How Long Do Class Action Lawsuits Take?

Class action lawsuits are one of two major procedural innovations (along with multidistrict litigation) designed to simplify legal proceedings involving multiple similar claims. They’re commonly used in product liability cases, such as when hundreds or thousands of consumers are harmed by a defective drug or device.

However, unlike individual lawsuits, class actions can take months or even years to resolve—even in personal injury cases. Here’s what you should know about the timeline and legal process for class action lawsuits in Georgia.

How Class Actions Work in Georgia

Let’s say you were harmed by a defective pharmaceutical product. You file a lawsuit, and the court certifies a class of plaintiffs with claims similar to yours. Those individuals are then notified and given the right to opt out. The lawsuit continues through discovery, negotiation, and either settlement or trial.

Each step takes time—and outcomes are binding for all plaintiffs who do not opt out.

Step-by-Step Timeline for Georgia Class Action Lawsuits

Step 1: File the Complaint

To begin a class action, you must file a written complaint with the court. It should include:

• Your identity and legal standing
• A clear description of your claim
• Identification of the class you wish to represent

The class typically includes dozens, hundreds, or thousands of members. Preparing and filing may take a few weeks.

Step 2: Class Certification by the Court

The judge must decide whether to certify your case as a class action. In Georgia, certification requires:

• The class is so numerous that individual lawsuits are impractical
• Common questions of law or fact across all class members
• Your claims are typical of the group
• You will adequately represent the interests of the class

If the court finds these conditions are not met, class certification will be denied.

🕒 Time estimate: Several weeks to several months.

Step 3: Notifying Class Members

After certification, you must notify all members of the class—typically via mail, newspaper ads, or digital notices. The notice must explain their:

• Inclusion in the class
• Right to opt out
• Consequences of remaining in the class

This step can take weeks or months, depending on the size of the class.

Step 4: Discovery Process

Discovery is the stage where both sides gather and exchange information, including:

• Depositions
• Interrogatories
• Requests for documents and evidence
• Admissions of fact

Large, complex cases may spend over a year in discovery. Smaller cases could complete this stage in a few months.

Step 5: Settlement Negotiations

The majority of class actions resolve through negotiated settlements. Negotiating terms that apply to the entire class can take a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the claims.

Step 6: Trial

If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial. The court’s verdict will apply to all plaintiffs who did not opt out.

🕒 Trials can take several weeks, but appeals may extend the total timeline even further.

Why You Shouldn’t Do This Alone

Never try to handle a class action lawsuit without legal representation. These cases are highly complex, requiring sophisticated litigation strategies and extensive legal resources.

Even many personal injury attorneys don’t handle class actions. You need a lawyer with specific experience in mass torts and class litigation.

The good news? Most attorneys—including those at Kunnatha Lawson LLC—work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Get Help From a Georgia Class Action Lawyer