A class is a group of similar claims or parties that are treated jointly in a legal proceeding.

In Dutch law, the term “class” is used to denote groups of legal subjects or claims that share common characteristics—such as the nature of the damage or the ranking of creditors—and are therefore treated collectively.

This concept is particularly relevant in collective proceedings under the Collective Redress of Mass Damage Act (WAMCA) and in insolvency proceedings, where distinct classes of injured parties or creditors are identified.

In practice, the classification into classes facilitates the efficient resolution of disputes and settlements by enabling the interests of the various groups to be represented in a structured manner.

“The court has classified the injured parties into different classes in order to deal with the collective claim in a structured and manageable manner.”

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