$300 Million Juul Settlement: Direct Payments Up to $10K Leave Americans Stunned
According to The Sun, E-cigarette users are experiencing shock and surprise after receiving checks of up to $10,000 as part of a recent class-action settlement involving Juul Labs and tobacco giant Altria Group. This week, the companies began making direct payments to customers as part of a $300 million settlement announced in 2022.
Settlement Background
The class-action lawsuit stemmed from claims that Juul and Altria misled consumers about the addictiveness of their nicotine products. The allegations also included criticisms regarding their marketing strategies, particularly those targeting minors.
Given that the application process for the settlement closed several years ago, many recipients were taken aback by the unexpected windfall landing in their bank accounts.
Surprised Recipients React
Social media lit up with reactions from recipients.
- “This Juul class action payout is crazy,” one user posted on X.
- Another user exclaimed, “Damn, did everyone get a payout from the JUUL lawsuit?”
- One recipient celebrated their $1,500 payout, saying it “really made my day.”
Others shared their payment amounts, with one user posting a Venmo slip from Juul Labs for $9,217. Payments varied widely, with some recipients reporting amounts ranging from $60 to $600.
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Arizona resident Jessie Vendegna told MarketWatch, “I signed up years ago, probably around the time I had quit or just after quitting. I didn’t know how much I would get, seeing as most settlements end in low amounts. I was really impressed to get $231, and while that doesn’t cover everything Juul I bought, it does feel like I got a reward for quitting smoking/vaping.”
Claims and Validation
More than 14 million people submitted claims for the settlement, but only about 842,000 were officially validated, according to BBC News. Many vapers expressed regret for not filing a claim.
- “I thought my lil $86 payout from the Juul thing was awesome until I got on here and saw people getting thousands,” one user commented.
- Another lamented missing the email from 2020 that could have secured their payout.
Company Response
While the court did not determine whether Juul or Altria violated any laws, Juul Labs released a statement expressing satisfaction in resolving most of the company’s past legal issues. They emphasized their commitment to reducing underage usage of their products.
As users reflect on their unexpected payments, the settlement highlights ongoing discussions around the marketing and safety of nicotine products.
