How to get started with a class action lawsuit? Will lawyers take the case unpaid – that is until a verdict or setttlement? Or will they bill hourly?

First, you should look for lawyers who specialize in class action lawsuits. To find such lawyers, you can google, or contact the Bar Association in your state.

You mentioned the victims are low on cash. Yes, lawyers will work for a future payment, but you have to find such lawyers, and ask if they are willing to accept such a payment agreement.

This type of payment agreement is called a contingency fee. This means the lawyer is paid a percentage of the client's monetary award, or a settlement the client comes to with the other party. If the client doesn't win, the lawyer gets nothing. So, basically, the lawyer's pay is contingent upon the client winning the case.

I hope everything works out!

Hey!

I am a lawyer and worked on multiple class action suits.

Here is a simple and short answer. You (or someone from the group) has to actually consult with a lawyer at a law firm(s) that handles class action suits. A simple Google search will let you know which firms handles those types of cases in your state (or just watch the class action suit commercials and give those firms a call).

Depending on how big the "class", class action suits take years to research and settle, costing millions of dollars in lawyer fees. The firm does not charge the clients for the legal fees, they take a percentage of the settlement.

I hope this helps.

I can't tell from your questions which jurisdiction your case belongs to. I am based in Ontario, Canada where you will indeed find firms that will work on a contingency fee model. Class action lawsuits are increasingly funded by third parties as well, who will bear the risk and receive a percentage upon success. In Ontario, you can even apply for funding from Law Foundation of Ontario. I encourage you to talk to a few firms in your area. I am sure you will find a workable model with a law firm as long as the case has reasonable chances of success.