Claim Your Compensation from These Open Class Action Settlements

Class action settlements are an easy way for low income Americans to get some extra cash and seek justice against companies that may have harmed them. That’s why I love telling people about these open settlements!

In this article, we’ll explain what class action settlements are, why you need to be aware of them, and how you can claim your cash from them. We also include a list of open class action settlements, which we update regularly for accuracy.

About Class Action Settlements

Class action settlements can be confusing if you’re unfamiliar with the legal terminology. Let’s quickly explain what they are before we get into the list of the currently open settlements.

What are class action settlements?

Class action settlements are when a bunch of people who have the same problem with a company come together to take legal action, and then they all get paid after the case is solved without going to trial.

Basically, it allows a group of people who have been harmed to take action together so they don’t each have to use the company individually. This makes the process easier for low income people who may not be able to afford to fight a big company’s attorneys.

“A class action is a type of legal action where one or more people sue on their own behalf individually, and also on behalf of a group — or a class of individuals — who have similar claims,” explained Jeff Feldman, a professor at the University of Washington School of Law. “Class actions typically involve things like defective or harmful products, environmental or pollution claims, securities fraud cases, mass casualties, like aircraft accidents. They all have in common that they are cases where a defendant’s conduct affects a large number of people in a similar manner.”

What happens if I don’t file a claim?

If you don’t file a claim in a class action settlement, you won’t get any money from the settlement.

If you don’t take action to opt-out of the settlement, you also give up the right to sue the company on your own for the same issue in the future.

Many people who are eligible for class action settlements but don’t take action on time lose their ability to ever receive compensation for the damages they experienced.

How do I file a claim?

Filing a claim is very easy and usually only takes a few moments. You just need to fill out the claim form on the official settlement website. In many cases, you do not need to provide any proof of purchase or other documentation in order to file your claim.

For example, when I filed a claim for the Verizon Administrative Charges Settlement, it took less than 90 seconds to claim my $100 payment. I did not have to upload any information or anything. I just needed to use the code in the email I received, verify my contact information and payment details, and hit submit. It could not have been easier.

Current Class Action Settlements

Class action settlements are constantly changing. New ones open and close all the time. That’s why we update this list every week to make sure that you have the most up-to-date information possible.

Stay informed and check back frequently to explore the newest openings in class action settlements and ensure you don’t miss out on any opportunities. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or email newsletter for regular updates because we always include the latest class action settlements in our weekly resource recaps.

For your convenience, we have marked settlements that have estimated payouts of more than $100 in red so that you can easily find them. However, please remember that even small payouts can add up!

Citibank Unwanted Calls Settlement

This case involves Citibank allegedly making automated calls to people who weren’t Citibank customers about past-due credit card accounts. If you received a robocall from Citibank between August 15, 2014, and July 31, 2024, about a past-due credit card account that wasn’t yours, you may be eligible for a payment.

Claimants may receive between $350 – $850.

The deadline to file a claim is December 20, 2024. You can submit your claim online at headtcpasettlement.com.

Lightricks Settlement

This case involves Lightricks, the company behind apps like Facetune and Videoleap, allegedly collecting and storing users’ biometric data without proper consent. If you are an Illinois resident and used a Lightricks app between September 30, 2017, and November 25, 2024, you might be eligible for a payment.

Each eligible person who files a valid claim may receive up to $60 from the settlement fund.

The deadline to submit a claim is December 23, 2024. You can find more information and file a claim at lightricksbipasettlement.com.

Buckhead Parking Boot Fees

This case involves Buckhead Parking allegedly charging excessive fees to remove boots from vehicles in certain areas of Georgia. If you had your vehicle booted by Buckhead Parking in Marietta, Union City, or specific areas outside Atlanta since 2014, you might be eligible for a payment.

Claimants may receive up to $60 – $400, depending on the location. The deadline to file a claim is December 26, 2024. You can find more information and file a claim at buckheadparkingsettlement.com.

MAM Baby Products

This case involves MAM baby products that were allegedly misleadingly labeled as “anti-colic.” If you purchased certain MAM baby products between March 17, 2016, and September 30, 2024, you might be eligible for a cash award or a product voucher.

