participate

Participate, in the legal context, means to take part in something of legal consequence such as claims, business dealings, and class actions. Participation can be used without an inherent special legal meaning, such as participating in a business transaction. However, to participate in matters like settlements, class actions, or tender offers comes with legal consequences. For example, when someone participates in a settlement, they likely will lose their ability to bring an individual claim against the defendant. 

[Last reviewed in October of 2023 by the Wex Definitions Team]

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