May Class-Action Settlements: Do These Companies Owe You Money?
What do unwanted faxes, diluted motor oil and pipe-clogging bathroom wipes have in common? All three are among the causes behind this month’s class-action settlements.
You might be owed compensation from one of these class-action settlements. Read more to see if you qualify for any of them.
Citgo: Tractor Fluid
Citgo Petroleum Corporation has agreed to a $19 million class-action settlement regarding allegations the company sold tractor fluid that doesn’t meet modern specifications.
Plaintiffs said Citgo’s 303 Tractor Hydraulic Fluid Products could damage tractors because the fluid was not made with the right protectives and additives needed to properly run modern tractors.
The hydraulic fluid was advertised as adhering to John Deere 303 specifications, but consumers alleged that standard has not been used since the 1970s. As a result, the claim that the fluid meets 303 standards is worthless and deceptive, according to the Citgo Tractor Hydraulic Fluid lawsuit.
Citgo admitted no wrongdoing, but agreed to settle the case to prevent further potential costs and risks of litigation.
Class members are eligible to receive up to 100% of the purchase price for the products and to receive a reimbursement of costs related to repairs, damage and replacement parts connected to the use of the relevant products during the specified time period.
Class members include those who purchased certain sizes of MileMaster 303, H-K 303, Orscheln 303, or SuperTech 303 during a variety of time periods.
Here’s a complete list of products, container sizes, dates of class periods, and the claim form, which must be completed by Aug. 31, 2020.
Horizon: Unwanted Faxes
If you received junk faxes for Horizon goods and services, you may be eligible for a portion of a $3 million class-action settlement.
A group of hardware and lumber companies say they received unwanted faxes advertising Horizon goods via Westfax Inc. from Horizon Global Corporation, Horizon Global Americas Inc., or Comprehensive Marketing Inc. on July 19, 2016, Nov. 9, 2016, Nov. 16, 2016, Nov. 30, 2016 and May 4, 2017.
These faxes allegedly violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), which prohibits businesses from sending such advertising faxes without getting the recipient’s prior permission.
Class members include those who received faxes on any or all of the above dates. Class members may claim $102 per fax received, up to a limit of $599.99 total.
The defendants admitted to no wrongdoing, but agreed to pay $3 million to settle the lawsuit.
Eligible class members may complete the online claim form by June 11, 2020.
California Anthem Blue Cross: Mental Health Care Coverage
California Anthem Blue Cross has agreed to a class-action settlement to resolve claims the insurance company wrongfully denied coverage for mental health treatment.
Class members include California residents who were enrolled in an Anthem Blue Cross Life & Health Insurance Company non-ERISA PPO health plan and who requested coverage for behavioral health treatment for a “co-morbid” diagnosis between Aug. 18, 2011 and Feb. 4, 2020.
A co-morbid diagnosis means a substance use disorder diagnosis has been made in addition to a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorders, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, pervasive development disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or autism.
Plaintiffs said California’s Anthem Blue Cross wrongfully denied coverage by classifying the claims as treatment for only substance abuse.
Anthem Blue Cross denied the allegations, but agreed to settle the lawsuit.
Each class member may collect up to $7,750.
Anthem Blue Cross has a schedule with a variety of circumstances and payment amounts. Click here to check for eligibility and to file a claim by the July 6, 2020 deadline.
Charmin: Freshmates Wipes
New Yorkers who bought Charmin Freshmates wipes that included the word “flushable” on the packaging between May 23, 2011 and March 6, 2020 could receive up to $50 in this class action settlement.
Several class action lawsuits were filed against wipe maker Procter & Gamble, which was accused of falsely advertising the wipes could be safely flushed down a toilet. In reality, consumers said, the wipes clogged their toilets, sewer pipes and septic systems.
Procter & Gamble agreed to settle class-action lawsuits but refused to admit the Charmin Freshmates flushable wipes do not perform as advertised.
New York consumers with proof of purchase may claim $1.20 for the first package purchased and $1 for subsequent purchases, up to $50.20. New York consumers without proof of purchase can claim $.70 per package purchased for a total of $6.30.
Submit your claim by Aug. 22, 2020.
Fastenal: Store Receipts
Fastenal has agreed to a $1.3 million class-action settlement to resolve allegations the credit card receipts provided to consumers violated federal law.
Consumers could be eligible for up to $1,000 if they used a personal credit or debit card at a Fastenal store between Aug. 22, 2016 and Sept. 6, 2018 and received a receipt that showed more than the last five digits of the card number and/or the card’s expiration date.
Fastenal was accused of violating the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) by handing out receipts that contained more card information than the law allows, potentially leading to identity theft or fraud.
According to the settlement terms, class members who fail to file a claim or exclude themselves will not receive any benefit from the deal and will also release their legal rights to take further action on the issue.
Actual payment amounts will depend upon the number of valid claims filed and the net settlement fund after fees and costs are deducted. Completed claim forms should be submitted by Sept. 28, 2020.
Honda: Engine Defect
Owners and lessees of Honda Civics and Honda CR-Vs will benefit from a settlement agreement to resolve claims that the engines are defective and lead to fuel dilution of engine oil.
The defect could allegedly lead to premature wear of metal parts and result in engine failure.
Class members include both current and former owners and lessees of model year 2017 and 2018 Honda CR-Vs that have a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and 2016 through 2018 Honda Civics equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine.
The class-action lawsuit alleged Honda knew of the defect and hid it, citing complaints that had been filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in addition to complaints filed with Honda itself.
The potential awards vary as follows:
- All class members will automatically receive an extended Power Train Warranty.
- Class members can submit claims for out-of-pocket expenses related to repairs caused by the engine defect. These claims are capped at $250.
- Class members with vehicles registered in certain states will automatically be entitled to a free Product Update from an authorized Honda dealer. These states include Alaska, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
File your claim by Sept. 29, 2020.
49ers & Santa Clara: Stadium Accessibility
Levi’s Stadium – where the San Francisco 49ers play – is the subject of a $24 million settlement to resolve allegations the stadium failed to meet accessibility requirements for people with disabilities.
Class members include those with mobility disabilities and their companions who attended or planned to attend events at Levi’s Stadium, which was built in 2012.
There are three Classes:
- Damages Class, including “All persons with mobility disabilities who use wheelchairs, scooters or other mobility aids who have purchased, attempted to purchase, or for whom third parties purchased accessible seating and who have been denied equal access to Levi’s Stadium’s facilities, services, accessible seating, parking, amenities, and privileges” between April 1, 2015 and March 9, 2020.
- Injunctive Class, including “All persons with mobility disabilities who use wheelchairs, scooters, or other mobility aids who will attempt to purchase accessible seating for a public event at Levi’s Stadium and who will be denied equal access to the Stadium’s facilities, services, accessible seating, parking, amenities, and privileges, including ticketing” after Dec. 7, 2013.
- Companion Injunctive Class, including “All persons who are companions of persons with mobility disabilities who use wheelchairs, scooters or other mobility aids and who have used or will use companion seating for public events located at Levi’s Stadium” after Dec. 7, 2013.
The amount of each award will depend on the total number of approved claims. Individual claims are expected to be a minimum of $4,000 and a maximum of $80,000.
Complete details and claim forms are available online and must be submitted by June 28, 2020.
