$45 Million Lawsuit Settlement Offers Walmart Shoppers Potential $500 Cash Payments
Walmart, one of the largest retail giants in the world, has recently agreed to enter into a $45 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit. The lawsuit accused Walmart of engaging in unfair and deceptive business practices that resulted in customers being charged more than the lowest advertised price for sold-by-weight goods. As a result of this settlement, eligible Walmart shoppers may be entitled to cash payments of up to $500.
The allegations against Walmart revolve around three specific practices. Firstly, the retail giant was accused of falsely inflating the weight of certain products. This means that customers were unknowingly paying more for these items than they should have been. Secondly, Walmart was accused of mislabeling the weight of bagged produce, leading customers to believe they were purchasing a certain weight when, in reality, they were getting less. Lastly, the lawsuit claimed that Walmart overcharged for sold-by-weight clearance products, deceiving customers into thinking they were getting a better deal than they actually were.
The deceptive practices primarily affected goods sold by weight, such as meat and bagged citrus fruit. At checkout, customers were led to believe that they were paying the lowest advertised price on the price sticker or the rollback sticker. However, the lawsuit alleges that Walmart’s point-of-sale system artificially increased the weight of these products, resulting in customers paying more than they anticipated.
Despite reaching a settlement, Walmart has not admitted to any wrongdoing. In a statement to some media outlets, the company stated that it “still denies the allegations.” However, they believe that entering into a settlement is in the best interest of both parties involved.
The settlement offers different compensation amounts depending on various factors. Customers who can provide receipts or other documentation to substantiate their purchases are entitled to receive 2 percent of the total cost of the weighted goods and bagged citrus fruit they bought, up to a maximum of $500. Those without proof of purchase documentation can still receive compensation, ranging from $25 to $10, depending on the number of goods they purchased.
It is important to note that the actual amount paid out to each claimant may vary once all the claims have been filed and the total amount claimed is determined. If the total amount due to Walmart shoppers exceeds the $45 million settlement, payments will be reduced on a pro rata basis. Conversely, if the total amount due to claimants is lower, supplemental payments will be made on a pro rata basis.
Walmart shoppers have the option to exclude themselves from the settlement if they wish to retain their right to sue Walmart separately. However, a written request for exclusion must be sent to Walmart by May 22, 2024. Those who choose not to exclude themselves can still object to the settlement or any part of it. The court will consider objections submitted in writing by May 22, 2024.
The final approval hearing for this settlement is scheduled for June 12, 2024. At this hearing, the court will make a final decision on the settlement, which will bind all claimants who did not exclude themselves.
In conclusion, Walmart has agreed to a $45 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit alleging unfair and deceptive business practices. Walmart shoppers who purchased sold-by-weight goods between 2018 and 2024 may be eligible for cash payments of up to $500. The settlement offers different compensation amounts based on the proof of purchase provided. While Walmart denies the allegations, they believe that entering into a settlement is in the best interest of both parties involved. Shoppers have the option to exclude themselves or object to the settlement before the final approval hearing takes place in June 2024.
