Class Action Payout Estimator 2026
Class action settlement net distribution depends on fund size minus attorney fees (typically 25-33%), administration ($500K-3M), and class member opt-out / claim filing rates. This tool models per-claimant payout under realistic assumptions.
Why Class Action Payouts Are Usually Small
Three deductions stack up: (1) Attorney fees (25-33% typical). (2) Administration costs ($500K-$3M for notice, claims processing, distribution). (3) Most class members never file — typical consumer claim rate is 5-15%. A $50M settlement fund with 1M class members might net just $40 per claimant after fees and claim-rate erosion.
Securities vs Consumer Class Actions
Securities class actions: larger funds, higher per-claimant payouts ($500-$5K typical), higher claim rates (25-40%). Consumer class actions: smaller funds, smaller per-claimant payouts ($25-$200 typical), low claim rates (5-15%). Choose participation based on potential vs effort tradeoff.
Common Plan Allocations
Most class action plans use one of three structures: (1) Pro rata — equal share to all claimants. (2) Damages-weighted — payout proportional to documented loss. (3) Tiered — different amounts by injury severity. Pro rata is most common in consumer cases; damages-weighted in securities cases.
Source: Class Action Research Forum 2025, NERA Securities Class Action Reports 2025. Last updated: May 2026.