“Class action settlements are on the rise.”
-NPR’s Planet Money
$300M+
Settlements Listed
Hundreds
of Companies
Millions
of Consumers Affected
About Actumo
Class action lawsuits have become a powerful tool for consumers seeking justice against large corporations. These class actions allow groups of people with similar grievances to band together and pursue class action lawsuit settlements collectively.
In 2024, several major top class action lawsuits are making headlines, bringing significant settlement claims and changes to various industries.
Audience
Actumo's audience includes legal professionals, consumer advocacy groups, affected consumers, and the general public interested in open class action lawsuits and legal news.
Our Value
Actumo aggregates and curates real-time updates on class action suits, offering alerts and insights for potential claimants and legal professionals, while simplifying access to case details and relevant lawsuit settlement information from topclassactions.
Emerging Trends in Class Action Lawsuits
Technology-related Class Action Rebates
As we move further into 2024, technology-related class action lawsuits to join are becoming increasingly prevalent. The rise of data privacy violations and security breach cases is one of the most significant trends in this area. With businesses collecting and storing vast amounts of consumer data, the risk of cyberattacks has grown substantially. When companies fail to protect this information, they often face class action lawsuit website litigation from affected class members. Recent high-profile data breaches have led to significant settlements, setting new precedents in data privacy law.
Another emerging trend is the surge in litigation related to artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications. Corporate counsel anticipate claims arising from the unintended release of sensitive data, misuse of AI, limited controls over access, and targeted phishing using chatbots. As AI becomes more integrated into various aspects of business and daily life, we can expect to see an increase in class action lawsuit cases related to its use and potential misuse.
Environmental and sustainability Consumer Class Action Lawsuits
Environmental and sustainability-related settlements are gaining momentum in 2024. There is a growing focus on "greenwashing" cases, where companies are accused of making false or misleading statements about the environmental benefits of their products or practices. These consumer complaints span a broad range of topics and have been initiated by consumers, investors, and regulatory bodies alike.
For example, companies have been targeted for falsely representing their commitment to reducing environmental pollution. In one case, a bottled-water company faced allegations of violating settlement agreements laws by portraying itself as sustainable while contributing to plastic pollution and water scarcity. Similarly, a beef producer was sued for making misleading statements about its environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions reduction efforts.
Price Fixing cases on the rise
Consumer protection cases have seen a significant uptick in 2024. According to recent reports, consumer protection filings increased by 7.6% in 2023 compared to the previous year, with a total of 14,515 cases filed in federal court. This trend is expected to continue in 2024, driven by heightened consumer awareness and regulatory changes.
Product liability cases in this category have jumped by 31%, reaching 5,455 cases filed in 2023 – the highest number since 2017. These cases often involve allegations of false advertising, product defects, and violations of consumer protection laws.
The automotive industry, in particular, has experienced a surge in compensation claims related to defective vehicles and safety issues.
As eligible consumers become more aware of their rights and more willing to file mass torts, companies across various sectors are facing increased scrutiny. This trend is likely to persist throughout 2024, with businesses needing to be more vigilant about their practices and communications to avoid potential consumer fraud litigation.
Future Outlook
The landscape of class action lawsuits in 2025 has a significant impact on various industries, from e-cigarettes to payment systems. These legal claims not only result in substantial settlement payouts but also drive changes in corporate practices and consumer protections. The deceptive practices we've explored, including JUUL's e-cigarette case and Cash App data breach, highlights the power of collective legal action to address widespread issues and hold companies accountable for antitrust violations and financial misconduct.
Looking ahead, the rise of technology-related and environmental class action lawsuits points to new frontiers in consumer advocacy. As online data becomes more prevalent and sustainability concerns grow, we can expect to see more lawsuit updates in these areas. This trend, coupled with the ongoing focus on corporate wrongdoing, suggests that lawsuit investigations will continue to play a crucial role in shaping corporate behavior and safeguarding consumer rights in the years to come. Stay informed about the latest lawsuit deadlines and topclassactions by visiting a trusted class action lawsuit website like Actumo.