If the court certifies an action as meeting the criteria for a class action lawsuit and the plaintiffs prevail or reach a settlement, members of the class must each bring their own lawsuits to obtain relief.

Class Action Lawsuit

A legal proceeding where one or several individuals file a lawsuit on behalf of a larger group of people who are similarly affected.

Certifies

Issues a declaration or provides assurance that something is true or meets specific standards.

Criteria

Standards or principles by which something is judged or decided, used to evaluate or make decisions.