Have you been harmed by a defective product, deceptive business practice, or dangerous drug in North Carolina? You may not be alone, and a class action lawsuit may offer a path to justice.
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, our experienced North Carolina class action lawyers represent consumers and injury victims throughout the state and nationwide in complex, high-stakes litigation. We fight to hold corporations accountable and ensure that everyday people have a voice in the legal system. Backed by nearly 200 years of combined experience, we’ve secured over $850 million for injured clients and consumers.
Our North Carolina class action lawyers know what it takes to succeed in class action litigation and multidistrict litigation (MDL). We have the resources to stand up to large corporations on behalf of the Carolina community.
Call 800-525-7111 or contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our top-rated attorneys. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay attorney fees once we recover a settlement or verdict on your behalf.
How Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers Can Help With a Class Action Claim
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we’re proud to be local North Carolina attorneys with major resources and a national reach.
While many law firms treat class actions as impersonal and corporate, we believe in combining large-scale litigation power with local, compassionate representation.
When you hire us, we will:
- Investigate the cause of your injury related to a defective product, drug, or another source
- Identify the liable parties in your case
- Evaluate whether your injury entitles you to join a class action or multi-district litigation lawsuit
- Calculate your damages and losses related to your injuries
- Handle all legal aspects of your claim and manage all communications and negotiations with other parties
We have the experience and track record to go toe-to-toe with global corporations and the integrity to stand by your side at every step.
Call us today to speak with an experienced North Carolina class action attorney during a free consultation. If your case qualifies as part of a class action or MDL, we can help you join the class while still protecting your individual best interests.
What Is a Class Action Lawsuit?
A class action lawsuit is a legal proceeding in which a group of individuals with similar complaints sue a defendant together, represented by one or a few lead plaintiffs known as “class representatives.” These lawsuits are often filed when many people have been harmed in a similar way by a company, product, or policy. Examples include cases involving defective medications, consumer fraud, employment discrimination, or unfair business practices.
Rather than every victim filing their own individual lawsuit, the class action consolidates these similar claims into a single case. This helps streamline the litigation process, reduce legal costs, and make it easier for victims to seek justice, even when the individual damages might not be enough to justify a standalone lawsuit.
Class actions are especially effective in cases where:
- A defective product or a dangerous drug harmed many people
- A company overcharged or misled thousands of customers
- An employer engaged in discriminatory practices affecting a group of workers
- A business committed widespread fraud, antitrust violations, or unfair trade practices
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, our attorneys help identify whether your injury or harm may qualify for class action litigation, and we can assist you in joining an existing class or forming a new one.
How Do I Know if I Am Eligible for a Class Action Lawsuit?
If you’ve suffered injury, financial loss, or another form of harm due to the actions of a company, it’s worth consulting a class action lawyer in North Carolina.
You may qualify to participate in a class action if:
- You and others experienced similar harm or losses
- The harm stems from the same defendant and a common set of facts or legal issues
- Your claim aligns with those of other potential class members
- You’re willing to serve as a class representative (if necessary)
To proceed with a class action, your case must be certified by the court. Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23 requires the following criteria:
- Numerosity. The class is large enough that individual lawsuits would be impractical.
- Commonality. The class members share common legal or factual issues.
- Typicality. The representative plaintiff’s claims are typical of the class.
- Adequacy. The representative and their legal counsel can fairly and adequately represent the entire class.
If you believe you’ve been harmed in a way that’s similar to others, don’t wait. Contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to explore your options.
What are the Benefits of a Class Action Lawsuit?
Class action lawsuits offer a number of distinct advantages to injury victims and consumers:
- Efficiency and Cost Savings. Litigation is expensive. Class actions allow plaintiffs to pool resources, share expert witness costs, and streamline the legal process.
- Access to Justice. Many small claims would never be litigated individually. Class actions make it possible for these claims to be heard.
- Consistency. The case is handled in one courtroom before one judge, which helps avoid conflicting rulings in different jurisdictions.
- Increased Chance of Compensation. If defendants had to pay multiple individual judgments, they might run out of resources. Class actions help ensure compensation is distributed fairly among all affected parties.
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, our North Carolina class action lawyers fight to protect the rights of every class member and ensure that no one is left behind. Call us today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about the benefits of a class action lawsuit.
What Are Some Examples of Class Action Claims in North Carolina?
There are many examples of class action claims — some with which you are likely familiar and some that may sound unfamiliar.
Our attorneys are actively investigating and handling class action and mass tort claims in a variety of practice areas, including:
- Defective drugs and medical devices. These claims include injuries caused by unsafe medications, faulty surgical implants, or harmful pharmaceutical side effects.
- Consumer fraud. These actions target companies that misrepresent products or hide defects that harm consumers.
- Toxic exposure and environmental harm. These matters focus on harm from contaminated water, chemical spills, or explosions, among other things.
Not all widespread harm qualifies for class action treatment, and some cases may be better handled through multidistrict litigation. Our attorneys will help you determine the best path forward for your claim.
Class Actions vs. Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)
While class actions and MDLs are often confused, they are two distinct legal procedures used to manage large-scale litigation involving many plaintiffs.
In class actions, plaintiffs share nearly identical claims. However, one or more class representatives act on behalf of the group. A single case is litigated before the court, and the result or judgment applies to all class members. Court certification is required to move forward with a class action.
In multidistrict litigation, plaintiffs have similar but not identical claims (e.g., varying injuries or state laws). Each plaintiff retains an individual claim and attorney. Then, cases are consolidated in one federal court for pre-trial proceedings. Beyond that, bellwether trials help both sides evaluate their legal position and potential settlement value. MDLs are commonly used for defective drug and medical device cases.
Our firm has extensive experience handling both class actions and MDLs, and we can guide you on which structure best fits your case.
How Do I Join a Class Action or Mass Tort Lawsuit?
The first step is speaking with an experienced North Carolina mass tort lawyer. At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we’ll evaluate your situation, explain your legal rights, and let you know whether you qualify to join an existing class action or MDL. We’ll also evaluate whether your case should be filed individually.
If a class action or MDL is the best fit, we’ll handle every aspect of your case, such as:
- Gathering documentation and evidence
- Filing the appropriate legal paperwork
- Communicating with court-appointed leadership and opposing counsel
- Fighting for your fair share of any verdict or settlement
Call us today to learn more about how you can join a class action or mass tort lawsuit.
Active and Ongoing Mass Tort Investigations
Our firm is currently reviewing and accepting claims involving dangerous drugs, defective medical devices, and more.
Consider contacting us if you’ve been harmed by:
- Testosterone Therapy
- Tylenol
- Metal on Metal Hip Implants
- Transvaginal Mesh
- IVC Filters
- 3M Bair Huggers
- Zimmer Knee Implants
- Da Vinci Surgical Robots
- Hernia Mesh
- Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder
- Ongoing claims for: Xarelto, Zofran, Invokana, Yaz/Yasmin, Risperdal, and others
Even if you’re not sure whether your situation qualifies, contact us for a free consultation. We’ll provide guidance about your legal rights and advise you of your options.
Contact a North Carolina Class Action Lawyer Today for Help
If you believe you’ve been harmed by a defective product, dangerous drug, or deceptive business practice in North Carolina, don’t wait to act. You may be entitled to join a class action or multidistrict lawsuit and seek financial compensation.
Contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers today to schedule your free and confidential consultation. We’ll explain your options and determine the best legal route for your case.
Call us today or reach out online. Our North Carolina class action lawyers proudly serve clients across the state from our offices in Raleigh, Jacksonville, Kinston, and Goldsboro, and we’re happy to come to you if needed.