From basic discovery with Plaintiff Fact Sheets to post-settlement Proof of Claim Forms, data analysis provides fact based evidential support, ensures complete information for each plaintiff, enables the integration of interactive forecast models, allows for the identification of sub-classes, provides multi-dimensional observations of data, supports quality control, and is the belviq class action backbone of quality assurance. Any given class action, multi-district litigation, or mass tort can collect anywhere from hundreds to millions of Plaintiff Fact Sheets (PFS) (aka Plaintiff Profile Forms (PPF), Client Information Sheets (CIS), and/or Proof of Claim Forms (POC)) containing from the most basic information to some of the most detailed and personal aspects of a plaintiff’s life. With Fact Sheets reaching into the tens of pages per plaintiff and potentially hundreds of pages more in attachments per plaintiff, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by the informational overload, though this information can make or break your case!
The role of data analysis in class action lawsuits has surfaced to reveal the true potential of information collected to benefit both the defense and plaintiff sides of any class. Since both sides are out to prove a point, the use of intense data analysis in association with customized data management solutions allow both basic and complex trends to be found out and graphically represented to the court. It is one thing to say there are “X” amount of each symptom type, it is another thing entirely too visually display the symptoms by subclass, location, or severity for the court to see a clear image of the size or magnitude of the situation at hand.
The benefits to class attorneys who utilized data analysis services range by type of class action, but common benefits can be seen throughout all case types. Such benefits include the basics of tracking plaintiffs, plaintiff complaints, documents related to each plaintiff, and the general quantities, averages, and general locations of the plaintiffs; however, more advanced benefits can be realized by utilizing a professional data analyst. Such advanced benefits could include multi-dimensional observations; interactive forecast models based on specific location or type; data preparation and incorporation into court presentations; and graphical representations of plaintiff groups by type, location, attorney, and so on as the captured information allows.