TIME is running out for consumers to claim a share of an $825,000 settlement pot agreed in a recent class action suit over compostable dog poop bags.
Pet owners are eligible for a direct payment from dog supply company Earth Rated – but only if they submit their claim by the deadline on Monday, December 9.
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Anybody who bought the poop bags between October 28, 2015 and June 13, 2024 can claim $2 per pack bought up to a maximum of three packs – and they don’t even need proof of purchase.
If they do have receipts, invoices or order documents, however, that’s even better, as then there’s no limit on the number of packs they can claim for from the poop bag settlement.
The $825,000 pot is in response to a lawsuit, which accused Earth Rated of false advertising regarding its compostable poop bags.
It was brought against the company by customers who stated they had been misled into believing the bags were compostable when they weren’t.
The plaintiffs said the bags did not break down in compost, despite being marketed as doing so.
Earth Rated insists however that the bags are compostable and denies any wrongdoing.
Both parties decided to settle the suit rather than continue litigation, with all of the expense and uncertainty that involves.
CAN YOU CLAIM?
To be eligible to claim, consumers have to fulfil a number of conditions.
They must have purchased these particular poop bags: Earth Rated Compostable Bags.
The product has to have been purchased between the qualifying dates of October 28, 2015 and June 13, 2024.
If they bought the bags between these two dates then they are eligible for a share of the payout.
There’s no limit to the claim if they have receipts for their purchases.
For those who don’t have any proof of purchase, there’s a limit of up to three packs bought.
So at $2 per pack, that's a total of $6 that can be claimed per consumer.
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.
HOW TO CLAIM
To claim a payment, eligible recipients must complete the claim form online through the settlement website.
It was set up specifically for the Earth Rated website.
Proof of purchase, if available, includes receipts, order confirmations and invoices.
The deadline for claims is Monday, December 9.
The U.S. Sun has more on a $9 million settlement for movie ticket customers.
Plus, a $1.7 million privacy settlement against a marketing company with a claims deadline of December 12, 2024.
