People make mistakes, and so do businesses. But because mistakes companies can make can affect many of their customers, they can be very costly. Civil class action lawsuits are filed all the time to allow customers to recover losses due to common injuries and inconveniences as a result of a company’s pervasive practices.
In a class action, a plaintiff or multiple plaintiffs represent an entire group, or class, of people. If a company loses the case or chooses to settle out of court without admitting fault, it generally sets aside a large sum of money from which the settlements are distributed to all the clients represented by the plaintiffs.
However, just because money is exchanged doesn’t necessarily mean you’re entitled to get paid. The payouts are split among the affected class members, so it’s likely to be only a fraction of the payout. It’s still worth getting, but when it comes to keeping money in the bank, every little bit helps.
To be eligible for a portion of the settlement, you’ll need to see if you qualify. This process can be as simple as filling out a short online form. Remember, these are legal documents and you must tell the truth about how you were affected and the damages you suffered. Some class action lawsuits may also ask you to provide evidence of your expenses. Please note that if you accept settlement money, you are waiving your right to file your own related lawsuit.
If you want to see if you may be eligible for free money, here is a list of 10 class action settlements that you may be eligible for.
Wesson cooking oil
If you reside in one of the 11 different states involved in this lawsuit and purchased the popular Wesson brand cooking oil from Conagra foods, you may be able to file a claim.
The lawsuit against Conagra claims the company violated certain laws in marketing, advertising and selling Wesson cooking oils by claiming they were natural, even though they used genetically modified ingredients. Customers can receive monetary damages from a $3 million settlement fund if they live in Colorado, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota or Texas.
You must have purchased Wesson oil for approximately a decade prior to July 1, 2017 in order to receive a settlement (actual time frame varies by state). To participate, fill out this form before May 22.
Circle K Shop Occupation
Current and former Circle K convenience store workers who believe they were discriminated against may be entitled to part of an $8 million settlement. The settlement benefits Circle K workers who sought a reasonable accommodation for a disability or pregnancy and were subsequently terminated between July 10, 2009 and September 26, 2022.
The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) says Circle K violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. Circle K has not admitted any wrongdoing in its settlement of the lawsuit.
Current and former employees who were laid off between July 10, 2009 and September 25, 2022, should file a claim by February 26. If they are eligible under the conditions set forth by the EEOC, they may receive monetary damages as determined by a settlement administrator.
American Airlines Baggage Fees
If you booked a flight with American Airlines between February 23, 2017 and April 9, 2020, you may have been charged an unnecessary baggage fee. Certain customers are allowed to check in a free bag when they want, but the plaintiffs claim American failed to honor that part of the contract.
As a result of a settlement, affected customers may receive a 100% refund of baggage fees. Payments totaling $7.5 million may be offered to all eligible clients in the class.
The deadline to file this claim is just around the corner: February 22.
Thinx period underwear
Thinx reached a $5 million settlement late last year in a lawsuit that alleged per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were present in the company’s products. Studies have linked PFASs to an increased risk of cancer, reproductive problems, liver and immune system damage, and other health problems. Thinx says PFAS are not in its product design and takes steps to ensure they are not added, but has been ordered to refund customers under the terms of the settlement.
The deal affects customers who purchased Thinx underwear between November 12, 2016 and November 28, 2022. Customers can get $7 cash back for each purchase of up to three pairs of vintage underwear if proof of purchase is provided. They can get a $3.50 refund for each purchase of up to three pairs if no proof of purchase is provided. Customers can also get a voucher for 35% off purchases of up to $150 in eligible Thinx products during a single transaction on their website.
The deadline to submit the presentation is April 12.
Apple Macbook
Macbook owners who purchased laptop models between 2015 and 2019 with a defective keyboard may be eligible to receive part of the settlement. Those laptops at issue in this class action suit used “butterfly” technology in their keyboards. The term refers to the shape of the hardware under each key, which many users found quite problematic.
