Class Actions

Complex Cases, Outstanding Results

Class action lawsuits are a major area of practice for our personal injury law firm, Miskin Law. A class action is a type of lawsuit brought on by a group of people or businesses against an entity or entities that have been harmed in the same way. It is done through a representative claimant who is the named plaintiff in the class action. Because the complainants’ claims have more weight and credibility when examined collectively, and the same witnesses and authorities will be relevant in each case, it is an efficient and cost-effective means of suing the defendant as a group, versus individually. A class action arms plaintiffs with more bargaining power, and encourages the Defendant to settle, knowing they will not face individual claims at a later date for the same reason. In Ontario, once a class action is filed, everyone who has a similar claim becomes a member of the class by default and is subject to the findings in the class action lawsuit unless they choose to opt-out of the class action so they can file their own claim.

How Miskin Law Can Help

As a Canada law firm experienced in class action lawsuits, especially with prescription medications, and also claims related to mesothelioma, lung cancer and other ailments stemming from asbestos exposure, Miskin Law can determine the best course of action in your situation to collect the damages to which you are entitled. We work with existing class actions, and have initiated our own, sometimes partnering with other class action lawyers. As a general policy, we represent individuals making singular claims where that is the best route for maximizing compensation for the respective client. We always advise our class action clients of their right to opt-out of the class action, and we explain their choice giving specific individual advice. When a class action settles, we work hard to document our clients claim to maximize their right to compensation within the class action. We charge a percentage as a contingency-fee from class action clients, so those who end up with no compensation do not get billed or have to pay for our expenses on their behalf. Contact Miskin Law today for a free consultation to see where you or your loved one stands with regard to collecting monetary relief for your losses, pain and suffering.

How Does Class Action Work?

For class members, a class action lawsuit is a straightforward process. However, the team at Miskin Law realizes that you’ll have questions along the way. We have experience supporting clients in the Durham region, in Peterborough, and the entire Greater Toronto Area. Here’s what you can expect during each step of the class action process:

1. A lawyer files a class action lawsuit in hopes of benefitting all class members.
2. A judge reviews the case and certifies it to proceed.
3. All parties with a similar claim are notified and invited to become a part of the class action. During this step, you have the option to participate or opt-out. Should you choose to participate, you do not need to take any further legal action.
4. The case proceeds until a settlement is reached. Class members may receive damages at the conclusion of the case.

What’s the Point of Class Action Lawsuits?

Class action lawsuits have several goals. In general, they’re used to create a level playing field for individuals going up against massive corporations with entire legal departments. These are the three main aims of class actions:

• Making justice accessible for Canadians who may not have the resources to sue a large corporation
• Saving court costs by consolidating many claims into one trial
• Discouraging corporations from harming others and other forms of wrongdoing

How Can I Benefit From a Class Action?

When someone has been wronged, they often want to recover and move on with their lives. However, this could mean that you don’t seek justice against the negligent party. At Miskin Law, we help clients get justice through class action lawsuits. Here’s how you may be able to benefit from a successful class action case:

• Help secure justice for yourself and other victims
• Less time in court
• Consistent payouts for each class member
• Save money on legal fees
• Reach a settlement with minimal participation on your part
• Increase the chances of compensation for medical bills and other damages

How Do You Join a Class Action Lawsuit?

Joining a class action lawsuit typically requires providing your contact information and a statement. No other action is required on your part. Courts will automatically identify any affected parties and include them in the lawsuit.

When Will a Class Action Lawsuit Be Resolved?

Class action lawsuits are complex, and lawyers are often prepared to argue a case for several years. It’s impossible to estimate how long a class action case will last, but you can expect the team at Miskin Law to push the case forward as quickly as possible.

Will There Be a Trial?

Many class action lawsuits are settled out of court, which means they never go to trial. The lawyers at Miskin Law are willing and able to litigate in court, but we also take the appropriate steps to settle without going through a lengthy and costly trial.

When Will I Receive My Payout?

It’s impossible to predict whether a client will receive a payout as a result of a class action settlement. While the goal is to get you an award for damages, this outcome is never certain. Should you be successful, however, a judge will determine the amount of compensation awarded and we will estimate when you can expect a payout.