MILLIONS of Americans have just hours left to claim part of a $181 million settlement that requires them to have made a special grocery purchase to qualify.
The deadline comes nearly three years after the start of the grievance period in the settlement that accused several chicken companies of uncompetitive business practices.
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The companies, which include popular brands such as Tyson, Fieldale, George’s Mar-Jac, Peco and Pilgrim’s Pride, were accused of conspiring to raise chicken prices for consumers.
These types of business-to-business agreements are illegal under federal and state consumer protection laws.
Specifically, the laws seek to increase competition between companies rather than allow price fixing.
Although the above companies agreed to the $181 million settlement, they all denied any allegations of wrongdoing.
It is important to note that companies have not yet been ordered by the court to pay consumers directly.
However, qualified participants have been able to submit an application for part of the settlement fund since September 2021.
Earlier this year, the deadline to file a complaint was extended until June 30.
Payments to eligible participants have also yet to be determined as several other companies have not agreed to the deal.
As such, plaintiffs accusing them of uncompetitive business practices continue the lawsuit against them.
Companies that have not yet agreed to the settlement include, among others, Foster Farms LLC, JCG Foods of Alabama, JCG Foods of Georgia, Koch Foods, Inc., Sanderson Farms, Simmons Foods and Mountaire Farms.
CAN I QUALIFY?
Millions of Americans could be eligible to qualify for the deal since the requirements are quite broad.
Specifically, qualified class members must have purchased certain chicken products between January 1, 2009 and July 31, 2019.
These products include fresh or frozen raw chicken, whole poultry cut into a package, and “white meat,” including chicken breasts or wings.
Chicken products marked as halal, kosher, free range or organic are not included in the clearance parameters.
How can I claim?
Qualified claimants must submit a claim form at this website until June 30th.
Participants must specify which state they resided in and for how long during the settlement period.
They must also specify how many chicken products they purchased per month and the estimated cost.
No proof of purchase is required.
In addition, the purchase of products must have occurred in one of the 24 states, in addition to Washington DC
Here’s the full list of states that qualify for the deal:
- California,
- Florida,
- Hawaii,
- Illinois,
- Iowa,
- Kansas,
- Maine,
- Massachusetts,
- Michigan,
- Minnesota,
- Missouri,
- Nebraska,
- Nevada,
- New Hampshire,
- New Mexico,
- New York,
- North Caroline,
- Oregon,
- Rhode Island,
- South Carolina,
- South Dakota,
- Tennessee,
- Utah,
- Wisconsin
It is important to note that purchases made in Rhode Island must have occurred after July 15, 2013 and before July 31, 2019 to be eligible.
What is a class action settlement?
Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or “classes,” a way to come together in court.
These lawsuits are often filed by one or a few people who allege that a company or other entity has harmed a large group of people.
When a lawsuit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar claims to those who filed the lawsuit.
Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue legal action by accepting money.
These payment agreements often include statements from the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.
Pollution, discrimination or false advertising are some examples of what can lead to a class action lawsuit at a company’s door.
The settlement website detailed that those considered governmental and public entities are not eligible to be members of the settlement.
No proof of purchase is required to submit a claim.
Instead, applicants will have to specify how long they have lived in one of the eligible states and an estimate of how much they spend each month on purchasing chicken.
Eligible participants can submit their claim here before the deadline.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
