How Long Do Class Action Lawsuits Take? 

Paul Brannon | March 20, 2025 | Personal Injury

How Long Do Class Action Lawsuits Take?

Class action lawsuits give a group of people with similar complaints a chance to join together against the same defendant. These cases can involve anything from defective products to unfair business practices. Because each case can be unique, the time it takes to settle or reach a verdict may be different in every situation. Still, class action lawsuits are often known for lasting much longer than standard personal injury or civil cases.

If you’re thinking about joining a class action or are already part of one, it’s important to know that the legal process can move slowly. Understanding why these cases can drag on might help ease your worries as you wait for results.

What Is a Class Action Lawsuit?

A class action is a single lawsuit filed by one or more plaintiffs on behalf of a larger group that has the same basic legal complaint. Rather than each person bringing an individual case, everyone bands together. This method can be useful when the cost of filing separate lawsuits is too high or when the claims involve the same issue, like a faulty car part or a harmful medication.

The main steps of a class action usually include:

  • Filing the case: One or more “lead plaintiffs” file a lawsuit in court.
  • Class certification: A judge decides whether the group of claimants meets the legal requirements to be certified as a class.
  • Discovery phase: Both sides gather evidence and review documents that support or challenge the claims.
  • Possible settlement or trial: Negotiations can happen at different stages, and if they fail, the case may go to trial.

Each phase can be lengthy, especially if the defendant decides to fight certification or tries to challenge the lawsuit at every turn.

Factors That Affect the Timeline

Class action lawsuits can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on factors like:

  • Number of plaintiffs: More people in the class can mean more records to gather and more evidence to review.
  • The complexity of issues: Cases involving technical details, such as medical tests or complicated contracts, often need extra time for expert testimony.
  • Court scheduling: Courts might have backlogs, which means delays in hearing motions or scheduling trials.
  • Negotiation efforts: If parties enter settlement talks early and agree on a deal, the case may end sooner. If not, it could extend for years.
  • Appeals process: If either side appeals a ruling or verdict, that can add months or years to the timeline.

Class action lawsuits can take a relatively long time to resolve, but they can also result in especially lucrative verdicts and settlements. 

What You Should Know if You’re Part of a Class Action

Taking part in a class action can feel confusing, especially if it’s your first time dealing with a legal matter. 

Here are a few suggestions to help you navigate the process:

  • Stay informed: Your attorneys should provide updates about major changes in the case, such as court decisions or settlement offers.
  • Keep track of documents: Maintain records of any notices you receive, as well as any paperwork related to your claim.
  • Be patient: Class actions often require extra time due to the number of people involved and the complexity of the claims.
  • Ask questions: If something is unclear, reach out to the legal team for clarification. It’s better to ask than make assumptions.
  • Monitor deadlines: Watch for any deadlines related to opting in or out of the class. Missing these could affect your right to compensation.

Having legal guidance throughout every stage of the process could be critical to the success of your claim. 

A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help With Each Stage of Your Case

If you believe you may be part of a class action lawsuit—or if you want to discuss whether a class action is right for your situation—a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options. Class actions can be long and complicated, but an experienced attorney can guide you through each step, from deciding whether to join a class to reviewing settlement offers or preparing for trial.

If you need legal assistance, contact the Fort Walton Beach personal injury lawyers at Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have two convenient locations in Northwest Florida:

Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Fort Walton Beach Office
975 Mar Walt Dr
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
(850) 863-5297

Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Destin Office
4507 Furling Ln Suite 214
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 790-0243