Class Member

A class member is anyone who fits the court's definition of the certified class. You become a class member automatically if you fit the definition. You do not need to file anything to be part of the class, but you do need to file a claim to receive a settlement payment. The class definition is usually tied to specific facts: residence in a state during a certain period, ownership of a specific product, presence in a database during a breach, use of a service during a specific year range. Read it carefully. If you do not fit, no payment. Class members get two key rights. First, the right to object to the settlement if they think it is unfair. Second, the right to opt out, meaning they keep their right to sue individually later but give up any share of the class fund.