SOMETHING STINKS: Americans to get check from $152.2m settlement – the three dates to note
Americans are expected to receive payments as part of a $152.2 million settlement involving allegations that companies overcharged customers for canned tuna products. StarKist and Lion Capital have agreed to the settlement, which stems from a lawsuit accusing the companies of conspiring to raise prices.
Settlement Details
While executives from both companies have not admitted any wrongdoing, they have agreed to pay out the funds. Individual payments have not been finalized, but customers in dozens of states could potentially benefit from the settlement. It is estimated that Americans may receive around $24.50 for every 200 cans purchased, equating to approximately 12 cents per can or pouch.
Eligibility and Important Dates
To qualify for the settlement, claimants must have purchased cans smaller than 40 ounces between June 1, 2011, and July 1, 2015. There are three key dates that potential claimants need to be aware of:
- November 8: Deadline to exclude oneself from the settlement.
- November 22: Final approval hearing for the settlement.
- December 31: Deadline to file a claim.
Officials have advised that payments will be distributed after the final approval hearing, but they also warn that claimants should remain patient throughout the process. Those who do not file a claim by the deadline will not receive any money.
Other Settlements Offering Payouts
This tuna settlement is not the only opportunity for Americans to receive a payout. AT&T customers impacted by a data breach in January 2023 may also be eligible for compensation. The breach affected approximately nine million AT&T Mobility customers, and since the company has their information on record, no proof is required to file a claim. AT&T has agreed to pay out $13 million and improve its data handling practices.
Additionally, BMW has agreed to a $6 million settlement over a lawsuit related to diesel emissions tests for its 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d and 2009-2011 BMW 335d models. The car manufacturer has been accused of installing defeat devices on these models but has not admitted any wrongdoing. Whether or not drivers receive payments will depend on the specific model of BMW they owned.
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