What is a class action?

Class Action Lawsuit in Nevada

A class action lawsuit is where a group of people (the class) experiences the same of similar injuries and sues one more defendants, usually corporations.  A group representative is selected to bring the lawsuit. If the defendant settles or loses at trial, the plaintiffs win. A person can either opt in or opt our of the class action suit.  If someone opts in, he automatically receives a portion of the settlement. If he did not participate in the suit, then he does not receive any damages.

Class action lawsuits usually involve the following types of cases:

• Bad prescription drugs
• Product liability
• Defective Medical Devices
• Auto Defects
• Financial cases such as predatory lending and securities fraud
• Employment cases, such as compliance with wage requirements

How does a class action start?

The class actions usually begins with one plaintiff filing a complaint in court.  In Nevada, once the complaint is filed, a request is made to pursue an acton as a class action.  This request must show:

1. the class is so numerous that joinder of all members is impracticable;
2. there are questions of law or fact common to the class;
3. the claims or defenses of the representative parties are typical of the claims or defenses of the class;
4. the representative parties will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the class.

In general, the court must find that allowing the case to proceed as a class is the most fair, practical, and efficient means of handling the matter.  This creates inconsistent judgments, promotes compatible standards of conduct for the defendant.

Successful class action lawsuits you may be familiar with are:

1. Tobacco litigation.  In 2008, Philip Morris, RJ Reynolds, and two other tobacco companies agreed to a $206 billion settlement.

2. Volkswagen.  In 2016, Volkswagen agreed to pay $14.7 billion dollars resulting from their scheme to cheat emissions testing on its diesel cars.

3. BP Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill.  In 2016, BR agreed to a $20 billion dollar settlement over claims of environmental damage from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.  

4. Roundup.  Roundup is a week killer containing glyphosphate that has been found by 2 juries to cause cancer, including Non-Hodgkins lymphoma.  Bayer, the corporation who owns this weed killer, has not settled this lawsuit. Both cases which have proceeded to trial have resulted in victories for the plaintiffs with verdicts of $289 million and $80 million in damages.

There are approximately 8,000 more cases awaiting trial.  If you used the week killer Roundup and developed Non-Hodgkins lymphoma or other cancers, call us now.  

Can I choose my own attorney in a class action?

Yes.  You may see advertisements on TV for attorneys seeking persons to join a class action, but they are not the only attorneys that can handle your case.  An attorney from any jurisdiction can join the class action for her client, regardless of the State where the litigation is happening. The attorneys you see advertising on TV or Facebook may be as far away as New York, North Carolina, or Florida.  You may find that you greatly prefer the comfort of having a local attorney whom you can visit in person to handle your case rather than a lawyer located far away that you will likely never meet in person.

Current class actions you can join now with Hinds Injury Law Las Vegas

Valsartan

Valsartan is the generic name for blood pressure medication.  Valsartan contains N-nitrosodimethylamine, also known as NDMA, a very likely human carcinogen.  Likely cancers associated after Valsartan use include liver, kidneys, and colon.

3M

Did you serve in the military and suffer hearing loss and/or tinnitus as a result of your use of defective 3M earplugs?  If so, we may be able to help you.

Roundup

Roundup is a week killer containing glyphosphate that has been found by 2 juries to cause cancer, including Non-Hodgkins lymphoma.  Bayer, the corporation who owns this weed killer, has not settled this lawsuit. Both cases which have proceeded to trial have resulted in victories for the plaintiffs with verdicts of $289 million and $80 million in damages.

There are approximately 8,000 more cases awaiting trial.  If you used the week killer Roundup and developed Non-Hodgkins lymphoma or other cancers, call us now.  

Talcum Powder Cases: Ovarian Cancer and Mesothelioma

If you regularly used talcum powder and developed ovarian cancer, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Sex Assault/ Sex Trafficking

Over a decade ago, the U.S. Justice Department has named Las Vegas among one of the 17 most likely destinations for human trafficking, and Shared Hope International, which is an organization dedicated to end human trafficking, names Las Vegas as a major hub for child sex trafficking.  Most child victims of sex trafficking come from foster homes.

Sex trafficking an egregious crime which is taking place hidden in plain sight.  If you or your child or friend is a victim of sex trafficking, call us for help immediately.

Hernia Mesh Cases

If you have had two or more hernia mesh surgeries, you may be entitled to compensation for the defective mesh that caused your injuries.