Class Actions
Strength in Numbers, Justice for All
Are you among those affected by the wrongdoing of corporations or institutions, and as a result, suffered loss or injury? You don’t have to face this challenge alone.
At GMP Law, we have extensive experience in class action lawsuits, amplifying the voices of individuals who have experienced similar harms or losses. By joining forces, we can hold corporations and institutions accountable and seek the justice you deserve.
Take action today
Let’s discuss your situation and determine if a class action is the right path for you. Reach out to our experienced team of class action lawyers and start your journey towards justice.
Current Class Actions
Coles Class Action
Gerard Malouf and Partners have filed proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia against Coles regarding allegedly misleading promotional pricing practices.
Woolworths Class Action
Gerard Malouf and Partners have filed proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia against Woolworths regarding allegedly misleading promotional pricing practices.
Centrepay Class Action
We are investigating a class action against the Commonwealth of Australia for the management of Centrepay which allegedly has resulted in the financial exploitation of vulnerable welfare recipients.
Spinal Cord Stimulator Class Action
We are investigating a representative proceeding in the Federal Court of Australia against Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) manufacturers. The claim alleges that SCS devices have caused significant injuries to patients.
We have commenced a class action against Philips over alleged faulty ventilators that may degrade into harmful particles, and potential compensation is available for current and former users.
We have commenced a class action against Exactech over faulty hip, knee, or shoulder implants. Significant compensation may be available due to potential medical complications.
We are investigating the impact of the Northern Rivers Floods on North Eastern NSW from February to March 2022. We are exploring how the M1 Pacific Highway construction may have contributed to flood damage in the area.
BMW Emissions Class Action
We are investigating the manipulation and misreporting of Diesel Emissions Engine Testing by many of the world’s leading car manufacturers.
Past Class Actions
What is a class action lawsuit?
A class action is an important legal mechanism that allows a large group of people with similar issues to bring a claim against a corporation or institution collectively. It provides a way to seek justice and compensation – especially, when pursuing a claim individually might be too difficult, risky, or expensive.
Key benefits of class actions
Access to justice
No out-of-pocket costs
Strength in numbers
Crucial role in the legal system, by streamlining the litigation process
Serve as a deterrent, holding corporations and institutions accountable and discouraging misconduct and wrongdoing.
Team
Meet our class action team
Our class action team, led by Gerard Malouf, includes seasoned lawyers with decades of combined experience in complex litigation. We have successfully recovered billions of dollars for our clients through class action settlements, verdicts, and across various areas of personal injury law.
How class actions work
How many people are required to start a class action?
One of the most frequently asked questions about class actions is how many participants are required to initiate a case. The answer might surprise you.
Minimum number of class members
In Australia, a class action can be initiated with as few as seven people. However, while this is the legal minimum, most class actions involve much larger groups.
Factors influencing class size
Several factors affect the decision to proceed with a class action, beyond simply the number of claimants:
- Economic viability
- Commonality
- Public interest
Explore the key requirements of a class action and the court process in our article, ‘Understanding the class action court process in Australia.’
Commonality in class actions
For a class action to proceed, class members must have claims that involve a significant common legal or factual issue, properly represented by the Lead Applicant.
In determining whether this is the case, the court must evaluate:
- Common questions: Are there legal or factual issues shared by group members?
- Standing: Are the Lead Applicant’s claims representative of the entire class?
- Adequacy of representation: Can the Lead Applicant adequately represent the class’s interests?
Addressing differences in a class action
While commonality is essential, it is important to recognise that each case is unique, which may result in some differences among class members.
Explore how differences in class actions are handled in our article, ‘Bridging the gap: How differences between cases in a class action are managed.’
How to start a class action lawsuit
Be the first to take a stand
If you have identified a widespread issue that has significantly impacted you and could warrant a class action, you could be pivotal to driving meaningful change. Even if you are uncertain or thinking about commencing or joining a class action, contact the GMP Law class actions team for a confidential discussion. We are here to assist you.
Here’s how you can get started.
Gather all relevant information about your experience and the problem you’ve identified.
Reach out to our experienced class action lawyers. They can assess the merits of your case and discuss the potential for a class action.
Your class action lawyer will then conduct a thorough investigation to identify whether others may have the same or similar claims, and gather evidence to bolster the potential class action.
In some cases, we may issue public announcements or create dedicated websites to collect information from potential class members.
As the initiator of the class action, you may become the lead plaintiff or “class representative.” This role is crucial, as the representative assumes the risk and cost of litigation while pursuing a claim on behalf of a larger group with similar issues.
