The impact of class action lawsuits in the United States

The class action lawsuit is an instrument that has enabled consumers to take on powerful corporations to seek redress for injuries. The U.S Supreme court recognizes class action as a legitimate avenue of redress. During the 2014 annual conference of the American Bar Association, Chief Justice John Roberts noted, "We are sometimes asked if it is proper" for people to use class actions, "Our answer is always the same: Yes."

David Cates shares that the origins of the class action lawsuit can be traced back to the medieval English common law when claimants banded together to seek compensation for injuries to themselves or their properties. Today's litigation achieved through combined efforts of individual plaintiffs represents an advancement of that concept, rationalized on the theory that public goods require collective action. As the Supreme Court has said, "the activities of lawyers in bringing about settlements and verdicts" make it possible for mass torts to be brought in federal courts.

The class action lawsuit is not limited to personal injury cases. For example, class action is often used when defective products or unfair business practices injure consumers.

In one such case, the Supreme Court explained that class action allows "the vindication of public rights through private litigation." In another, the court said that a group of consumers whom large corporations had overcharged was vindicated when they were able to share their "common harm" in a single suit, David Cates adds.

Class actions have allowed consumers and employees to hold large and powerful corporations accountable in ways that might otherwise not be possible. But, in many cases, class action lawsuits don't only benefit the people who sue. Instead, these lawsuits often serve as a deterrent for companies — making them realize they can't get away with doing whatever they want when it comes to their customers' interests.

<i>For more about Attorney <a href="https://www.behance.net/davidcates">David Cates</a> and his practice, click <a href="https://about.me/davidcates/">here</a>.</i>