receipts, notifications, or correspondence), and how you were affected. We'll guide you through providing relevant information during your confidential consultation.

  • Class actions can take anywhere from several months to several years to resolve, depending on the complexity of the case, the number of class members, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. While we work efficiently to resolve cases, we never sacrifice the quality of our representation or the potential recovery for speed.

  • Most class members never need to appear in court. The lead plaintiffs and class counsel handle court appearances and other litigation responsibilities. You'll be notified of any settlement and may need to submit a claim form, but physical attendance is rarely required.

  • A lead plaintiff (or class representative) actively participates in the lawsuit, working with attorneys and potentially providing testimony. They represent the interests of all class members. Class members are individuals who qualify for the class but take a more passive role, primarily receiving notice of developments and participating in any settlement.

  • Settlement amounts are based on factors including the strength of the case, extent of damages, number of class members, and the defendant's ability to pay. The court must approve any settlement as fair and reasonable. Distribution methods vary but typically involve a claims process where class members submit proof of their eligibility to receive their share.

  • Yes, you typically have the right to opt out of a class action. If you opt out, you won't be bound by the settlement or verdict and retain your right to sue individually. However, this means you'll need to pursue any claim on your own, at your own expense. The decision to opt out should be carefully considered with legal counsel.

  • Privacy violations can occur when companies fail to protect your personal information, share it without consent, or collect more data than disclosed. Common signs include notification of a data breach, unauthorized charges, identity theft, or discovering your information is being used in ways you didn't authorize. Our attorneys can help evaluate whether your privacy rights have been violated.

"Class action litigation is the great equalizer in a system where corporate resources often dwarf individual means."

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Discuss your potential data privacy, consumer fraud, or product liability class action case with our experienced Chicago-based attorneys.