product liability lawsuit and a class-action lawsuit are both types of civil litigation that involve multiple plaintiffs seeking compensation for harm caused by a product or service. However, there are distinct differences between the two.
A product liability lawsuit is a legal claim brought by an individual or a group of individuals who have suffered injuries or damages due to a defective or dangerous product. In this type of lawsuit, the plaintiffs typically allege that the product’s design, manufacturing, or marketing was flawed, and that this defect directly caused their injuries or damages. Product liability cases can involve a wide range of products, including vehicles, medical devices, pharmaceutical drugs, household appliances, and more.
In a product liability lawsuit, the plaintiffs are usually seeking compensation for their specific injuries or damages. They may be seeking reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. The lawsuit is typically filed against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of the product, or any other party involved in the product’s supply chain. The burden of proof lies with the plaintiffs, who must demonstrate that the product was defective and that the defect caused their injuries or damages.
On the other hand, a class-action lawsuit is a legal claim brought by a group of individuals, known as the class, who have suffered similar harm or damages caused by a common defendant or defendants. In a class-action lawsuit, the plaintiffs collectively bring their claims against the defendant(s) as a single group, rather than filing individual lawsuits. This allows the plaintiffs to pool their resources, share legal costs, and present a unified front against the defendant(s).
Class-action lawsuits are typically filed when a large number of individuals have been affected by the same wrongful conduct, such as a defective product, consumer fraud, or environmental pollution. The plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit must demonstrate that they share common legal issues and that a class action is the most efficient and fair way to resolve their claims. If the court certifies the class, all members of the class are bound by the outcome of the lawsuit, whether it is a settlement or a judgment.
In a class-action lawsuit, the compensation awarded is usually divided among the class members based on the extent of their individual damages. The lead plaintiff, also known as the class representative, acts on behalf of the entire class and makes decisions regarding the lawsuit with the guidance of their legal counsel.
In summary, the main difference between a product liability lawsuit and a class-action lawsuit lies in the number of plaintiffs involved and the way the claims are brought. A product liability lawsuit is typically filed by individual plaintiffs seeking compensation for their specific injuries or damages caused by a defective product. In contrast, a class-action lawsuit involves a group of plaintiffs who collectively bring their claims against a common defendant(s) for similar harm or damages.