Roundup, Kotex, GE Microwaves are Among July’s Class-Action Settlements
Despite most of the world stopping due to COVID-19, major class-action settlements continue, and deadlines to collect cash are looming.
This month’s highlighted settlements include Roundup herbicides, Kotex tampons, Magellan RoadMate GPS units and other companies.
InterContinental Hotel Data Breach
If you used a credit card or debit card at an InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) hotel between Aug. 1, 2016, and Dec. 19, 2016, you could benefit from a $1.55 million class-action settlement.
IHG was sued regarding a data breach that allegedly affected more than 1,000 hotel locations. IHG hotel brands include InterContinental, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Candlewood Suites, Crowne Plaza, Staybridge Suites and Hotel Indigo.
The lawsuit alleged hackers accessed card numbers, expiration dates, verification codes and cardholder names for debit and credit cards used at the hotels.
IHG was accused of failing to have proper security protocols in place to protect customers’ financial information.
Under the settlement terms, affected consumers can collect up to $250 in reimbursement for documented out-of-pocket expenses and up to $3,500 in reimbursement for documented fraudulent or unauthorized losses. Documentation must be provided in order to show the expenses and losses were a direct result of the data breach.
Valid claim forms are accepted through Sept. 12, 2020.
U by Kotex Tampons Came Apart, Unraveled
If you bought U by Kotex tampons between March 8, 2013, and Nov. 19, 2019, you could be eligible to receive a portion of a $7 million class-action settlement.
The lawsuit said U by Kotex tampons could unravel or leave pieces inside women’s bodies. In some cases, customers say the tampons started to unravel in the box. Products covered by the settlement include U by Kotex Sleek Tampons, U by Kotex Fitness Tampons, U by Kotex Click Tampons, and U by Kotex Security Tampons in Regular, Super or Super-Plus Absorbency levels.
Months before the lawsuit was filed, Kotex parent company Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc. issued a recall on U by Kotex tampons because of consumer complaints about the devices unraveling or coming apart.
Some users alleged they developed infections, injuries or irritations after using the tampons and in some instances, required medical attention.
If you purchased the products, you may receive up to $30 without proof of purchase; additional cash benefits may be claimed by those with a proof of purchase. Details and the claim form should be sent in by Aug. 18, 2020.
Roundup Weed & Grass Killer Hidden Dangers
Consumers who bought certain Roundup Weed & Grass Killer herbicides may qualify to receive a portion of a $39 million class-action settlement.
The following products purchased during certain time frames may qualify:
- Roundup Ready-to-Use Weed & Grass Killer III
- Roundup Ready-to-Use Weed & Grass Killer Plus
- Roundup Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate Plus
- Roundup Weed & Grass Killer Super Concentrate
The products must have included the statement “targets an enzyme found in plants but not in people or pets” or a similar assertion on the labeling. The lawsuit did not accuse Roundup of causing any injuries, but argued that owner Monsanto was unjustly enriched and consumers were economically damaged due to false advertising regarding the weed killer’s alleged safety.
In addition to the $39.5 million settlement, Monsanto also agreed to pay plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees and change its labeling. Instead of stating the active ingredient glyphosate only affects plants, the labels will say that the weed killer targets an enzyme “essential for plant growth.”
The settlement affects purchases from Feb. 13, 2009, to the present. Without a proof of purchase, consumers will be limited to one unit per household per year with awards estimated to range between $0.37 and $10.63.
The deadline to submit claims is Sept. 11, 2020.
AAG Telemarketing
American Advisors Group (AAG) has agreed to a $3.5 million class-action settlement regarding allegations the company violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
AAG faced accusations that the company, directly and through third-party advertisers, called consumers without first receiving express written consent. The TCPA mandates that companies receive prior written consent to make pre-recorded telemarketing calls to a consumer.
The settlement covers consumers in the U.S. who received a call from or on behalf of AAG between Jan. 1, 2017, and May 1, 2020. Those with a claim number may complete the claim form online, while those without a claim number must print and mail the form. The potential award is estimated between $20 and $40.
Look here for complete details on how to submit a claim by the Aug. 4, 2020, deadline.
Magellan RoadMate Navigator Update
If you bought a Magellan RoadMate Navigator portable vehicle GPS mapping system between Sept. 28, 2014, and June 30, 2019, you could be eligible for benefits from a recent class-action settlement.
Magellan RoadMate Navigators are made by MiTAC Digital Corporation, which allegedly sold the units boasting that users could receive free lifetime map updates. The lawsuit alleged that customers had to pay for the updates.
MiTAC agreed to settle the lawsuit by offering to reimburse customers who paid for map updates and to provide a three-year free map updating subscription that can be renewed at no charge.
Read the details on what is needed to secure reimbursement and how to sign up for the free map updating subscription.Claims must be submitted by Sept. 17, 2020.
GE Microwave Shattering Glass
General Electric will pay up to $20 million in a class-action settlement regarding claims certain microwave glass tends to shatter.
If you bought or owned a GE Profile or GE Monogram microwave with a model number starting with JEB1090, JEB1095, ZMC1090, or ZMC1095 between Jan. 1, 1995, and Jan. 15, 2020, you could be eligible for a portion of this settlement.
The suit alleged the GE microwaves contained glass doors that spontaneously shattered or broke just two or three years after purchase. GE was accused of refusing to cover costs under warranty for replacement doors or entire units.
An award of $300 is available for consumers whose microwaves shattered. Owners whose microwave did not break may receive $5 if they still own the appliance or a $5 rebate if they no longer own it.
The larger award requires a clear photo or other documentation of the spontaneous glass breakage along with other proof of purchase.
Valid claims are accepted through Oct. 14, 2020.
Energy Maine Pricing
Energy Maine customers may receive a portion of a $14 million class-action settlement after the company agreed to settle allegations of deceptive pricing practices.
The settlement covers residential and small business customers who bought electricity from Electricity Maine between Jan. 1, 2011, and Nov. 30, 2019.
Customers alleged Energy Maine used deceptive marketing maneuvers to grab a greater share of Maine’s electricity market. This was allegedly done by luring customers with an extremely low promised rate, but charging them monthly rates that were much greater than advertised. Customers further alleged they felt trapped because they would be required to pay a $100 cancellation fee if they stopped their service.
Customers are eligible for compensation in the amount of $0.023565 per kilowatt hour purchased between Jan. 1, 2011, and Nov. 30, 2019. No one will receive less than $2.50. Customers may also be eligible to have payments waived.
Look here for complete details and to file a claim form by the Sept. 10, 2020 deadline.
