What Is a Class Member?
A class member is anyone who falls within the group a class action covers. Being one is what lets you claim a share of a settlement.
A class member is any person or business that fits the definition of the class in a class action. You don't have to file the lawsuit or even know about it to be one; you just have to meet the criteria the court approved.
Why it matters when you file a claim
Only class members can claim money from a settlement. When you fill out a claim form, you are essentially telling the administrator that you belong to the class and explaining which benefit you qualify for.
Class members also have specific rights during the settlement process:
- ✓File a claim for a payment or other benefit.
- ✓Object to the settlement if you think it is unfair.
- ✓Opt out to keep your right to sue separately.
- ✓Do nothing, which usually means you are bound by the settlement but get no payment unless it pays automatically.
A simple example
Suppose a class is defined as everyone in the US who bought a certain brand of headphones between two dates. If you bought a pair in that window, you are a class member, whether or not you still own them. If you bought them a week after the end date, you are not, even though your headphones are identical.
Class definitions often turn on small details: a date range, a state, a specific model, or a type of account. The official notice and settlement website are the authority on who is included.
Common misconceptions
Being a class member is not the same as being a client of the lawyers, and it doesn't mean you will automatically be paid. It also doesn't depend on whether you complained to the company at the time. What counts is whether you fit the definition. If you are unsure, the settlement administrator can usually tell you whether your records appear in the class list, though many settlements also accept people who aren't on that list but can show they qualify.
How it relates to other terms
The group you belong to is the settlement class, and the dates that matter are the class period. Some cases split class members into subclasses that receive different amounts. The class member who leads the case on everyone's behalf is the lead plaintiff, sometimes called the class representative.
Not sure which classes you belong to? SettleScout matches the brands, banks and services you use against open settlements so you can see where you might be a class member.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I am a class member?
Compare your situation with the class definition in the official notice or on the settlement website. If you received a notice directly, the administrator's records suggest you may be included, but you should still check.
Can a business be a class member?
Yes. Some classes include businesses, especially in antitrust and overcharge cases. The class definition will say whether entities are covered.
Am I a class member if I never got a notice?
You can be. Notices don't reach everyone. Eligibility depends on the class definition, not on whether a notice found you.
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