A securities class action is a lawsuit filed on behalf of a group of investors who have suffered a loss, typically due to fraudulent misrepresentations or omissions by a company in its public disclosures.
Investors who purchased or acquired securities during the class period, typically have the right to be part of a class action if they meet certain legal criteria specified when the lawsuit is announced.
Joining a class action allows individual investors to share in the costs and potential recoveries associated with the lawsuit, often resulting in significant compensation compared to pursuing the case alone.
Interested investors must file a motion with the court by a specified deadline to be considered for the role of lead plaintiff, which involves directing the lawsuit on behalf of the whole class.
Typically, there are no out-of-pocket costs for participants. Legal fees are usually contingent upon the lawsuit winning or settling successfully.