PRE-SETTLEMENT SERVICES

Comprehensive pre-settlement preparation can make the difference between a smooth, economical settlement process and a process which is needlessly complex and overbudget.   Before you begin working with opposing counsel on a settlement agreement, talk to CAA about maximizing the return on your settlement administration effort.

Below is an overview of some of Class Action Administration's pre-settlement services.

Pre-Settlement Consulting Services

CAA can help the administration phase go smoother and often cost less through our Pre-Settlement Consulting Services.   We will analyze how best to identify class members, notify them, design an efficient claims process, review benefit calculation options, and help maximize class member benefits.   At the end of this consulting engagement, you will have a detailed plan for the class administration that can be used to finalize the settlement terms and obtain preliminary approval from the court.

Notify appropriate officials of proposed settlement

CAFA requires that appropriate state and federal officials be notified within 10 days of the proposed settlement being filed with the court.  CAA manages this process through our proprietary database of the officials needing to be notified.  See our CAFA page for more details on our CAFA Official Notification services.

Review settlement terms and identify alternatives

With CAA's experience, we can identify potential gaps, issues, and points of clarification that will improve the remainder of the case. Early review of settlement terms by CAA will improve the claims administration process.

Develop allocation methodologies / serve as Special Master

Leveraging CAA's experience in developing damage models, CAA has developed allocation methodologies and testified regarding the fairness of these methodologies.  CAA's president, Matthew E. Pohl, has also served as Special Master.  This provides a seamless transition into the administration phase of the case since the allocation methodology is designed to be be incorporated efficiently into the claims process.

Identify class members

The level of difficulty involved in identifying class members differs greatly by case. In order to eliminate any reason for the court to overturn the settlement or require re-notification, it is essential that the class member list be comprehensive. CAA can work with the parties to compile the class list, or CAA can audit an existing class list to ensure that it is complete.

Preliminary approval hearing support

CAA can develop a notice and administration plan to satisfy the court's requirements.  We can then provide testimony on the adequacy of the notice plan at preliminary and final approval hearings.

Contact us to learn more about how CAA can assist you with your next class action settlement.