COSTCO has wound up in a $2 million class action lawsuit for claims of false advertising on one of its products.
Those who qualify can claim the cash and proof is not required to receive payment.
Retail giant Costco is in hot water for its Kirkland Signature Moist Flushable Wipes.
Consumers alleged the wipes damaged their pipes, septic systems, sewage lines, and other plumbing after being flushed.
Shoppers argued they would not have bought the wipes had they known they weren’t flushable as advertised.
Plaintiffs sued Costco for $2 million. The retailer agreed to pay but has not yet admitted any wrongdoing.
Costco continues to sell flushable wipes.
Alexander Kraus, a maintenance worker for Kenosha Water Utility, does not believe any wipe is truly “flushable” due to how well intact the wipes are when found in sewers.
“They cling onto any small deposits or points where tree roots make their way into the sewer laterals,” Kraus told Fox Business.
“It’s just a matter of time before a backup occurs, especially from apartment complexes.”
He shared that most backups caused by wipes can be fixed by flushing the pipe, which takes around an hour.
Sometimes, however, workers must dig up and repair the sewer lateral for replacement, which takes eight hours.
To qualify for the payment, claimants must have bought Kirkland Signature Moist Flushable Wipes from Costco between July 1, 2011, and May 31, 2017.
Class members can receive $1.30 per package of wipes bought.
The minimum payment is $7.50 while the maximum payment is $55.90, or 43 products.
Shoppers must submit a claim form by August 9.
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.
Class members have until the same date to exclude or object from the settlement.
No proof of purchase is required to receive payment.
The final approval hearing is set for August 30.
You may qualify for other open settlements.
Americans can claim payments up to $10,000 from a $6 million data breach settlement and there’s only one criterion.
Plus, it’s the last day for iPhone users to claim $349 from the Apple settlement.