The choice of representative is a strategic decision that can significantly impact the course of the class action. It can benefit all affected individuals within the defined group, even those who are unaware of the action.
If we determine that your case has merit and meets the criteria for a class action, we will file the necessary court documents to commence proceedings.
As the case progresses, other potential class members may be identified. This can be done through court-ordered notices, such as the opt-out notice, or through media coverage.
The opt-out notice informs eligible individuals of their right to choose to remain as participating group members in the class action, or, opt-out. Eligible group members are automatically included in the class action unless they elect to opt out, even if they do not actively register.
Why choose GMP Law for your class action?
GMP Law is a leading class action law firm with a proven track record of success across many forms of litigation. Our team of experienced lawyers are dedicated to pursuing justice and holding corporations and institutions accountable. We are not afraid to challenge large entities that exploit individuals.
Our focus: Maximum compensation, minimal time
We prioritise achieving the maximum possible compensation for our clients in the shortest time frame. We’ve partnered with leading class actiontop Australian barristers and international law firms to leverage our expertise and ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Defending against corporate wrongdoing
We specialise in:
- Medical class actions
- Consumer law class actions
- Environmental class actions
- Financial products class actions
- Other forms of corporate or institutional wrongdoing.
Our commitment to you
Expertise
Our lawyers are specialists in class action litigation, with a profound understanding of its complexities.
Resources
We possess the financial and legal strength to challenge even the largest corporations.
Client-focused
We prioritise clear communication and always put your interests first.
No upfront costs
We operate on a No Win No Fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Do you have a class action claim?
Tell us about your experience and one of our compensation experts will be in touch.
OUR CASE SUMMARIES
Maximum Compensation, Proven
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a class action lawsuit typically take?
The duration of a class action can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial or settles. Some cases may resolve in a year or two, while others can take several more years to conclude. Class action proceedings are complex and high-stakes litigation, necessitating a lengthy resolution process.
For insight into the duration of class actions from the stage of filing, a helpful report prepared by Professor Vince Morabito in 2017 provides an analysis of class actions with judicially approved settlements.
His report identified the average duration for settlement of six of the most frequent types of class actions:
1. | Product Liability Class Actions | 1,149 days |
2. | Mass Tort Class Actions | 1,123 days |
3. | Investor Class Actions | 1,101 days |
4. | Shareholder Class Actions | 962 days |
5. | Consumer Protection Class Actions | 931 days |
6. | Industrial Class Actions | 332 days |
How much does it cost to join a class action?
While we strive to offer No Win No Fee arrangements for as many types of cases as possible, the suitability of this agreement depends on individual circumstances.
We understand that seeking legal advice can be daunting, so we offer free initial consultations to discuss your case. This allows us to assess its viability and explain your options. If your case is unlikely to be successful, we’ll be upfront and honest, and there’s no obligation to proceed. If the chances of a successful case are low, we will decline to work with the client.
Our goal is to provide clear guidance and transparent advice, ensuring you make informed decisions about your legal matter.
Can I start a class action for any issue?
How do I know if I have a valid claim for a class action lawsuit?
When are class action settlements or verdicts paid?
Class action settlements or verdicts are typically paid out after the conclusion of the legal process. Generally, the process can take several months to over a year from the time of settlement or verdict to the actual distribution of funds. The payment timeline can vary based on a few factors, including:
- Court approval: If a settlement is reached, it must be approved by the court, which can take additional time.
- Distribution plan: A distribution plan needs to be established to ensure fair payment to all class members.
- Administrative processing: The claims administration process involves verifying and processing individual claims before payments are made.
Why class actions matter
The broader impact of class actions
Class actions often lead to safer products and more transparent business practices.
Environmental Protection
They play an important role in addressing environmental issues and unsafe working conditions.
Healthcare Reform
Class actions have uncovered fraudulent practices in the healthcare industry and driven improvements in patient care.
Legal resources
Educate yourself about class actions and your rights with these valuable resources.
Justice through collective action
At GMP Law, we believe that justice should be accessible for everyone. Class actions empower individuals to stand up to powerful corporations and institutions to seek collective redress.
Our dedicated team is committed to using the power of class actions to create meaningful change and secure justice for our clients. Whether you’re considering joining an existing class action or believe you’ve identified a new issue that warrants collective legal action, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
With our expertise, resources, and unwavering commitment, we’ve successfully challenged some of the largest corporations and institutions, recovering billions in compensation for those who have been wronged.
Don’t let your voice go unheard. Join the countless individuals who have found strength in numbers and justice through class actions.
Do you have a class action claim?
Tell us about your experience and one of our compensation experts will be in touch.