What does being a member of the class mean in a class action?

In the context of a class action lawsuit, a member of the class refers to an individual or entity that is part of a larger group of plaintiffs who have joined together to collectively pursue a legal claim against a common defendant or defendants. The class members typically share similar legal issues, such as being harmed by the same product or suffering from the same type of misconduct. By consolidating their claims into a single lawsuit, class members can pool their resources and increase their chances of obtaining a favorable outcome.

To be considered a member of the class, individuals must meet certain criteria set forth by the court. These criteria often include factors such as having suffered similar harm, having similar legal claims, and being able to be identified and notified as part of the class. The court will carefully define the class and establish guidelines for determining who is eligible to be included as a class member.

Once a class action lawsuit has been certified by the court, all individuals who meet the criteria for class membership are automatically included in the lawsuit unless they choose to opt out. This means that even if an individual is unaware of the lawsuit or does not actively participate in the litigation process, they are still considered a member of the class and will be bound by any final judgment or settlement reached.

Being a member of the class in a class action lawsuit can have both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, it allows individuals with small claims or limited resources to pursue legal action that they may not have otherwise been able to afford. It also promotes efficiency by streamlining the litigation process and avoiding duplicative lawsuits. However, it also means that individuals who are part of the class may have limited control over the litigation strategy and settlement negotiations.

In summary, being a member of the class in a class action lawsuit means being part of a larger group of plaintiffs who have joined together to collectively pursue a legal claim. It involves meeting certain criteria set forth by the court and being automatically included in the lawsuit unless choosing to opt out. While there are advantages and disadvantages to being a member of the class, it provides an opportunity for individuals to seek justice and hold defendants accountable for their actions.

The Law Offices of Timothy L. Miles
Tapestry at Brentwood Town Center
​300 Centerview Dr., #247
Brentwood, TN 37027
Phone: (855) 846–6529
​Email: [email protected]

timothy l. miles

Nashville attorney Timothy L. Miles is a nationally recognized shareholder rights attorney raised in Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Miles has dedicated his career to representing shareholders, employees, and consumers in complex class-action litigation. Whether serving as lead, co-lead, or liaison counsel, Mr. Miles has helped recover hundreds of millions of dollars for defrauded investors,  shaped precedent-setting decisions, and delivered real corporate governance reforms. Judges and peers have repeatedly recognized Mr. Miles’ relentless advocacy for the underdog, as well as his unbendable ethical standards. Mr. Miles was recently selected by Martindale-Hubbell® and ALM as a 2022 Top Ranked Lawyer, 2022 Top Rated Litigator. and a 2022 Elite Lawyer of the South. Mr. Miles also maintains the AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, their highest rating for both legal ability and ethics. Mr. Miles is a member of the prestigious Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers: The National Trial Lawyers Association,​Class Action:  Class Action: Top National Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association (2023), a superb rated attorney by Avvo, a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by Premier Lawyers of America (2019) and recognized as a Distinguished Lawyer, Recognizing Excellence in Securities Law, by Lawyers of Distinction (2019); a Top Rated Litigator by Martindale-Hubbell® and ALM  (2019-2022); America’s Most Honored Lawyers 2020 – Top 1% by America’s Most Honored (2020-2022).  Mr. Miles has published over sixty articles on various issues of the law, including class actions, whistleblower cases, products liability, civil procedure, derivative actions, corporate takeover litigation, corporate formation, mass torts, dangerous drugs, and more.  Please visit our website or call for free anytime.

CONTACT                                                      
The Law Offices of Timothy L. Miles
Tapestry at Brentwood Town Center
​300 Centerview Dr., #247
Brentwood, TN 37027
​​Phone: (855) 846-6529
​Email: [email protected]