Major lawsuits like class-action litigation are brought on behalf of a group of individuals or businesses. All claimants in a class-action lawsuit have usually suffered common injuries due to the defendant’s conduct or negligence. Typically, one individual or entity will act as the representative for the entire group. While the class action issues can vary, the situations in dispute will be common to all class members. If you have seen the movie “Erin Brockovich,” you will better understand the idea of a class-action lawsuit. Erin worked on behalf of the people of Hinkley, California, against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company for cancer-causing groundwater contamination. The people of Hinkley were the class members, and PG&E was the defendant.
Today, there are many class-action lawsuits filed worldwide for several issues. From defective automobiles to poor-quality laminate flooring, several legal claims are made against corporations and companies. To become part of a legal claim or establish your own legal claim, you will need to speak to a highly qualified litigant or special legal advisor. Depending on your situation, you may need a personal injury attorney, civil rights lawyer, or human rights attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer like Malliha Wilson can help you better understand your case and options.
If you have watched the news lately, you have noticed some major class-action cases that include class members from around the country. Let’s take a look at a few major lawsuits happening now.
E-Cigarette Lawsuits
Perhaps you have heard about the legal claims made against the makers of Juul e-cigarettes. Class members of a Juul Lawsuit claim that they have suffered seizures, lung damage, strokes, and other medical conditions due to e-cigarette use. Other claims against the makers of Juul say that marketing campaigns and branding aimed at attracting minors has led to addiction and harmful side-effects in underage teens. Other lawsuits also claim that Juul misled consumers about the level of nicotine in their vapes, which made them more addictive.
While many lawsuits against Juul are still active cases, others have been settled for large amounts of money. Recently, NC Attorney General Josh Stein announced a $40 million settlement with the makers of Juul. The lawsuit went after Juul for perceived marketing and advertising tactics designed to attract young teens with flavored pods and other products.
Talcum Powder Lawsuits
Recent jury verdicts have awarded billions to plaintiffs who claim that talcum used in baby powder caused mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. There are several individual lawsuits. However, at least four class-action cases have also been filed in court. Johnson and Johnson, the makers of Johnson’s Baby Powder, is facing more than 36,000 cases stemming from asbestos contamination of its talc-based products. In May 2020, Johnson and Johnson announced that it would no longer sell baby powder products in the U.S. and Canada.
Zantac Lawsuits
Lawsuits are ongoing around the country, alleging that Sanofi-Aventis, the makers of Zantac, failed to disclose that the ranitidine could produce harmful levels of cancer-causing carcinogens after ingestion. Class-action filings claim that the drug’s maker should have warned doctors and patients about the risk. On April 1, 2020, all ranitidine prescriptions and over-the-counter medications were recalled, including Zantac. Lawsuit claimants say that they have been diagnosed with cancer of the bladder, stomach, prostate, lung, liver, and other areas due to taking Zantac.
Class-action cases are a way for plaintiffs to recover damages and costs associated with losses due to an action or negligence. In many of the cases discussed, the claimants seek payment for medical bills, pain, and suffering. If successful, these kinds of suits can lead to very large payouts. You should speak with a qualified attorney if you feel eligible to become part of a lawsuit.
