FAQs
General Questions
Why should I choose CPM?
We represent individuals or entities in cases involving only just causes and the right principles. Our attorneys and staff are committed to efficiently handling your case and are experienced in litigating all types of cases. We have the financial resources to ensure that your case is well-prepared for a successful resolution through settlement or trial.
What types of cases does CPM handle?
CPM represents Plaintiffs and Defendants in a wide range of areas. The firm engages exclusively in litigation. CPM's attorneys have deep knowledge and extensive experience in a variety of highly specialized areas of the law. For a description of the areas of law we handle, please review our Practice Areas.
Can CPM review my potential case?
Please Contact Us if you have a potential case that you would like us to review. Please provide a summary of the potential case, and one of our attorneys will be in touch. Please note that your reaching out to us does not mean that we are agreeing to represent you. We review hundreds of potential cases, and are not able to get involved in every one.
Does CPM accept cases outside of California and New York?
Yes. We litigate cases in both federal and state courts across the United States.
How does CPM decide which cases to accept?
There are many factors that we consider when determining whether we can take on a case. If we are unable to represent you, it does not mean that you do not have valid claims -- only that the case is not a good fit for CPM at the time we review it.
How long before a settlement or trial is reached in my case?
It depends. The length of a case, from the initial consultation through the resolution of the case by settlement or verdict, depends on several variables, such as the court where the complaint is filed and the nature of the complaint filed. As one example, some courts have a backlog of cases, and the oldest cases will be considered before recently filed cases in that court. Other courts designate a time period for discovery of evidence by each party that may be a year or longer. As another example, a breach of contract case may resolve more quickly than an antitrust class action. Note that while most cases settle before trial, some cases must be tried, which may take years.
Do all cases go to trial?
No. While we prepare each case as if it will proceed to trial, most cases do not proceed to trial. Cases often settle before trial for a variety of reasons, including a fair, reasonable, and adequate settlement and the uncertainty of a trial verdict.
Does it matter how long I wait to file a lawsuit?
Yes. Each state has laws that provide time limits to formally file a lawsuit or claim. These laws, called “statutes of limitations,” will prevent a court from considering an otherwise viable claim if it is not filed on time. It is important to contact us, or any lawyer, as soon as possible after you have been harmed.
How do I get started?
Please provide a summary of your potential case and your contact information through this form: Contact Us.
Class Action Questions
What is a class action?
A class action lawsuit is one person or a small group of people (class representatives) suing on behalf of a larger group of people (class members) who have all suffered the same injury. Class members will be able to receive a part of any settlement or court award that results from the case even if they are not the ones filing the lawsuit.
When someone is injured, either financially or physically, he or she may be able to sue the person or company responsible for causing the injury. If this person has suffered a relatively minor loss, it may not be financially viable for him or her to file an individual lawsuit. In other words, the potential award the person could receive does not outweigh the expected cost of litigation. This does not mean this individual is without legal recourse. Class action lawsuits provide legal relief to large numbers of individuals who were wronged by a corporation and suffered relatively small monetary losses.
Why should I become a class representative?
A class representative speaks for the class in a class action lawsuit. You should be a class representative if you prefer standing in front as a lawsuit’s lead plaintiff instead of sitting idly on the sidelines as a class member. Class representatives are more involved in the various stages of a class action, from the filing of the complaint to potential settlement discussions.
A class representative represents other people with similar claims and damages because he or she believes that it is important that all class members benefit from the lawsuit equally; he or she believes that a class lawsuit will save time, money, and effort, and thus will benefit all parties and the court; and he or she believes that the class action is an important tool to assure protection of people or businesses injured in a similar way as the class representative.
Does it cost money to become a class representative?
No. Despite his or her level of involvement, a class representative will bear no financial responsibility for attorneys’ fees or out-of-pocket costs related to the lawsuit. These fees and costs are generally carved out of a settlement if a case succeeds or paid by us if a case does not succeed.
How is CPM paid for settling or winning class action lawsuits?
We are not paid unless we settle or win a class action lawsuit. In those instances, we are generally paid a percentage of the money that we recover on behalf of class members, or “attorneys’ fees.” A court must review and approve our request for attorneys’ fees.
If you have other questions, please email questions@cpmlegal.com.