If you’ve been affected by different issues – say, a faulty product from one company and a data protection breach by another – you might wonder if you can join multiple group litigation cases at the same time. It’s a valid question, especially as collective legal action becomes an increasingly popular way to hold large corporations accountable.
In this blog, we’ll unpack whether joining multiple group litigation cases is possible, explore the potential conflicts and complications, and provide tips to help you make informed decisions.
Can you join more than one group litigation case?
Group actions let individuals band together to pursue compensation when they’ve been harmed by the same issue. And the short answer is yes: you can join multiple group litigation cases at the same time.
Basic rules for joining multiple cases
- Eligibility criteria: You must meet the specific eligibility requirements for each case. For instance, if one action involves a defective product and the other focuses on a data breach, you’ll need to demonstrate you were affected by both issues.
- No legal prohibition: No overarching rule prevents you from participating in multiple cases. However, your ability to do so depends on the specifics of each claim and any conflicts that might arise. More on this later…
- Independent claims: Each case operates independently, so participation in one doesn’t automatically disqualify you from joining another.
Can you pursue two claims against the same company for different violations?
In some cases, you might have two claims against the same company, and it is possible to make two different lawsuits, provided they involve separate legal issues or harms.
Let’s take Ticketmaster as an example.
In 2018, Ticketmaster experienced a major data breach that exposed customer payment details due to a vulnerability in a third-party chatbot. If you were a customer during that time, you may have joined the group litigation claim and been awarded compensation.
In 2024, Ticketmaster customers may have been put at risk following ANOTHER data breach at the company. Since these breaches involve different time periods, lawyers are treating them as distinct claims. So, even if you were awarded compensation for the 2018 breach, that doesn’t stop you from making another claim against the ticketing giant. You just need to be sure that, in accepting compensation from Ticketmaster for the initial breach, you didn’t waive your right to make any future claims against the company.
Potential conflicts and overlapping claims
While joining multiple group litigation cases is possible, and in most instances straightforward, challenges may arise when claims overlap, or conflicts of interest develop between the lawsuits.
Overlapping issues
If the claims involve similar issues – such as two data breaches – it could lead to legal and practical complications. Courts are generally cautious about awarding compensation more than once for the same harm.
For example, if your credit card details were compromised in two separate data breaches by two different companies, and those details were subsequently used by fraudsters to steal from you, both companies could be at fault for the initial breaches. However, the resulting loss (e.g., the financial fraud or monetary loss you suffered) is a single harm. The courts would expect you to recover compensation only once for that harm, even if both companies contributed to the circumstances that led to it.
Overlapping claims can slow down proceedings, as legal teams, insurers, or defendants may challenge the validity of pursuing compensation for the same issue in multiple cases. To help, your legal team(s) should identify the source of the harm wherever possible. For example, lawyers may need to provide evidence linking the fraud to one company. If both breaches are equally responsible, the courts may apportion liability between them.
Conflicts of interest
A conflict of interest might arise if one case depends on the outcome of another. For example, imagine you’re part of two claims involving the same company – one alleging a breach of consumer rights and the other a breach of contract. If the second case relies on the court finding the company guilty in the first, your ability to recover damages might be delayed or jeopardised if the first case is unsuccessful.
Likewise, evidence submitted in one group action might be relevant to another. If this evidence presents inconsistencies between your claims, it could damage your credibility or lead to complications. While conflicts of interest don’t automatically disqualify you from participating in multiple cases, they do require careful consideration and strategic management.
Why you might need to prioritise one claim
If you suspect overlapping issues in your claims, it’s important to:
- Discuss with your legal team: Seek advice on how to approach the claims strategically to avoid complications.
- Evaluate each case separately: Look at the strength of each claim, the potential compensation, and the legal teams involved to determine which case may be more advantageous to pursue.
- Be prepared to choose: Sometimes, you may need to opt for one claim over the other to simplify your case and maximise your compensation.
Understanding the risks and seeking expert guidance will help you make informed decisions to best protect your interests.
Key considerations before joining multiple cases
Before committing to multiple group litigation cases, it’s important to evaluate whether this approach is right for you. Here are some practical factors to consider:
Time commitments
Group litigation cases can take years to resolve, and participating in multiple actions will likely increase the time and headspace you need to invest. Of course, not all lawsuits are created equal. Some might involve straightforward claims (e.g. refunds for faulty products), while others might deal with more complex issues (e.g. financial losses from investment schemes). Consider:
- The complexity of the cases you’re joining
- Whether managing multiple claims will create unnecessary stress or confusion
- Whether you have the capacity to manage the demands of multiple claims.
Legal costs
Most group litigation cases operate on a no-win, no-fee basis, so you won’t owe legal fees unless the case succeeds. However, some may require contributions to funding agreements or insurance policies to cover costs. If you join multiple cases, these contributions could add up, even if fees aren’t payable until the claim succeeds. Make sure you double check the small print before joining.
Potential outcomes
It’s important to evaluate the likelihood of success and potential compensation in each case. In particular, ask whether participating in one will negatively impact the other. When assessing the potential outcomes of multiple cases, weigh the benefits and risks carefully. If one lawsuit offers a higher likelihood of success with substantial compensation, it might make sense to focus your energy there. Alternatively, if both are strong and address distinct harms, participating in both may be worthwhile.
The benefits of joining multiple claims
While there are challenges to consider, the benefits can be substantial when approached strategically.
Maximising compensation
Joining multiple claims allows you to pursue compensation for each incident. This helps ensure you are recompensed for all the harm you’ve suffered. Courts are generally supportive of claimants seeking redress for distinct and independent losses.
Holding multiple parties accountable
Participating in multiple claims lets you hold various companies or organisations responsible for their actions. This not only benefits you personally, but also helps drive wider accountability as companies may be less likely to engage in similar misconduct in the future.
Cost-effective pursuit of justice
Most group litigation cases in the UK operate on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning you don’t pay legal fees unless the case is successful. Joining multiple claims allows you to pursue justice for different issues without the financial burden of handling separate individual lawsuits.
Increased chances of success
By participating in multiple claims, you increase the chances of a successful outcome. If one claim encounters obstacles – such as insufficient evidence or delays – you still have other active lawsuits progressing. This helps ensure at least some of your efforts yield results.
Simplifying the process with Join the Claim
At Join the Claim, we make finding and joining group actions simple – so holding wrongdoers accountable has never been easier. Removing the barriers to justice, you can quickly check your eligibility for multiple claims without navigating different legal firms or complex procedures.
Visit Join the Claim today to discover active cases and find out if you’re eligible to join. Whether it’s one claim or many, we help you fight for what’s fair.