Thanks to a $50 million fund, Macbook users who got repairs that didn’t fix the problems can get up to $395. Specifically, those who have received two or more topcase replacements in the four years following their purchase can get the maximum amount. Those who have received a top cap replacement or one or more cap replacements can receive $125, and those who have received a cap replacement can get $50.
See if you qualify here. You must file a claim by March 6.
All coated kitchen utensils
Recent purchasers of All-Clad D3, D5 and LTD cookware may be eligible for compensation. The company claimed these products were dishwasher safe, but when cleaned in one, some of the metal baking layers allegedly became thin and sharp, especially along the edge.
As part of the proposed settlement, All-Clad will set aside $4 million for reimbursements. Customers have several options: they can exchange damaged cookware for new ones and get a $75 refund; they can exchange damaged cookware for a five-piece hard anodized pan set or a 13-piece cookware set; or they can return cookware and get 50% off all purchases up to $1,200 on any product on the All-Clad website.
Customers who threw out cookware instead of returning it can still get 35% off purchases up to $750 with proof of purchase. You are eligible if you live in the US and purchased the items between January 1, 2015 and July 29, 2022. Submit a claim form by March 27.
Toyota Prius
If you own or lease (or previously did) a 2010-2015 Prius or 2012-2017 Prius V, you may be eligible for the benefits of a lawsuit related to Intelligent Power Modules (IPM )/allegedly defective inverters that have been installed in these cars.
The agreement dictates that Toyota will pay for repairs and replacements, plus related towing and rental car expenses. Toyota is also launching a new customer trust program that will extend the warranty on IPMs and inverters installed in these vehicles and pay for towing/loan.
The deadline to submit your claim is May 12.
Nestle Coffee-Mate Creamer Powder
This class-action lawsuit alleges that some Nestle Coffee-mate products contained fewer servings than advertised. So, if you purchased cream powder products between January 1, 2017 and December 8, 2022, you can benefit. The list of qualifying creams includes French Vanilla, Caramel, Hazelnut, Original, Vanilla Caramel, Peppermint Mocha, Creamy Chocolate, Caramel & Coconut, and Pumpkin Spice, along with some of the sugar-free versions of these flavors.
The lawsuit prompted labeling changes for Coffee mate creamer products and set a $10 million settlement to pay people who bought the brand’s products for personal use between January 1, 2017 and on December 8, 2022.
Complete the claim form by March 14.
Toyota and Lexus models with Denso fuel pumps
This class action lawsuit against Toyota covers several vehicles, including Toyota and Lexus models, that were equipped with defective Denso brand fuel pumps with part number prefixes 23220- and/or 23221-. Toyota recalled 2.7 million cars because the fuel pumps allegedly crack and degrade, resulting in rough engine operation, an engine that won’t start, or an engine that stalls at low speeds.
The proposed agreement offers a customer assistance program to provide repair coverage for 15 years from the date of original sale, or an extended new parts warranty of 15 years or 150,000 total odometer miles. Trailers and loans are also available. The settlement also provides for reimbursement if you have repaired or replaced a fuel pump in a covered vehicle.
If you own a Toyota or Lexus, fill out this form by March 21st.
Volkswagen/Audi data breach
Did you receive a notice from Volkswagen and/or Audi in June 2021 that your personal data may have been exposed in a data breach between August 2019 and May 2021? This breach affected more than 3 million Audi owners and resulted in a class action lawsuit.
A $3.5 million settlement fund has been established to pay monetary awards to class members, up to $350 for California customers whose information was exposed. Customers nationwide can receive cash payments of $80 or $20, depending on the type of information exposed. Customers who have suffered out-of-pocket losses due to identity theft can also apply for reimbursement. Shift Digital, which was named as a defendant, is taking steps to protect users’ personal information.
File your claim by April 12 if you are affected.
Do you qualify for any of these class action lawsuits? If so, don’t hesitate to accept the free money and services on the table.
