An intsitutional abuse class action lawsuit allows a large group of individuals harmed by abusive behaviors in a prison, juvenile hall, foster care facility, retirement home, or other institutional setting, to collectively sue a defendant. This approach consolidates individual claims into a single case, making the legal process more efficient and cost-effective for those affected by issues such as sexual, physical, and mental abuse.

Under California law, an institutional abuse class action must meet specific criteria: numerous plaintiffs, common legal or factual issues, typical claims or defenses, and representative plaintiffs who will protect the class’s interests. This legal mechanism ensures justice for all affected parties, particularly when individual lawsuits would be impractical.