Class Actions: Not for Everyone
For millions of consumers, participating in a securities class action is an almost effortless process. Class members are seldom required to do much more than submit a proof of claim and wait for their share of the recovery.
The primary disadvantage is that, even though class action settlements can be considerable, they must be distributed to a large class of customers. As a result, individual recoveries are often quite small in comparison to the multi-million dollar settlements and awards paid out by large corporations.
Opting Out of Securities Class ActionsAnother option that is frequently overlooked is “opting out” of a securities class action and pursuing an independent arbitration claim. Customers that have suffered substantial investment losses could recover significantly more by pursuing their own individual claim.
Carefully consider your options before participating in a class action. If you believe you have a meritorious securities claim, speak with a securities attorney to discuss your rights and the advisability of opting out based on your individual circumstances.
The "Opt Out" Deadline
If you recently discovered that you are a member of a pending securities class action, you will have a limited period of time to decide whether to participate in the lawsuit or pursue your own claim in arbitration.
For more information, please visit our
frequently asked questions about
securities arbitration
or
contact us.