Image by Sergei Tokmakov from Pixabay
Sergei Tokmakov from Pixabay

A class action lawsuit is a type of legal action in which a group of people, known as a class, collectively bring a claim to court. These individuals have usually suffered similar harm or losses due to the actions of the defendant.

For example, a class action lawsuit could be filed against a corporation when a faulty product injures customers or false advertising misleads consumers.

By suing as a class, the individuals amplify their voices as one and have the potential to get justice and claim compensation.

Now, let's take a look at three well-known ongoing class action lawsuits that you should know about.

1. The Philips CPAP Recall Class Action Lawsuit

In June 2021, the corporation Philips recalled its CPAP, BiPAP, and mechanical ventilator devices due to the potential health risks related to the devices' foam components. It is claimed that the foam can cause not only coughing and wheezing but also damage to organs like the lungs. The substance may even cause cancer.

The class action lawsuit claims that Philips knew about the risks long before the company recalled the products.

Victims who are part of the class action lawsuit could receive compensation for out-of-pocket expenses, such as the purchase of breathing machines. This class action lawsuit continues. Only time will tell how successful the lawsuit is in providing compensation to victims and holding Philips responsible.

2. The Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Class Action Lawsuit

Between the 1950s and 1980s, the water at the Camp Lejeune military base in North Carolina was unknowingly contaminated with cancer-causing chemicals. This was due to the poor waste disposal of a nearby dry-cleaning company and industrial spills in the area.

Two of the camp's eight water treatment plants were contaminated, which led to many military personnel, their families, and others who worked at the base, experiencing leukemia and other types of cancer.

It was only in 2021 that the House of Representatives passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which gives victims of the water contamination the right to sue. If the class action lawsuit is successful, victims could receive compensation to cover costs like cancer treatment and care.

At present, more than 70,000 Camp Lejeune lawsuits have been filed. But the lawsuit is ongoing, so no conclusions have yet been reached. At least that means that victims who have not yet joined the class action lawsuit can still do so.

It is believed that the first settlements could be reached by the end of 2023. However, it will take longer for actual payments to be made.

3. The Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Cancer Class Action Lawsuit

The current ongoing class action lawsuit against the corporation Johnson & Johnson alleges that the company's talcum powder, when used near the genitals, can cause ovarian cancer.

Thousands of women across the U.S. are joining the class action lawsuit, which alleges that Johnson & Johnson was aware of the link between their talcum powder product and ovarian cancer since at least as far back as 1982.

The company, despite being aware of the risk, never placed a warning on their product. In fact, Johnson & Johnson continued to promote its talcum powder for uses that put women at risk of developing ovarian cancer.

While the company did not recall the product, other Johnson & Johnson products have been recalled over the years. For instance, in 2021, the company recalled five of its Neutrogena and Aveeno sunscreens because low levels of benzene were found in the products.

In April 2023, Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay out $8.9 billion to resolve the claims of the talcum powder that allegedly can cause ovarian cancer. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian, peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer, you still have time to join the class action lawsuit.

Victims could receive compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering.

Learning More About Class Action Lawsuit News

Keeping abreast of updates on class action lawsuits can be crucial because the lawsuits may directly affect you or people close to you.

For example, if a faulty product you have purchased has led to a class action lawsuit, being informed allows you to join in and seek compensation.

Seeing as class action lawsuits cover a broad range of issues, from faulty products to systemic discrimination at workplaces, doing regular checks for updates empowers consumers with valuable knowledge and reinforces their rights.

Staying updated does not have to be an arduous task either.

You can keep yourself informed by subscribing to industry-specific publications that cover legal news. Reputable online platforms are another excellent source of information to find out about all the latest updates on class action and mass tort lawsuits.

The Takeaway

Staying aware of class action lawsuits allows you to actively safeguard your interests. You can then not only hold corporations accountable but also claim compensation for harm suffered.

So, stay alert, educate yourself, and protect your consumer rights.