Released: February 12, 2014

Consumer Action offers new Class Action Database

Free service keeps consumers apprised of notable cases and settlements

Contact: Linda Sherry, 202-544-3088

Consumer Action has opened its free online Class Action Database to the public. Consumer Action maintains this listing of notable class actions so that interested consumers can learn more, join a pending action or make a claim. All research for the posts is done by staff members.

The new database allows consumers to see upcoming claims deadlines and to click through to official class action materials and settlement information. Click here to view the Class Action Database.

In a class action lawsuit, one or more plaintiffs sue on behalf of a larger group of consumers similarly affected by the issue at the heart of the action. The plaintiffs are represented by one or more attorneys or law firms, who seek collective redress for all class members.

"For years we've been hearing from consumers that they can't find one source for class action lawsuits or settlements that they might be eligible to join," said Linda Sherry, a spokesperson for Consumer Action.

"A key reason we established this database is because far too many consumers don't receive the restitution they are entitled to because they don't know they are eligible or they're confused by the legal language of the notices sent to class members," said Sherry. "We built our Class Action Database to help people find cases they might be eligible to join."

Class actions are an important component of consumer protection because they root out corporate misconduct. A single class action complainant can have a big impact on how business is done, whereas a single complaint to regulators or law enforcement might not result in individualized attention or resolution. Class actions can advance important public policy goals, remedy injustices and place consumers on an equal footing with powerful corporations and institutions. Class actions offer a remedy for consumers without the brutal costs of individual litigation or the risks of potentially conflicting court decisions.

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Consumer Action has been a champion of underrepresented consumers nationwide since 1971. A non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Consumer Action focuses on consumer education that empowers low- and moderate-income and limited-English-speaking consumers to financially prosper. It also advocates for consumers in the media and before lawmakers to advance consumer rights and promote industry-wide change.

By providing consumer education materials in multiple languages, a free national hotline, a comprehensive website (www.consumer-action.org) and annual surveys of financial and consumer services, Consumer Action helps consumers assert their rights in the marketplace and make financially savvy choices. Nearly 7,500 community and grassroots organizations benefit annually from its extensive outreach programs, training materials and support.