Kia, KitchenAid Among December’s Class Action Settlements
If you’ve been dealing with a shifty Kia engine or a KitchenAid dishwasher, you may be eligible for a class action settlement.
Read on to find out more about these — and other — class action settlements.
Ginkgold Ginkgo Biloba: False Advertising
The maker of Nature’s Way Ginkgold Ginkgo Biloba has agreed to pay nearly $3.4 million to resolve claims they misrepresented the supplements.
Nature’s Way manufacturer Schwabe North America Inc. is accused of misleading consumers into believing the supplements could improve memory and concentration despite no scientific proof showing these claims are true.
Nature’s Way admitted no wrongdoing, but agreed to the class action settlement to avoid the risks and costs of continued litigation.
Class members include anyone who bought Ginkgold or Ginkgold Max in California between July 7, 2011 and Oct. 1, 2020 or anywhere else in the U.S. between Jan 1, 2016 and Oct. 1, 2020.
Class members can collect $18 for Ginkgold Max 30 tabs, Ginkgold 50 tabs and Ginkgold 75 tabs and $33 for Ginkgold 150 tabs, Ginkgold 100 tabs and Ginkgold Max 60 tabs. The exact amount of each payment will depend upon the number of items purchased and the types of products purchased by each class member.
Claim forms are due by Feb. 24, 2021.
Kia: Engine Failure
Owners of certain Kia vehicles that experienced engine failure may be eligible for benefits under a recent class action settlement.
Hyundai has not admitted to any wrongdoing, but agreed to resolve the claims made against Kia, which is one of its subsidiaries.
Owners and lessees of class vehicles originally equipped with or replaced with a genuine Theta II 2.0 liter or 2.4 liter gasoline direct injection engine are eligible for benefits from this settlement. Class vehicles include:
- 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and certain 2019 model year Kia Optima vehicles;
- 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and certain 2019 model year Kia Sorento vehicles; and
- 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and certain 2019 model year Kia Sportage vehicles.
Class members whose vehicles had an engine failure or fire after Aug. 28, 2020 have until 90 days post-event to file a valid claim form that needs to document engine failures, repairs and other relevant facts.
Monetary and non-monetary benefits include warranty extensions, reimbursement for repairs, rebates and other compensation.
File your Kia engine failure claim by April 12, 2021.
Walmart: Packaged Food Unit Pricing
If you bought weighted goods at Walmart between Feb. 7, 2015 and Aug. 26, 2020, you could be eligible for a portion of an approximately $9.5 million class action settlement.
Walmart admits no wrongdoing, but agreed to the settlement to end litigation over claims the retailer falsely advertised a variety of weighted products that rang up at the cash register at a higher price.
If you bought weighted goods, such as beef, pork, poultry, fish and other types of packaged foods marked with unit pricing, and the advertised price was not accurately reflected in the final sales price, you could be eligible for compensation.
Without a proof of purchase, you may claim up to $10. If you can provide a receipt but not the packaging indicating the overcharge, you can claim up to $40. If you can show both a receipt and the product packaging that shows the overcharge, the potential award is not limited.
Each class member will receive a portion of the settlement that depends upon the number of valid claims filed by the deadline of Jan. 8, 2021.
Emtal Industrial Talc: Asbestos Exposure
Emtal Talc will pay a $72.5 million asbestos exposure class action settlement in cases that were filed between March 8, 1984 and March 29, 2011.
The settlement is for individuals, their family members or representatives of deceased individuals who were a party to an asbestos injury or wrongful death lawsuit that named Englehard Corporation, BASF Catalysts LLC or subsidiaries as a defendant during the time period. According to court documents, the lawsuits must have been voluntarily or involuntarily dismissed.
Engelhard has not admitted to wrongdoing or liability even though the company agreed to the settlement.
The exact amount of cash payments will vary between claimants, and those who are seeking compensation for mesothelioma may receive an additional sum from the settlement’s Extraordinary Injury Fund. The deadline to file a claim is Jan. 15, 2021.
KitchenAid: Defective Rack Adjuster in Dishwashers
If you bought a KitchenAid dishwasher that came with an upper rack adjuster between October 2010 and June 14, 2019, you could be eligible for compensation.
According to class action lawsuits, Whirlpool distributed several KitchenAid brand dishwashers with upper dish rack adjusters that broke after becoming brittle from the heat during regular use. Once the rack adjuster pieces broke, the top rack either fell from its intended position or became stuck in place and unable to move, either of which rendered the top rack useless.
Class members who have never had to repair their upper rack adjuster or who repaired their upper rack with a plastic adjuster can collect:
- A free stainless steel replacement for their upper rack adjuster;
- A 30% rebate for the future purchase of a KitchenAid brand stand mixer;
- A 10% rebate on the future purchase of a KitchenAid brand blender;
- Or $15 by submitting a claim for future relief.
Class members who replaced their upper rack adjuster with a stainless steel replacement part are not eligible for future relief.
File your valid claim by June 15, 2021.
Huuuge Casino/Billionaire Casino/Star Slots: Chip Purchases
Huuuge Inc. has agreed to a $6.5 million class action settlement regarding allegations the company tricked consumers into making in-app purchases by offering so-called free-to-play casino games.
A 2018 class action lawsuit alleged the app developer violated Washington state laws that regulate “games of chance.”
Plaintiffs alleged they were offered free chips to begin playing casino games, but once they were out of free chips, they were offered a deal to keep playing by buying thousands of more chips for anywhere between $4.99 and $49.99 at the time.
Huuuge denied any wrongdoing, but agreed to the settlement to end litigation.
Class members include those who played Huuuge Casino, Billionaire Casino, Stars Slots and other Huuuge Social Casino Games prior to Aug. 30, 2020.
The potential award will vary based on the total dollar amount of in-app game purchases complete; whether or not the class member is subject to an arbitration agreement; and the total number of claims submitted. Don’t lose the opportunity to cash in if you qualify for this settlement.
The deadline to submit a claim is Jan. 4, 2021.
GM: Ignition Switch Defect
GM agreed to a $121.1 million class action settlement to resolve allegations certain ignition switches are dangerous due to a defect. This settlement will benefit consumers who have vehicles affected by one of five recalls regarding:
- The Delta ignition switch (NHTSA Recall No. 14v047)
- Key rotation (NHTSA Recall Nos. 14v355, 14v394, and 14v400)
- Camaro knee-key issues (NHTSA Recall No. 14v346)
- Electronic power steering (NHTSA Recall No. 14v153)
- Side airbags (NHTSA Recall No. 14v118)
A variety of GM vehicles are affected. You may need to enter your VIN to determine your eligibility.
The potential cash award will vary depending upon the number of claims filed. Those with vehicles affected by the GM ignition switch issue and key rotation issue will receive larger payments than those covered by the other recalls.
You can find more details and the claim form here. The claim must be filed by March 18, 2021.