You can receive up to $1.50 without proof of purchase or up to $20 with proof of purchase. Alternatively, you can choose a product voucher worth up to $6 without proof of purchase or up to $30 with proof of purchase.

The deadline to submit your claim is December 30, 2024. You can find more information and file a claim at classactionsettlementmam.com.

California Gas Prices Settlement

This case involves multinational gasoline trading firms accused of manipulating gas prices in California. If you purchased gasoline in California between 2015 and 2017, you might be eligible for a payment from two separate settlements.

California residents who purchased gas in specific counties between February 20, 2015, and November 10, 2015, should file a claim online at vlc.calgaslitigation.com.

Non-California residents or businesses who purchased gas in California between February 18, 2015, and May 31, 2017, should file a claim online at calg.calgaslitigation.com.

The deadline to file a claim for both settlements is January 8, 2025.

Wells Fargo COVID Forbearance Settlement

This case involves Wells Fargo allegedly placing customers into mortgage forbearance during the COVID-19 pandemic without their informed consent. If you received a mortgage forbearance from Wells Fargo that you did not request, you may be eligible for an automatic payment and potentially additional compensation for damages.

Eligible borrowers may receive an automatic payment, with the amount varying depending on the number of claims. Co-borrowers will receive an additional $83.33.

You can also submit a claim for additional compensation if you experienced specific harms due to the forbearance. The deadline to submit a claim is January 10, 2025. You can find more information and file a claim at wellsfargocovidforbearancelitigation.com.

Patreon Data Privacy Settlement

This case involves Patreon allegedly sharing users’ video viewing data with Facebook without their consent. If you had a Patreon account and a Facebook account between April 1, 2016, and September 23, 2024, and accessed video content on Patreon during that time, you might be eligible for a payment.

Claimants may receive an estimated $35 – $175. The deadline to file a claim is January 15, 2025. You can find more information and file a claim at patreonsettlement.com.

More Class Action Settlements

For the latest class action settlements, visit our sponsor Injury Claims! Their easy-to-search directory makes it simple and straightforward to find the settlements that you may be eligible for.

FAQs about Class Action Settlements

We have received a multitude of inquiries regarding Class Action Settlements, and in this FAQ, we aim to provide comprehensive answers to the most frequently asked questions about them.

How can I find my Class Member ID?

If you didn’t see your settlement email but need to find your class member ID for a class action settlement, here’s what you can do:

1. Check Your Email Inbox and Spam Folder: Sometimes, emails from class action settlements might be mistakenly marked as spam or get buried in your inbox. Look for emails from the settlement administrator or legal notices related to class actions.
2. Visit the Settlement Website: Most class action settlements have a dedicated website where you can find information about the settlement, including how to claim your part. These websites often have FAQs and contact information if you need help.
3. Contact the Settlement Administrator: If you can’t find the settlement email, the next best step is to contact the settlement administrator directly. Their contact information should be available on the settlement website. They can help you verify your participation in the settlement and provide your class member ID.
4. Review the Official Settlement Notice: If you received a physical notice in the mail or saw an advertisement about the settlement, it might include information on how to contact the settlement administrator or how to access the settlement website.
5. Consult with the Class Counsel: The attorneys representing the class (class counsel) might also be able to assist or direct you on how to find your class member ID or confirm your eligibility. Their contact information should be on the settlement website or in any official notices you might have received.

Remember, each class action settlement is unique, so the exact process for finding your class member ID may vary. Always make sure to reach out for assistance if you’re having trouble.

Are class action settlements worth it?

In my personal experience, yes! I spent less than 90 seconds claiming my check from the recent Verizon settlement, which is expected to be worth $100. I think $100 in 90 seconds is a great return.

Should I cash a class action settlement check?

