Can I Start a Class Action Lawsuit in Maryland?
Class action cases often involve complicated laws, numerous individuals, and powerful defendants, such as corporations or institutions. If you're thinking about starting a class action lawsuit in Maryland, you need a skilled legal team with the experience, passion, and resources to tackle challenging cases.
Pursuing justice in the legal system can feel overwhelming. At Gordon, Wolf & Carney, we take pride in helping individuals who seek justice—not just for themselves, but for the group they represent.
With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys have represented countless clients across Towson, Maryland, as well as nationwide, with dedication and skill.
What Is a Class Action Lawsuit?
A class action lawsuit is a legal case where one or more plaintiffs file a lawsuit on behalf of a larger group of individuals who have experienced similar harm.
This harm could involve defective products, financial fraud, employment discrimination, environmental damage, or any other shared grievance. Class action lawsuits empower individuals to create a unified and stronger voice against larger defendants.
For example, imagine you've experienced financial loss due to a company’s misleading practices. While it might not seem worth pursuing a lawsuit for your own relatively small damages, a class action allows you to combine with other similarly affected individuals, holding the company accountable for widespread harm.
The outcome of a class action can lead to compensation for damages and even changes in business practices that benefit the wider community.
How Does Maryland Law Handle Class Action Lawsuits?
Maryland follows federal and state rules for class action lawsuits. Most cases fall under Rule 2-231 of the Maryland Rules of Civil Procedure, which closely mirrors federal Rule 23. To initiate a class action lawsuit in Maryland, the court has the following criteria:
Numerosity – The group (or "class") must be so large that it would be impractical to handle individual lawsuits for each affected person.
Commonality – There must be legal or factual issues common to all members of the class.
Typicality – The claims or defenses of the representative plaintiffs must be typical of those in the wider class.
Adequacy – The representative plaintiffs and their legal counsel must fairly and adequately protect the interests of the class.
Once these factors are established, the court "certifies" the case as a class action. Certification is one of the most critical steps, as it allows the lawsuit to move forward on behalf of the entire class.
Maryland law has statutes of limitations for different types of claims. For example, if your case involves consumer fraud, you typically have three years from the date you discovered the harm to file your lawsuit.
Benefits of Filing a Class Action Lawsuit
Initiating or joining a class action lawsuit has several advantages. Here are some of the benefits:
Strength in numbers – By joining forces with others who share your claims, you have greater resources and a stronger case against powerful defendants.
Cost sharing – Litigation is expensive, but in a class action, legal costs are divided among all plaintiffs, making it more affordable for everyone.
Streamlined justice – Rather than manage hundreds or thousands of individual lawsuits, courts address class action cases collectively, which is more efficient for everyone involved.
Impactful outcomes – Successful class action lawsuits often prompt companies to change harmful policies or practices.
Perhaps one of the biggest advantages is knowing you’re helping create accountability on a larger scale. It’s not just about compensation; it’s about standing up for fairness and justice.
Steps to Starting a Class Action Lawsuit in Maryland
If you're wondering how to launch a class action case, Gordon, Wolf & Carney make the process easier:
Initial consultation – We gather facts about your case, assess the harm caused, and determine if it qualifies for a class action.
Identifying the class – Once we establish your eligibility, we identify others similarly affected to form the class.
Filing the lawsuit – We officially file the lawsuit with the necessary documentation, explaining why the matter deserves class action certification under Maryland law.
Certification process – Our team will make a clear, strategic case to the court to certify your lawsuit as a class action.
Litigation or settlement – Depending on the situation, your case may go to trial or result in a settlement. Either way, we fight tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for you and your fellow litigants.
Why Seek Legal Help for Class Action Lawsuits?
Class action cases often involve large corporations with vast legal resources. Facing them alone can be difficult for an individual.
At Gordon, Wolf & Carney, we take on these challenges head-on, never backing down no matter how complicated the case may be.
When you work with us, we treat your case as if it were our own because we deeply value the pursuit of justice. Whether you're dealing with consumer fraud, defective products, or environmental harm, we bring years of experience, tenacity, and dedication to advocate for what matters most to you.
Class Action Attorneys Serving Clients Nationwide
At Gordon, Wolf & Carney, our deep understanding of the law and the courtroom allows us to help clients in Maryland and nationwide resolve disputes and recover damages. With an unwavering drive and a passion for difficult cases, our attorneys have a track record of success in fighting for justice.
If you’re considering a class action lawsuit in Maryland or anywhere in the country, allow us to guide you at every step. Contact us today.