Class actions involving insurance, contracts, and unfair competition.
The firm represents clients throughout California in matters involving insurance bad faith, breach of contract, and unfair competition under Business & Professions Code section 17200.
Claims commonly litigated on a class basis.
Each theory may also support an individual claim. Class treatment may be appropriate when standardized conduct raises common legal or factual questions for a defined group.
Insurance bad faith
California insurance policies include an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Potential bad-faith claims may involve inadequate investigation, unreasonable delay or denial, valuation practices, or interpretation of standardized policy language.
Depending on the circumstances, a bad-faith claim may support remedies beyond unpaid policy benefits. A class theory may be considered when a carrier applies the same claims practice or policy interpretation to a defined group of policyholders.
Breach of contract
A class contract claim may arise when a standardized term is interpreted or applied in the same manner across many accounts. Relevant evidence may include form agreements, billing systems, account records, and internal policies.
Class treatment can permit common contract questions to be addressed in one proceeding when the requirements for certification are met. Whether those requirements are satisfied depends on the agreement, the alleged breach, and the evidence.
Unfair competition: UCL §17200
California’s Unfair Competition Law, Business & Professions Code section 17200, prohibits business practices that are unlawful, unfair, or fraudulent. Claims may involve pricing, advertising, disclosures, standardized terms, or practices alleged to violate another law.
Available remedies may include restitution and injunctive relief. The applicable limitations period and available relief depend on the facts, the parties, and the legal theories at issue.
Within these three theories the firm also handles consumer protection matters: deceptive pricing, hidden terms, and misrepresentations repeated across a market. The practice is limited to insurance, contract, and unfair competition claims; the firm does not handle pharmaceutical or product mass-tort litigation.
How class certification and representative litigation work.
The common practice
The inquiry begins by identifying the policy or practice and determining whether it affected a defined group in a common way.
Certification
The court determines whether the proposed class satisfies the requirements for representative treatment, including whether common issues can be resolved together.
Counsel & notice
If a class is certified, the court appoints class counsel and may approve notice describing the case and class members’ rights.
Trial or resolution
The matter proceeds through discovery, motion practice, and, if necessary, trial. Any class settlement requires court approval.
Class treatment can make it practical to address common claims that may be difficult to litigate separately.
Policyholders, consumers, and small businesses.
An initial review can help determine whether the conduct may affect others and whether a representative claim warrants further investigation.
A denial, delay, or valuation that appears inconsistent with the policy terms, claim record, or a standardized claims practice.
A recurring fee, renewal, condition, or representation that may have been applied to consumers in a common way.
A vendor, insurer, or platform applying a standardized term, charge, or benefit in a manner that may breach its agreements.
Maro Burunsuzyan
The lawyer who first hears your story is the same lawyer who stands in front of the jury.
About the founder →Questions about class representation.
The answers depend on the governing documents, the alleged conduct, and the procedural posture of the matter.
What does a class action cost me?
If the firm schedules a consultation after initial review, it is free and confidential. If the firm offers representation, the written agreement explains attorney fees, litigation costs, and any court approval that may be required.
What is a class representative?
The named plaintiff who brings the case on behalf of the whole group. A class representative works with counsel, stays informed about the case, and owes a duty to protect the interests of every class member. The court must find the representative adequate before the class is certified.
Do I have to appear in court?
Almost never, unless you serve as the class representative. Most class members do nothing while the case proceeds; if there is a recovery, they receive notice and submit a claim. A representative typically sits for a deposition and may testify if the case is tried.
How long does a class action take?
Class actions often take longer than individual cases and may be measured in years rather than months. Certification can be contested, discovery may involve extensive records, and any settlement requires court approval. Counsel can discuss the factors likely to affect the schedule in a particular matter.
How do I know if I have a class case?
An initial review begins with the documents relating to your own experience, such as a policy, contract, bill, or denial letter. Further investigation may show whether the same policy or practice affected other people in a common way.