Who typically initiates a class action lawsuit?

In a class action lawsuit, it is typically multiple individuals who have similar claims collaborating to pursue legal action collectively against a defendant. This type of lawsuit is especially beneficial when the individual claims are too small to warrant separate cases or when the issues at stake are common among a large group of people. By banding together, these individuals can pool resources, share legal costs, and increase the efficiency of the legal process.

The characteristics of class action lawsuits illustrate why a singular individual initiating the action would not be accurate—as the essence of a class action is its collective nature. Additionally, while a government agency or a legal authority may become involved in certain cases, they do not initiate class actions in the same manner as individuals with similar grievances. The focus is firmly on the group of individuals with shared claims rather than on government or authority-driven cases. This understanding highlights the unique structure of class actions and underscores the importance of collective legal strategies in addressing widespread issues.