Who do class action lawsuits benefit?

I just got some letter in the mail about some class action lawsuit that was brought against LA Fitness.  I was given the choice of getting like 8 bucks or getting like 3 months of free membership.  I’ve gotten similar mailings in the past, the one that comes to mind some CD pricing scam that netted me like 5 bucks or something like that.  Which leads me to ask?  Who the hell does a class action lawsuit favor outside of lawyers?  I’m sure they get millions for these class action lawsuits that are supposedly for the people!  What do little old me and you get?  Oh, here is a free membership to the gym, while the attorneys who represented you get, what millions?  Is there any wonder why they jump at the chance to help the little people…