How long does it take to receive payment from class action lawsuit?

Although each case is different, a typical class action will take at least 2-3 years. But assuming there are no further appeals, class members generally receive payment about 6 to 9 months after a settlement agreement is submitted to the court for preliminary approval.

Do you pay taxes on a class action settlement?

Usually not, but it depends on what the money is replacing. Canadian tax law applies what is known as the surrogatum principle: a settlement takes on the tax character of whatever it stands in for. Compensation for a personal injury is treated differently from compensation for lost wages, and the same class action can contain both.

What is a representative plaintiff?

A representative plaintiff is the person who addresses the Court in the name of the other members they wish to represent. If the Court certifies the class action, this person becomes the group representative.

If I am a class member, how do I join the class action lawsuit?

To become a member in a class action lawsuit, you must be identified as someone who has suffered similar damage. Sometimes, the damage is limited to a small amount of financial impact, which the potential Class Member might not even realize has occurred.

How long does it take to receive payment from class action lawsuit?

Although each case is different, a typical class action will take at least 2-3 years. But assuming there are no further appeals, class members generally receive payment about 6 to 9 months after a settlement agreement is submitted to the court for preliminary approval.

Do you pay taxes on a class action settlement?

Usually not, but it depends on what the money is replacing. Canadian tax law applies what is known as the surrogatum principle: a settlement takes on the tax character of whatever it stands in for. Compensation for a personal injury is treated differently from compensation for lost wages, and the same class action can contain both.

What is a representative plaintiff?

A representative plaintiff is the person who addresses the Court in the name of the other members they wish to represent. If the Court certifies the class action, this person becomes the group representative.

If I am a class member, how do I join the class action lawsuit?

To become a member in a class action lawsuit, you must be identified as someone who has suffered similar damage. Sometimes, the damage is limited to a small amount of financial impact, which the potential Class Member might not even realize has occurred.

Class Actions Page

Q: What qualifies as a class action lawsuit?

A class action lawsuit is qualified if it is brought collectively by a large number of people who harbour the same legal complaint against the same defendant. Products liability is a common area in which class action lawsuits are commenced.

Q: How do I know if I am a class member?

When a class action lawsuit is certified, the judge will provide a Class Definition. The Class Definition will explain who may qualify to benefit from the class action lawsuit. In most class action lawsuits, it is easy to figure out who belongs in the class.

Current Class Action Lawsuits in Canada

Diamond and Diamond Lawyers act for groups of people across Canada who have been harmed by the same conduct. Below are the class action and mass tort matters our team is currently handling, along with matters that have concluded.

If you think you may be included in one of these claims, select it to read who the claim covers and how to get in touch. If something has happened to you that you believe affects a wider group, you can also tell us about a potential new claim.

Privacy and Data Breach

Claims arising from the exposure or misuse of personal information held by an organization.

Drug and Product Liability

Claims concerning medications, medical devices and consumer products alleged to have caused harm.

Institutional and Workplace Harm

Claims concerning the conduct of institutions, platforms and employers toward the people in their care or employ.

Long-Term Care and Health Facilities

Claims concerning the standard of care provided to residents of long-term care and nursing facilities.

Consumer, Financial and Other

Claims concerning consumer products, financial services, property and government administration.

No matching matters were found. Try a broader search term or choose a different status.

Contact a Class Action Lawyer

Tell us what happened. Our team will review your situation and explain whether you may be included in an existing claim. If you believe something has affected a wider group and is not listed above, you can report it here. Consultations and case evaluations are provided at no cost, and fee arrangements are discussed with you directly at the outset.

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Class Action Questions

General information about how class actions work in Canada. For questions about a specific claim, open that matter above or call our team.

What qualifies as a class action lawsuit?

A class action is a single proceeding brought on behalf of a group of people who have the same legal complaint against the same defendant. Rather than each person bringing a separate claim, one representative plaintiff advances the claim for the whole group.

Before a class action can proceed, a court must certify it. Certification asks whether the group is identifiable, whether the claims raise common issues, and whether a class proceeding is a workable way to resolve them. Product liability, privacy breaches and institutional harm are common subjects of class actions in Canada.

How do I know if I am a class member?

When a court certifies a class action, it approves a class definition. That definition sets out who the claim covers, usually by reference to what happened, where, and over what period. If you fall within the definition, you are a class member.

Each matter listed on this page sets out who the claim covers. If you are not certain whether the definition applies to you, speak with a lawyer rather than assuming either way.

If I am a class member, how do I take part?

In most Canadian class actions you do not need to do anything to be included. If you fall within the class definition, you are part of the class automatically, and you would only need to act if you wanted to remove yourself from it.

Where a settlement is reached, class members are usually asked to submit a claim in order to receive their share.

How long does a class action take?

Class actions move more slowly than individual claims because of the steps involved. A claim is filed, the court decides whether to certify it, the parties exchange evidence, and the matter then resolves either by settlement or at trial.

Where a settlement is reached, it must be approved by the court at a hearing before any money is distributed. Timelines vary widely between matters.

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Current Class Action Lawsuits in Canada

Privacy and Data Breach

MGM Resorts Privacy Breach

Restaurant Brands International and Tim Hortons Privacy Breach

Mercor Data Breach

Drug and Product Liability

Allergan Breast Implant

L'Oreal Hair Relaxer

Monsanto / Roundup (Glyphosate) Mass Tort

Ozempic, Wegovy and Similar Weight Loss Drugs

TDF Drug and Truvada

Institutional and Workplace Harm

Anti-Semitism on University Campuses

Cadets Canada

Pornhub and Sextortion

Social Media: Youth and Mental Health

Gwillimdale Farms Human Trafficking

Amazon Delivery Drivers

Long-Term Care and Health Facilities

Long Term Care Homes During COVID-19 (LTCH)

Good Samaritan Society

Revera Manitoba

Roberta Place Long-Term Care Home Mass Tort

Sunnycrest Nursing Home Mass Tort

Consumer, Financial and Other

Financial and Investment Advisor Fraud

Gambling Addictions

Gosford Apartment Fire

Vancouver Formula E

Veterans Disability Benefits Delay

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Class Action Questions

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