When multiple individuals suffer an injury due to a defective product, a class action court claim can offer an efficient and effective means of pursuing compensation from the defendant. The decision to join a joint court action is up to individual parties, and there may be benefits and drawbacks to doing so.
If you learned that a class action claim is being organized, you may be wondering whether you should join a class action or file individually.
Understanding Class Actions
Class action civil claims are far from uncommon. In 2025, 207 securities class action court claims were filed in federal and state courts, according to Cornerstone Research and the Stanford Law School Securities Class Action Clearinghouse. That same year, 12,200 federal class action claims were filed.
These types of civil court actions can lead to large settlement offers. In July 2026, Johnson & Johnson agreed to a $5.5 billion settlement aimed at resolving roughly 76,000 outstanding court claims against the company. Plaintiffs allege that the company’s talc-based baby powder caused ovarian cancer.
These cases can originate out of Aqualane Shores or Naples Beach in Florida or Tremont or Industrial Valley in Ohio. A class action allows one or more individuals to pursue a claim on behalf of a larger group of people who suffered similar harm from the same conduct or product. Rather than requiring hundreds or thousands of nearly identical claims, class actions consolidate common legal and factual issues into a single proceeding.
When a Class Action May Be the Better Option
Class action litigation may be appropriate when a defective product causes similar injuries to multiple parties. Joining a court claim that represents multiple individuals can come with benefits. A class action case could stand a stronger chance of succeeding because the case would be backed by evidence and testimony from dozens or hundreds of individuals who all suffered similar harm.
If a claimant suffered mild or moderate harm, filing alone may not make practical sense, and an attorney may not find the effort to be worth the time and resources that would need to go into representing that client.
When an Individual Claim May Be More Appropriate
An individual claim may be the better option when a person’s injuries are significantly more severe than those suffered by other consumers or when the facts of the case are unique. Individuals who experience catastrophic injuries, permanent disabilities, or substantial financial losses may benefit from pursuing compensation based on the specific harm they endured rather than sharing in a class-wide recovery.
Why You Should Hire a Class Action Lawyer
Class action claims are complex, and it may not be immediately apparent whether you should join the joint action or pursue litigation independently. When you hire a class action lawyer, you gain support from an advocate who understands class action laws and how they could affect your class action case.
A class action attorney can provide you with trusted advice based on their years of handling complex civil claims. Spangenberg Shibley & Liber is a trusted litigation firm based in Ohio that also represents clients in Florida. To date, we have helped our clients reclaim more than $1 billion* through focused litigation and settlement negotiations. However, past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits.
Our track record of success has earned legal team awards and recognition from The National Trial Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and Super Lawyers. However, awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results.
Protect Your Rights With Spangenberg Shibley & Liber
Choosing between joining a class action and pursuing an individual claim is an important decision that can affect the outcome of your case. The right approach depends on the nature of your injuries, the number of people affected, and the compensation you may be entitled to recover.
Spangenberg Shibley & Liber can evaluate your situation, explain the advantages and disadvantages of each option, and help you determine the ideal path forward. Contact our office today to discuss your legal options and learn how we can pursue the compensation and accountability you deserve.
*Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits. Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results.
