HOUSTON – Class action lawsuit settlements happen all the time, but not everyone involved always cashes in. Now, a new website can help consumers find out if they're owed money.
In dozens of cases, companies have set the money aside, but plaintiffs have to claim it for themselves. My Settlement Claims keeps all that information in one easy place. The website lists products or companies that have settled lawsuits.
For instance, Walmart agreed to pay $25 million for selling plastic gas cans that exploded and burned consumers. Rental car company Hertz shelled out $53 million after charging customers unauthorized and undisclosed fees. And Red Bull, accused of false advertising, agreed to pay $13 million. Anyone who bought at least one can over a 10-year period can get $10 or two free Red Bull products.
The website not only tells people if they're eligible for a settlement, it also calculates how much. For instance, anyone who bought Ghirardelli White Chocolate Chips may be due up to $24. Those who bought a Lenovo IdeaPad may be owed up to $250. And for anyone who's lived in a home with a Poz-Lock Fire Sprinkler could get up to $1500.
The website doesn't take personal information. Instead, it links to the claim forms set up by the companies, so consumers can file the claim themselves.