THOSE Americans who qualified for a share of a recent settlement involving Verizon could see their cash soon.
Payments were delayed due to legal complications after the telecommunications company agreed to a $100 million pot.
Verizon agreed to a $100 million settlement earlier in 2024[/caption]
The telecommunications company faced a lawsuit claiming it used deceptive advertising[/caption]
Eligible class members in the case could potentially get their distributions between $15 and $100 as early as December 1, 2024, according to Yuvagalam.
The money will come through either a check in the mail or an electronic transfer, depending on class members’ selection when they filed a claim form earlier this year.
The financial opportunity for current and former Verizon customers comes after a class action lawsuit.
Plaintiffs claimed in the suit that Verizon used deceptive marketing tactics when advertising some of its plans.
The company allegedly neglected to disclose certain administrative fees and excess charges to customers, resulting in their plans costing more than advertised.
Verizon has denied any wrongdoing in the case but agreed to the $100 million settlement pot to resolve the claims and avoid further legal costs.
Eligible candidates for a share of the pot would’ve gotten a notice about the lawsuit in the mail or by email.
They must’ve been current or former Verizon account holders in the United States.
FILING REQUIREMENTS
Candidates also must’ve gotten postpaid wireless or data services from the company, making payments for administrative charges or a “Telco Recovery Charge” between January 1, 2016, and November 8 , 2023.
Those who met the requirements and filed a valid and approved claim form by April 15, 2024 will see compensation, per a settlement website created for the case.
That is unless they opted out by February 20 or objected by February 26.
A fairness hearing for the case occurred on March 22, but caught a snag beforehand after two law firms representing about 10,000 Verizon customers filed for intervention.
The motion for intervention meant that the two parties wanted to be added to the lawsuit.
It prolonged the final approval until April 26, 2024, but some claimants who objected to the settlement also recently filed appeals, per the settlement website.
What’s a class-action settlement?
Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or ‘classes,’ a way to band together in court.
These suits are often brought by one or a few people who allege a company or other entity has wronged a large group of people.
When a suit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar complaints to those who filed the suit.
Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue further legal action by accepting money.
These payout agreements frequently include statements by the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.
Pollution, discrimination, or false advertising are a few examples of what can land a class action on a company’s doorstep.
WAITING GAME
Funds could go out after the reported December 1 date as a result.
“Settlement payments cannot be distributed to eligible claimants until those appeals are resolved,” the site reads.
While there are reports of a December 1, 2024 beginning payout period, the settlement administrator has yet to detail further info.
“Updates on status will be provided here as more information becomes available,” an additional note read.
It’s unclear when that update might be.
Americans should also remain aware of other settlement pots with payments going out in the near future.
Some can get a check from a $1.1 million settlement with no action required.
Others can get payments of up to $11,000 from a $8.8 million data breach settlement with only a receipt.
