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In the United Kingdom, and by extension Birmingham, class action laws are referred to as Group Litigation Orders (GLOs). Unlike in other regions such as the United States, class action in UK law does not permit a single person or a small group to sue on behalf of hundreds or thousands of people without their express participation. In Birmingham, as in the rest of the UK, for a group action to move forward, each claimant must opt in to the litigation and be named in the action, providing an active role to each participant.
Class Actions can be complex. They require the coordination of multiple people with shared legal complaints and often involve complex legal questions. You may need a lawyer if you're seeking compensation from a company who has allegedly caused harm to you and others – whether that's through a faulty product, financial misconduct, or other forms of negligence. Additionally, you may also need a lawyer if you are included in a group litigation order and want guidance on your legal rights and responsibilities.
Class Actions in the UK fall under Civil Procedure Rule 19.11. The court may establish a GLO where multiple claims give rise to 'common or related issues of fact or law'. Once a GLO is established, a group litigation registry is created where all claims governed by the GLO are entered.
In Birmingham, the same laws apply as in other parts of the UK. It is worth noting that the UK has no equivalent to the US 'class action' procedure where litigants can join a class and share in any compensation without needing to actively participate in the lawsuit.
A Group Litigation Order, or GLO, is the closest equivalent to a class action lawsuit in the UK. A GLO is an order that can be given out by the court to manage claims which are related - this is usually because they involve common or related issues of fact or law.
Not necessarily. Only those who can demonstrate their claim shares common or related issues of fact or law with the existing claims within the group – as determined by the court – may join a GLO.
The length of a class action in Birmingham, like anywhere in the UK, varies largely based on the complexity of the case, the amount of claimants and whether the case goes to trial or settles beforehand. It could take anywhere from months to several years.
While you don't specifically 'pay to join', you may be asked to contribute towards the legal costs associated with the case if successful. This is usually sourced from any compensation gained.
Common types of class actions include, but are not limited to; product liability claims, employment claims, personal injury claims and claims against specific industries such as the pharmaceutical industry.
The Citizen's Advice Bureau offers some resources on group actions and their procedures. Additionally, the Civil Justice Council's Guide to Group Litigation provides detailed guidance on the conduct of group litigation in England and Wales, which includes Birmingham in its remit.
If think you may have a need for participation in a Class Action, the first step is usually to consult with a lawyer. Be sure to bring all relevant information pertaining to your case so you can receive the best advice. If a GLO does exist, they will guide you through the process of joining it. If a GLO does not yet exist, they can discuss the possibility of starting one.
