ClaimFile a claim
You submit the claim form on the official settlement website before the claim deadline. You get your share of the settlement and release your claims against the company. This is the right choice for almost everyone whose loss is small, because suing on your own would cost far more than you'd recover.
Opt out (request exclusion)
You send a written exclusion request before the opt-out deadline, which is usually earlier than the claim deadline. You get nothing from the settlement, but you keep the right to bring your own lawsuit. This can make sense if your losses are large, for example serious injury or major financial harm, and you've talked to a lawyer.
Object
You stay in the class but tell the court why you think the settlement is unfair. You can object and still file a claim. The court considers objections at the final approval hearing.
Do nothing
You usually get nothing, and you're still bound by the settlement, so you can't sue later. A few settlements pay known class members automatically, so check the notice.
Find settlements you can still file in our list of open class action lawsuits.
FAQ
Should I opt out of a class action settlement?
Usually only if your losses are large enough to justify your own lawsuit and you've talked to a lawyer. For small claims, filing is almost always better.
Can I opt out and still get money?
Not from the settlement. Opting out means you're excluded from the class and its payments.
Is the opt-out deadline the same as the claim deadline?
Often not. The opt-out and objection deadline is usually earlier, so check both dates in the notice.