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  • Writer's pictureMatthew Capozzoli

What Are Class Action Lawsuits Anyway?

There are no problems we cannot solve together, and very few that we can solve alone.—Lyndon Baines Johnson

Class action lawsuits are a powerful tool for consumers and employees to hold corporations accountable for their actions. They have a long and storied history in the United States, dating back to the 19th century. The concept of collective litigation can be traced back to the colonial period, where group actions were used to bring disputes over land and property before colonial courts. However, the modern form of class action lawsuits as we know them today emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as a way for consumers and workers to take collective action against large corporations that were often seen as having too much power and influence.


The first federal class action statute was enacted in 1966, allowing consumers and employees to bring lawsuits on behalf of a larger group of people who had been similarly harmed. Since then, class action lawsuits have been used to address a wide range of issues, from consumer protection to employment discrimination. One of the most famous class action lawsuits in U.S. history is the tobacco industry settlement, which was reached in 1998. In that case, a group of 46 states and five U.S. territories sued the major tobacco companies for the costs of treating smoking-related illnesses, and the companies agreed to pay billions of dollars in damages and to change the way they marketed their products. Class action lawsuits have continued to play an important role in American society, providing a means for consumers and employees to seek justice and hold corporations accountable for their actions. Despite ongoing debates over the fairness and effectiveness of class action lawsuits, they remain a powerful tool for ensuring that the rights of consumers and workers are protected.

In the United States, there are several major class action lawsuits currently underway that have garnered widespread attention and could have far-reaching impacts.

  1. Google Privacy Class Action Lawsuit: In this lawsuit, plaintiffs are alleging that Google illegally tracked their online activity, violating their privacy rights. The lawsuit could result in billions of dollars in damages for Google and set a precedent for online privacy protection.

  2. Facebook Data Privacy Class Action Lawsuit: Similar to the Google lawsuit, this class action lawsuit alleges that Facebook illegally collected and shared user data without their consent. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the future of online privacy and data collection.

  3. Volkswagen “Dieselgate” Class Action Lawsuit: This lawsuit, which was filed after Volkswagen was found to have cheated on emissions tests for their diesel vehicles, could result in billions of dollars in damages for the automaker. The case is also serving as a cautionary tale for other companies that may be tempted to engage in similar deceptive practices.

  4. Johnson & Johnson Talc Powder Class Action Lawsuit: In this lawsuit, plaintiffs are alleging that Johnson & Johnson's talc-based products, such as baby powder, caused cancer and other health problems. The outcome of the case could have major implications for the personal care products industry and lead to increased regulation and scrutiny of similar products.

  5. Amazon Wage and Hour Class Action Lawsuit: This lawsuit, which was filed on behalf of Amazon workers, alleges that the company failed to pay workers for time spent waiting in security lines and other mandatory activities. The outcome of the case could have major implications for the rights of workers in the gig economy and other industries.

  6. The Paraquat class action lawsuit refers to a legal case against the manufacturers of the herbicide paraquat, alleging that the companies failed to adequately warn consumers about the dangers of the product. The plaintiffs in the case claim that they suffered health problems as a result of exposure to paraquat, and that the manufacturers knew or should have known about the risks associated with the product. The outcome of the lawsuit and any settlements or damages awarded will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.

  7. New class action lawsuits are alleging that the use of chemical hair relaxers led to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. While the scientific evidence is limited and inconclusive, some studies have found a strong association between the use of hair relaxers and an increased risk of ovarian cancer. If you believe that you have been affected by the use of a hair relaxer and have concerns about your health, it is recommended that you seek the advice of a doctor or other medical professional. Afterwards, come talk to us and we will help you find legal representation.

  8. Finally, the ongoing Tylenol class action lawsuit alleges that Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturer of Tylenol and other over-the-counter pain relievers, failed to adequately warn consumers about the potential risks associated with taking these products. Specifically, plaintiffs are claiming that Johnson & Johnson knew about the potential link between Tylenol and liver damage, but failed to warn consumers about this risk. The outcome of the case could have major implications for the over-the-counter pain reliever industry, and lead to increased regulation and scrutiny of similar products.



It is important to note that many of these cases are just emerging and have not been proven in court. However, they're a reminder that class action lawsuits continue to play a critical role in holding corporations and other powerful entities accountable for their actions. With stagnant wages across the country and inequality spiraling beyond our wildest imaginations, working class Americans must use every tool at our disposal to protect the rights of consumers. This means exploring every available legal solution, as well as joining with other similarly-situated classes of people to collectively defend our rights.

In unity there is strength; we can move mountains when we're united and enjoy life --Without unity we are victims. Stay united.—Bill Bailey


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