Class action lawsuits combine the claims of a large group of complainants against one defendant. It allows claimants who have decided against pursuing the case to join current class actions. Which lawsuits are currently hot? Can you participate? What is the payout?
Understanding the Nature of Class Action Lawsuits
The dual nature of class action lawsuits is best understood by underscoring that – generally speaking – the real winners are the attorneys who stand to rake in respectable legal fees. Next in line are the small-time claimants who, were it not for the class action lawsuit notification, would not ordinarily have brought suit.
As these consumers will see even the small-time settlement – frequently it consists of a free coupon to a good or service, sometimes also a small dollar amount – as a windfall that they would not otherwise be able to expect, their gain is greatest among the consumers who were wronged.
Claimants with sizeable grievances may find that they are left holding the bag. For a more detailed discussion on the pros and cons of the class action lawsuit system please read Rebecca Roseburg’s “The Real Beneficiaries of Class-Action Settlements.”
Current Class Action Lawsuits
“Raised Without Antibiotics” Claim Sets Tyson Back $5 Million(1)
Did you buy Tyson chicken between June 19, 2007 and April 30, 2009 and wondered about the claim that the fowl was “raised without antibiotics?” Tyson did not add the second portion of the statement to its labels, which should have read “that impact antibiotic resistance in humans.” A class action lawsuit entitles consumers to file a claim – with or without proof of purchase – by July 6, 2010. The payout varies between $10 and $50 in coupons or cash.
Dannon Activia/DanActive “Clinically” and “Scientifically” Proven Health Benefits Cost $35,000,000.00(2)
Did you buy Dannon’s Activa or DanActive at some point in 2006 or 2007 all the way up to April 23, 2010? If so, you are eligible to receive a refund. The payout is between $15 and $100, depending on whether consumers have proofs of purchase and file online or choose to file by paper. Submit any claim by October 1, 2010.
Mattel/Fisher Price Toys Lead Paint Class Action Lawsuit(3)
The lead in paint on children’s toys led to a number of recalls in recent year. Parents who still have toys in their possession, had their children tested for lead exposure or have proof of purchase for destroyed/discarded toys have until May 29, 2010 to register their claims. Depending on the number of toys and availability of proofs of purchase, the payout ranges from $15 to $45.
Check out Related Lawsuit Content
“De Beers Diamond Lawsuit Could Entitle You to Substantial Refunds”
“Countrywide Settlement Ends Lawsuit with $8.6 Billion Price Tag”
“LifeLock Lawsuit May Entitle You to Compensation”
Resources
(1)Tyson “Raised Without Antibiotics Class Action” (accessed April 10, 2010)
(2)Dannon “Benefits from ‘Probiotic’ Bacteria Class” (accessed April 10, 2010)
(3)Mattel “Lead Paint Toy Settlement Website” (accessed April 10, 2010)
