Service Awards

Service awards are intended to “compensate class representatives for work done on behalf of the class, to make up for financial or reputational risk undertaken in bringing the action, and, sometimes, to recognize their willingness to act as a private attorney general.” Rodriguez v. West Publ’g Corp., 563 F.3d 948, 958-59 (9th Cir. 2009).

According to Anderson v. Nextel Retail Stores, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 71598 (C.D. Cal. June 30, 2010), the following five factors are considered when determining whether an award to the plaintiff is justified:

  • The risk to the class representative in commencing suit, both financial and otherwise
  • The notoriety and personal difficulties encountered by the class representative
  • The amount of time and effort spent by the representative
  • The duration of the litigation
  • The personal benefit (or lack thereof) enjoyed by the class representative as a result of the litigation

 

If You Feel Cheated at Work, You’re Probably Not Alone

Despite having some of the strongest employment laws in the nation, California employees are routinely cheated out of rightful earnings by employers who put profits before the law. Businesses know several tricks to avoid overtime pay and benefits. Employees are routinely discriminated against and terminated for illegal reasons. If you think that your employer is involved in unfair workplace treatment, chances are you aren’t alone.

As the first person to initiate a certified class action lawsuit, your employer will be careful to treat you fairly once you have an attorney. You will be eligible to receive significant compensation as a service award. Service awards are money received in addition to the settlement or money a jury awards the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

 

Call 800-568-8020 for a Free Consultation

Since 1999, employees have turned to our law firm when they have needed to fight back. Our lawyers focus on class action claims involving labor laws. We have a long, impressive record of handling claims based on illegal activity such as discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination. Contact Blumenthal, Nordrehaug & Bhowmik to discuss your rights. We represent employees in San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Los Angeles, Orange County, and other cities throughout California.