Step 9: Compensating the Class Action Representatives
At the final hearing, after the case has either been settled or won at trial, the court is often asked to set the appropriate amount of money to be given to the class representatives, apart from the relief that each class member is to receive, to reward and compensate them for taking the time to pursue the case. This is called an "incentive award." The amount of incentive awards vary depending on factors such as the size of the suit, the amount of the class representatives' involvement, and the risks (if any) he or she incurred in prosecuting the suit. The size of these awards vary and can range from hundreds of dollars to over $50,000.
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