Whether you should cash a class action settlement check depends on your individual circumstances and the details of the settlement. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Eligibility: Ensure that you are eligible to receive the settlement funds based on the terms and conditions outlined in the settlement agreement. If you meet the criteria and it’s from an authentic class action settlement, it’s generally safe to cash the check.
2. Tax Implications: Consider the potential tax implications of the settlement. Some settlements may be taxable income, while others may not be. Consult with a tax professional or attorney to understand the tax treatment of the specific settlement you’re involved in.
3. Adequacy of Compensation: Evaluate whether the settlement amount fairly compensates you for your losses or damages. If you believe the compensation is insufficient, you may want to explore your options for objecting to the settlement or opting out to pursue your own legal action. However, by the time that the class action settlement check is issued, you may have missed the deadline to exclude yourself from the settlement so you may not be able to pursue independent action against the company.
4. Legal Advice: If you have any doubts or concerns about cashing the settlement check, it’s advisable to seek legal advice from an attorney who specializes in class action settlements. They can provide guidance based on your unique situation.
5. Deadline: Be aware of any deadlines associated with cashing the check. Settlement checks often have expiration dates, so make sure to cash it within the specified timeframe.

Ultimately, the decision to cash a class action settlement check should be made after careful consideration of the factors mentioned above and consultation with professionals if needed.

Can you join a class action after settlement?

In most cases, you cannot join a class action lawsuit after the settlement has been finalized. Class action settlements typically have a specific period during which class members can opt in or opt out of the class. This period is usually determined by the court and is part of the legal process.

Once the settlement is approved and the opt-in/opt-out deadline has passed, class members who did not opt out are bound by the terms of the settlement, and they forfeit their right to bring individual legal actions related to the same claims covered by the class action.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. In rare circumstances, if you can demonstrate that you were not adequately represented by the class representatives or their attorneys, or if you were not given proper notice of the class action, you may have a limited opportunity to challenge the settlement or seek additional remedies. It is advisable to consult with an attorney experienced in class action lawsuits to determine if any exceptions apply in your specific situation.

How long do class action settlements take?

The duration of class action settlements can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the complexity of the case, the number of class members, and the willingness of the parties involved to negotiate and reach an agreement.

Here are some key points to consider regarding the timeline of class action settlements:

• Filing and Certification: Class action lawsuits typically begin with the filing of the complaint by the plaintiff or plaintiffs seeking class certification. The court must then decide whether to certify the class, which can take several months to years, depending on court schedules and the complexity of the case.
• Discovery: Discovery is the process during which both sides gather evidence, which can also extend the timeline. Complex cases with extensive discovery can take longer to settle.
• Negotiation: Once discovery is complete, the parties may engage in settlement negotiations. The duration of negotiations can vary widely. Some settlements may be reached relatively quickly, while others may require extensive back-and-forth discussions.
• Court Approval: Once a settlement agreement is reached, it must be submitted to the court for approval. The court will review the terms of the settlement to ensure it is fair, reasonable, and in the best interests of the class members. Court approval can take additional time.
• Notice to Class Members: After court approval, notice must be provided to all potential class members, allowing them to opt in or opt out of the settlement. This notice period can last for a specified period, often several months.
• Distribution of Settlement Funds: After the opt-in/opt-out period has passed, and any objections or appeals have been resolved, the settlement funds are distributed to eligible class members. This can take some time, especially in cases with a large number of class members.

In summary, the duration of class action settlements can range from several months to several years, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Complex cases with numerous class members and extensive negotiations tend to take longer to settle, while simpler cases may reach a resolution more quickly. It’s important to consult with legal counsel for specific information about the timeline of a particular class action lawsuit.

Are class action settlements taxable?

“Lawsuit settlements are generally taxable, except for most cases of physical injury or physical sickness,” explained Travis Shreeve of Shreeve Landry CPAs. “Some lawsuit settlements have elements that are taxable and elements that are not taxable.  The difficulty of a class action lawsuit is that they might not be able to determine what amounts are for physical injuries and what amounts are not, therefore they may issue a 1099 that includes all settlement amounts as “other” income, a taxable amount. It’s best to work with a tax professional and talk through your situation with them to minimize your tax liability if there are significant physical injuries.”

Relief Recap

Class action settlements are an easy way for low income Americans to get justice and claim reimbursement from companies that have wronged them in some way. If you are eligible, you could receive compensation from the open settlements on this list. This article includes information about what class action settlements are, how they work, and which settlements are currently open so that you can claim your checks.