You could be one of millions of people who are owed money as a result of class action lawsuit settlements. The month of March will be crucial, as deadlines are approaching in several cases that involve false advertising, data breaches and unfair business practices. Consumers who were harmed due to misconduct by corporations can receive restitution through these settlements. Check if your eligible to receive your share.
What consumers need to know about class action settlements
Individuals who are harmed collectively by the same actions can seek justice through class action lawsuits. The settlements provide financial compensation to victims of fraud, data breaches and other criminal activities.
There are eight settlements that have March claim deadlines: Are your funds waiting?
The following is an overview of the eight major class-action settlements, with deadlines to file claims in March. You should carefully review the information to find out if your claim is eligible.
1. Fandango Convenience Charge Settlement
The main topic: Fandango has agreed to pay $9 million to settle allegations that it failed to disclose the convenience of online movie ticket purchases in New York. The case concerns deceptive fees and transparency of online ticket sales.
Who’s eligible: You could qualify if you paid the convenience fee between August 29th, 2022 and March 11th, 2024 when purchasing electronic tickets through any Fandango platform.
Deadline: 31 March
2. LoanDepot Unauthorized withdrawal settlement
The main topic: LoanDepot has agreed to pay $1,000,000 as a settlement for claims that they had violated Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA) by debiting accounts of consumers without authorization. The importance of regulations protecting consumers in financial transactions is highlighted by this settlement.
Who’s eligible: Customers who have been repeatedly charged by LoanDepot from September 21, 2021 to October 6, 2023 without having received a copy prior of the authorization.
Deadline: March 3, 2019
3. Smitty’s supply and Cam2 international hydraulic fluid settlement
The main topic: Smitty’s Supply and Cam2 International settled for $39.1 Million to resolve allegations they misrepresented their tractor hydraulic fluids. They specifically failed to meet 303 tetrahydrofuran specs despite claiming the contrary. It is important to ensure accurate labeling of products and advertisements across all industries.
Who’s eligible: Purchases of Super S Super Trac 303 Tractor Hydraulic Fluid (other than Super S Super Trac 303 Tractor Hydraulic Fluid made in Missouri), CAM2 ProMax 303 Tractor Hydraulic Oil or CAM2 303 Tractor Hydraulic Oil by consumers since December 1st, 2013 are eligible for a rebate.
Deadline: On March 1,
4. United Dominion Realty Late Fees Settlement
The main topic: United Dominion Realty has agreed to pay $3 million in settlements related to the illegal charging of late fees by California tenants. The settlement is intended to provide compensation for tenants who have been unfairly penalized.
Who’s eligible: California residents who paid late fees between August 12th, 2017 and October 24th 2024.
Deadline: March 3, 2019
5. APi Wage Settlement Overtime
The main topic: APi settled for $1.05m after Pennsylvanian workers accused it of not paying them overtime. This settlement highlights workers’ rights, and the compliance of labor laws.
Who’s eligible: Employees of APi who are not exempt from the APi tax and worked in Monaca (Pennsylvania) between November 3, 2018 and November 27, 2020.
Deadline: March 6, 2019
6. Konnektive La Pura Cosmetics Settlement
The main topic: Konnektive is paying $5 million for misleadingly advertising La Pura Cosmetics as pure and natural when the products used synthetic components. Cosmetic companies must tell the truth about product and ingredient claims.
Who’s eligible: Customers who bought La Pura Cosmetics between June 12th, 2016 and October 10th 2024.
Deadline: February 8
7. D.C. Health Benefit Exchange Authority Data Breach Settlement
The main topic: D.C. Health Benefit Exchange Authority has agreed to pay $1.45 million after an incident in 2023 that compromised 170,000 individual’s personal data, including their Social Security Numbers. The importance of breach notifications and data security is highlighted by this case.
Who’s eligible: People who have received notification of a breach in data from D.C. Health Benefit Exchange Authority, informing them their personal information may or may not have been exposed in the data breach that occurred around March 2023.
Deadline: The 28th of March
8. Automatic Subscription Settlement by Streamlabs
The main topic: Streamlabs will spend $4.4 million in order to resolve allegations that they enrolled users into automatic subscriptions of Streamlabs Pro service without the consent of those consumers. This is to address concerns over hidden subscriptions and misleading billing.
Who’s eligible: The consumers who enrolled into a Streamlabs Pro subscription automatic renewal after adding a GIF to their donation were then billed a fee per month for the subscription from March 3, 2018 through May 17, 2022. They believe that they didn’t knowingly agree to a subscription monthly renewal.
Deadline: 31 March
Understand class-action lawsuits as a tool for consumer protection
In a class action lawsuit, a plaintiff is representing a group of people who suffered the same harm. It is a way to resolve widespread problems that would be difficult or expensive for an individual to handle on their own. Zachary Clopton, law professor, explains “In a situation where a big corporation harms a large number of individuals by a small amount, it wouldn’t make sense for each person to sue on their own…But if I could sue on behalf of thousands of customers, well, then it’s possible that that lawsuit could move forward.”
Can class-action settlements be taxed?
IRS generally considers settlements from class actions as income. Tax professionals can provide you with personalized advice on compensations for specific claims such as discrimination or physical injury.
What you Should Do Right Now
Examine the settlement details and see if you qualify. If you feel you qualify, collect any necessary documentation and make sure you file before the due date. Do not miss the opportunity to recover damages.