How to File a Class Action Lawsuit. Class action lawsuits are sometimes an effective
way to get legal redress for a group of people who have suffered from the same problem with
a company. You will need Complaint Class members Representatives
of the class Legal review Settlement type State or federal court and knowledge of legal
fees (optional). Step 1. Define your complaint against the entity you
intend to sue. In order to make an effective class action
suit, the same legal harm must have been done to all participants in the suit. Don't dismiss the validity of your complaint
just because of a small expected individual return. Even if the harm caused was small, such as
an overcharge on a retail item, the case may still be a good candidate for a class action
lawsuit. Step 2. Figure out if there are enough potential members
of the proposed class. There isn't a defined number required, but
it must be enough that each could not reasonably bring their cases to court individually. Step 3. Have a lawyer who specializes in class actions
review the viability of your case. Some organizations may offer free online legal
reviews as a preliminary step. Before hiring a lawyer, be sure to ask what
their fees are and how they will be paid if the suit goes forward. Step 4. Name one or more people or companies as plaintiffs
to represent the proposed class in the lawsuit. Step 5. Determine what type of settlement is appropriate
for your case. Usually, the settlement is in the form of
money, but it can be compensatory services, an injunction to cease an offending action,
or a judgment about each party's rights and responsibilities. Step 6. File your class action in the appropriate
state or federal court with the guidance of your lawyer or legal team. Congratulations, you've taken the first steps
toward getting relief for your case. Did you know Julia Roberts won an Oscar for
her portrayal of Erin Brockovich, a California paralegal who successfully initiated a class
action lawsuit against a polluting electric company.