Personal injury law takes many forms and applies to many different situations, whether you slipped and fell in a grocery store or were hurt at home by a defective product. If you’re involved in a personal injury case, you may have to choose between filing a private action or a class action lawsuit. Here’s a quick summary of how these two options differ.

Class Action Lawsuits

What Are Class Action Lawsuits?

A class action lawsuit, which is sometimes called mass tort litigation, involves a group of people who have all suffered the same or similar injuries as a result of the same product or action. These individuals can then gather in court and sue the company or manufacturer who is responsible for their injuries.

Why Would Someone Join a Class Action Lawsuit?

It’s no secret that when proving a point, the more people you have to back you up, the greater the likelihood that you’ll be successful. For example, if an employer is approached by 10 individuals about an incident in the workplace, they’ll be much quicker to make a change than if just one employee speaks up. Therefore, when you join a class action lawsuit, you may have a greater chance of convincing a judge or jury that the defendant should compensate those they injured. You may also garner publicity and public support for the case.

Private Action Lawsuits

What Are Private Action Lawsuits?

Private lawsuits are probably the type of lawsuit you’re most familiar with. Unlike class action lawsuits, private lawsuits are filed by a single individual.

Why Should I Opt for a Private Action Lawsuit?

If you’re hoping for a faster resolution for your case, you might want to avoid a class action lawsuit. Because of the sheer number of plaintiffs, accounts, and evidence that is involved in the case, the proceedings of a class action lawsuit are guaranteed to take longer. Also, if most people have been affected by the defendant in different ways, a class action lawsuit may actually weaken your case. If you’re hoping to claim compensation for pain and suffering, it’s important to know that class action lawsuits are usually limited to economic compensation. Mass tort litigation will also give you less of a say in the decisions made during the proceedings. If these conditions pertain to your case, a private action lawsuit will let you pursue a case that’s more relevant to your situation and reach a result much more quickly.

If you’re interested in filing a personal injury claim, Steven P. Ciardiello, Esq., P.C. can help you decide which route is best for you. Attorney Ciardiello has over 30 years of experience in Hamden, CT, and the surrounding area, and he has the skills and experience to fight for what you deserve. For more information on his practice areas, including bankruptcy law, visit his website. You can also call (203) 248-8000 to schedule a consultation today.