If you’ve heard about the Nordstrom class action lawsuit or others like it, you may be wondering what class actions are and whether you might be part of one. Class action lawsuits play a vital role in protecting the rights of individuals — especially employees — who may not have the resources to take on large corporations on their own.
In this post, we’ll break down what a class action lawsuit is, how it works, and how it may apply to workers in Washington state, including those affected by the recent Nordstrom lawsuit related to wage transparency and hiring practices.
What Is a Class Action Lawsuit?
A class action lawsuit is a legal claim filed on behalf of a group of people who have suffered similar harm or legal violations. Instead of each individual filing a separate lawsuit, the class action combines their claims into one case. This approach makes it more efficient — and often more powerful — especially when going up against large employers or corporations.
Common reasons for class actions include:
- Wage and hour violations
- Discrimination or harassment
- Consumer fraud
- Privacy violations
- Unlawful employment practices
How Does a Class Action Work?
Here’s a general breakdown of how class actions move through the legal system:
1. Filing the Lawsuit
An attorney files a complaint in court on behalf of one or more plaintiffs who claim to represent a larger group with similar legal grievances. These initial plaintiffs are called “class representatives.”
2. Class Certification
The court must “certify” the class, meaning the judge agrees that the case meets certain legal requirements to proceed as a class action. This includes:
- A large enough group with common issues
- The class representative’s experience is typical of the group
- The representative and attorneys can adequately protect the class’s interests
3. Notification of Class Members
If the class is certified, affected individuals — known as “class members” — are notified. They often receive mail or email notices or see public advertisements explaining the case and their rights.
4. Opting In or Out
Depending on the case, individuals may be automatically included unless they opt out. In some cases, individuals must opt in to join the lawsuit.
5. Litigation or Settlement
Once the class is defined, the lawsuit proceeds. This can involve trial, negotiation, or settlement discussions. If a settlement is reached or the plaintiffs win the case, compensation is distributed among eligible class members.
What Are the Benefits of Joining a Class Action?
Joining a class action lawsuit can offer several benefits:
- No cost to you: Most class action plaintiffs don’t pay out of pocket. Attorneys typically work on contingency, taking a percentage only if the case is successful.
- Strength in numbers: Employers and large corporations are more likely to respond seriously when many workers are united in a legal challenge.
- Shared evidence and testimony: Instead of each person proving their case individually, evidence can be shared across the class.
- Efficiency: Class actions streamline the legal process for large-scale claims.
What Does the Nordstrom Lawsuit Mean for You?
If you applied for a job at Nordstrom in Washington after January 1, 2023, or worked there during that time, you may be part of the class and eligible for compensation.
Signs you might qualify:
- You applied for a Nordstrom job but did not see a posted salary range
- You were told not to discuss pay with coworkers
- You believe you were denied fair compensation due to unclear or biased hiring policies
If any of these apply, you may be eligible to join the lawsuit and recover compensation under Washington law.
Do I Need to Do Anything to Join a Class Action?
If you’re identified as a potential class member, you will typically be notified and given instructions to opt in or opt out, depending on the case. In some cases, taking action — such as contacting the law firm — can help determine your eligibility faster.
In the case of the Nordstrom lawsuit, potential class members can contact Emery | Reddy for a free case review to determine if they qualify and to receive updates on the case.
Can I File My Own Lawsuit Instead?
Yes. If you don’t want to be part of a class action, you may be able to file an individual lawsuit. This is most common when:
- Your damages are significantly higher than others in the class
- You have unique legal claims not shared by the group
- You prefer to control your own legal representation
However, pursuing a separate claim may be more expensive and time-consuming. A class action may still offer a fair and efficient resolution for many workers.
Final Thoughts
Class action lawsuits are a powerful tool for protecting workers’ rights and holding employers accountable — especially when the harm affects many people. Whether it’s wage transparency, discrimination, or safety violations, a class action ensures that individuals aren’t left to fight alone.
If you think you’ve been affected by unfair hiring or wage practices, especially if you applied to or worked for Nordstrom in Washington after January 1, 2023, visit Emery | Reddy to learn more about the Nordstrom class action lawsuit and your rights under state law.