How Long Does a Class Action Lawsuit Take?
When you’ve joined a class action lawsuit, or are considering doing so, a common question we encounter is, “How long will this take?” This is a fair question as class action cases can involve hundreds (or even thousands) of people, a mountain of evidence, and complicated legal steps.
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long a class action lawsuit might take. The duration can vary widely depending on the nature of the case, the size of the class, and even external factors like court congestion.
To help you understand what to expect, our attorneys at Gordon, Wolf & Carney break down the factors that can affect the timeline, the key milestones in the legal process, and tips for managing expectations. With a clearer picture of how class action lawsuits work, you’ll be better prepared for the steps ahead.
What Is a Class Action Lawsuit?
A class action lawsuit is a legal case in which one or several plaintiffs sue on behalf of a larger group of people who have experienced the same or similar harm.
Cases like these are often brought against companies, governments, or organizations as a way to recover losses or seek justice for a widespread issue, such as defective products, misleading consumer practices, or workplace violations.
While class action lawsuits are an important avenue for justice, they can take considerable time to resolve. Understanding the process and the factors that influence the timeline can be pivotal to managing your expectations.
Factors That Affect the Duration of a Class Action Lawsuit
When it comes to joining a class action lawsuit, there are various factors that can potentially impact the duration of your case. Some of the most common factors include the following:
Nature and details of the case: Some cases are fairly straightforward, while others are deeply complicated. A case involving a single defective product could be resolved more quickly than one addressing systemic environmental harm caused by a company over many years. The more complicated the case, the more investigation and legal strategy are required, which can significantly extend the timeline.
Size of the class: The number of plaintiffs in the “class” can also impact the overall length of the case. Gathering relevant documentation, coordinating communication, and managing claims for hundreds or thousands of people takes significant time and resources.
Investigation and evidence gathering: The discovery phase is a critical part of any lawsuit and is commonly one of the most time-intensive aspects. Attorneys must gather documents, interview witnesses, and analyze evidence to build a strong case. This careful preparation is important to achieving a successful outcome, but it’s another reason class action lawsuits don’t resolve overnight.
Negotiations and settlement discussions: Many class action lawsuits are resolved before they reach the trial phase, but settlements can take time to negotiate. Both sides often go through extensive discussions to reach agreeable terms, and if negotiations fail, the case may proceed to trial, which extends the timeline further.
Court backlogs and legal processes: External factors, like overloaded court systems or delays in scheduling hearings, can also affect how long the process takes. Unfortunately, these variables are often out of the plaintiff’s and attorneys’ control. An experienced law firm can handle these delays effectively to keep the case moving as efficiently as possible.
Key Milestones in a Class Action Lawsuit
While every class action case is unique, most follow a series of key steps. The key milestones you can expect during the class action process include the following:
1. Filing the Lawsuit and Initial Motions
The process begins with filing the lawsuit in court. This includes preparing a formal complaint that lays out the claims against the defendant. Early motions, such as motions to dismiss, may also be addressed at this stage.
2. Certification of the Class
Before the case moves forward, the court is required to certify the class. This involves determining whether the group of plaintiffs meets specific legal criteria to proceed as a class action. Certification is a critical step and can take time, depending on any challenges to the motion.
3. Discovery Phase
During discovery, attorneys dig into the evidence, interview witnesses, and gather information to support their arguments. This phase is essential for building a strong case but can be highly time-consuming.
4. Settlement Efforts or Trial
Once discovery is complete, both sides may enter settlement negotiations. If a settlement is reached, the case can be resolved without proceeding to trial. However, if an agreement isn’t possible, the case will go to trial, which requires additional time for preparation, hearing arguments, and awaiting a verdict.
5. Distribution of Settlement Funds
If a settlement or favorable verdict is achieved, the final step involves distributing settlement funds to members of the class. This process can still take several months, particularly if there are disputes over the allocation.
Average Timelines for Class Actions
Class action lawsuits typically take anywhere from two to three years to reach resolution, though some cases may wrap up within 12 months, and others can take a decade or more. The average timelines for specific class action cases include:
Consumer class actions: Cases involving defective consumer products or false advertising often take one to four years.
Environmental class actions: Complicated cases dealing with environmental harm may extend to five years or longer.
Labor-related cases: Wage and hour disputes, as well as discrimination claims, often take two to three years to resolve.
Remember, these are average timelines, and your case may progress more quickly or slowly depending on the specific circumstances and influencing factors.
Tips for Managing Expectations
If you’re involved in a class action lawsuit, it’s vital to stay patient and proactive. Our attorneys recommend the following tips to help you manage your expectations throughout your case.
Be realistic: Understand that these cases take time to build and resolve. Quick resolutions aren’t common in class actions due to their complexity.
Stay updated: Stay in communication with your legal team to receive updates on the case. Transparency can help ease concerns about timelines.
Trust your attorneys: Experienced attorneys like our team at Gordon, Wolf & Carney are committed to handling the specifics and details of your case while keeping your best interests in focus.
Why Choose Gordon, Wolf & Carney?
With over 100 years of combined experience, we are passionate about helping clients achieve justice in even the most challenging cases. Our attorneys understand the specifics of class action lawsuits and work tirelessly to resolve cases as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Our knowledgeable and dedicated attorneys remain committed to helping you pursue justice and compensation. If you or your group are considering filing a class action case or have questions about a pending lawsuit, contact us today. Located in Hunt Valley, Maryland, our firm serves clients in Maryland and nationwide.
Understanding the Road Ahead for Your Class Action Lawsuit
Class action lawsuits are powerful tools for achieving justice, but they do require patience and a thorough understanding of the timeline ahead. While the process can feel lengthy, the right legal support can make all the difference in ensuring your case is handled with care and precision.
If you’re located in Maryland or anywhere in the United States and are part of a class action case or considering joining one, contact us today at Gordon, Wolf & Carney to schedule a consultation. Our dedicated attorneys stand ready to guide you through the steps and advocate for the results you desire.