YOU could be eligible to claim a huge payout worth $825,000 because of the brand of pet poop bags you previously purchased.
A settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit involving Earth Rated, relating to its certified compostable poop bags.
The suit, led by plaintiffs Meganne Natale and Chelsea Cheng, alleges that consumers were misled into believing these bags were compostable, an allegation Earth Rated denies, according to the settlement. website.
Rather than continue litigation, both parties agreed to settle the case.
WHO IS AFFECTED?
The clearance class includes all US residents who purchased Earth Rated certified compostable poop bags between October 28, 2015 and June 13, 2024.
The class excludes individuals who purchased the bags for resale or non-personal use.
Read more about settlements
The agreement will establish a fund of $825,000.
This fund will cover payments to class members, administrative costs, notice expenses, attorneys’ fees, and awards to class representatives.
Eligible students can receive $2 per unit of compostable bags purchased.
Those without proof of purchase can claim up to $6, while those with proof of purchase have no limit on their claims.
Affected individuals have several options regarding the settlement.
To receive payment, a valid claim form must be submitted by December 9, 2024.
Opting out by September 23, 2024 means you will not receive any settlement benefits, but you will retain the right to independently sue Earth Rated.
Until September 23, 2024, you can also write to the court if you have objections to the agreement.
On October 23, 2024, at 10:30 am EST, you can request court intervention on the settlement.
By doing nothing, you forfeit your share of the settlement benefits and the right to sue Earth Rated in this matter.
For more information about the settlement and how to file a complaint, visit the settlement website or contact the settlement administrator.
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.
HOW TO SUBMIT A COMPLAINT
You can easily file a complaint through the Earth-Rated Compostable Agreement website.
To do this, you will need to submit your name, address and email.
You will then be taken to a screen that will ask you to add your purchase information.
You must provide confirmation that you purchased the Certified Compostable Poop Bags between October 28, 2015 and June 13, 2024, and how many.
You will also have the opportunity to inform the company who will provide supporting documentation.
Finally, you will select how you want to receive payment, via check or virtual debit card.
In other news, Americans could receive money from a significant class action settlement involving a popular brand of deodorant.
And Capital One agreed to pay a total of $16 million to resolve complaints that it improperly charged customers additional surcharges.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
