What defines a "class action lawsuit"?

A class action lawsuit is characterized by being filed by a group of people who share a common interest or have suffered similar harm against a defendant. This type of legal action allows individuals with similar claims to combine their cases into a single lawsuit, which can be more efficient and effective than if each individual filed separate lawsuits. The commonality of interests is a crucial element, as it underscores the collective nature of the claims.

In this scenario, the lawsuit enables the plaintiffs to consolidate their resources and leverage their combined claims, often resulting in a stronger legal standing and increased chances of achieving a favorable outcome. Class action lawsuits are commonly used in cases involving consumer rights, environmental issues, employment disputes, and any situation where a large number of individuals are affected collectively by the actions of a single defendant or a corporation. This mechanism also serves to streamline legal processes and alleviate the burden on courts by reducing the number of individual cases.