You might wonder if you can get money from the Verizon wireless class action lawsuit. It’s all about a big case where people say Verizon tricked them on fees. In 2024, it was settled for $100 million because of these problems.
This article will tell you who can get this money and how to do it. You’ll learn when and how the payments come. Keep reading to find out more!
Overview of the Verizon Wireless Class Action Lawsuit
Verizon Wireless settled a big court case in 2024. They agreed to pay $100 million. This was because they did not tell the truth about their cell phone plans’ real costs. People said Verizon made ads that tricked them.
This issue started a class action lawsuit against Verizon. Class actions help many people solve a problem together with one lawsuit instead of many small ones. Lawyers for the customers and Verizon talked it out and reached this deal to fix the problem without more fighting in court.
This type of settlement helps everyone involved by resolving disputes faster than usual lawsuits do.
Settlement Details
The Verizon Wireless lawsuit ended with a big payout. This deal involves a large sum of money to settle claims against the company.
Total Settlement Amount
Verizon agreed to pay $100 million in the class action settlement. This big amount is for people who qualify under the lawsuit’s terms. The fund became effective on September 20, 2024.
After the final appeal was withdrawn on September 20, 2024, the settlement officially took effect. As a result, settlement payments are expected to begin distribution in early January 2025.
This payout comes from a legal fight where Verizon faced serious claims. They had to create a large settlement fund for those affected. If you are part of this group, this money is meant to make things right for you.
- Base Payment: Every valid claim will receive a flat payment of $15.
- Monthly Service Bonus: On top of the base payment, eligible customers will get an additional $1 for each month they were charged the administrative fee, with a maximum bonus of $85.
Key Allegations Against Verizon
People sued Verizon because the company did not tell them about extra charges. They also said Verizon lied about how much their wireless plans really cost. This made customers pay more than they thought they would.
Verizon chose to settle this lawsuit even though it said it did nothing wrong. The issue was mainly about deceptive advertising and hidden fees that surprised folks when they saw their bills.
Eligibility Criteria for the Settlement
To get money from the settlement, you need to have been a Verizon customer during a certain time. Check the settlement website to see if you fit this group.
Who Qualifies for a Payout?
You qualify for a payout if you used Verizon’s postpaid wireless or data plans between January 1, 2016, and November 8, 2023. Also, you must have paid disputed administrative or telecom recovery fees during this time.
For your claim to count, you need to submit it by April 15, 2024. Don’t forget: showing proof of purchase is a must.
Filling out the claim form on the settlement website is how you start. The settlement administrator will check your information. It’s important to get all details right and meet the deadline.
Payout Timeline and Dates
The court gave the final nod to the settlement on April 26, 2024. Folks can expect their checks in early January 2025. Here’s a quick glance at what’s coming up:
- The legal agreement was sealed on September 20, 2024.
- Claim forms had to be sent by December 2024.
- Money starts moving to people in January 2025.
This plan shows when Verizon customers get paid from the lawsuit. Keep an eye on your mail for your piece of the pie!
How to File a Claim for the Settlement
Filing a claim for the Verizon Wireless class action settlement is straightforward. You need some important info to start.
- Gather your details. This includes your name, contact info, Verizon Wireless phone number, and account information.
- Decide how you want to file: online or by mail.
- For online filing, visit the official settlement website. Look for the claim form section.
- If you prefer mail, write down all your details on the claim form. You can print this form from the website.
- Send your completed form to Verizon Administrative Charge Settlement, 1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210, Philadelphia, PA 19103 if you choose mail.
- Make sure you file before April 15, 2024. This is the deadline for claims submission.
- Wait for confirmation that they received your claim.
This process helps you request a piece of the settlement money if you qualify.
Recent Updates on the Verizon Class Action Lawsuit
The Verizon Class Action Lawsuit saw big changes recently. On May 4, 2024, someone filed an appeal against the lawsuit decision. But on September 20, 2024, they took back their appeal.
Before these events, a final fairness hearing happened on March 22, 2024. Now, people are looking forward to getting their settlement payments. These payments are expected to start in early January 2025.
This means that those involved will soon see some action regarding their claims.
The deadline to submit claims has now closed. If you didn’t file a claim, you won’t receive any payment, even if you were eligible. Eligibility alone isn’t enough; the required paperwork had to be submitted to qualify for compensation.
While you wait for the Verizon settlement payment to arrive, you might enjoy checking out the Reddit thread to hear about other members’ experiences.
Controversies Surrounding the Settlement
Verizon faced strong criticism for how it handled mass arbitration. Nearly 10,000 customers, with Murphy Advocates leading them, had to join together to challenge Verizon. They said Verizon made things too hard by batching disputes.
This method raised questions about fairness and transparency in resolving customer complaints. Also, the process cost Murphy Advocates a huge sum of $3.8 million just to get started.
This case sparked a bigger debate on mass arbitration as a whole. People are now looking closely at how companies use this process when facing many claims at once. It sheds light on corporate strategies that might not always be in the best interest of consumers.
Critics argue these tactics can limit people’s ability to seek justice against big firms like Verizon, making it harder for individuals to have their voices heard.
Impact on Verizon Customers
The class action lawsuit has big effects on nearly 10,000 Verizon customers. They can get money from the settlement. Each person might get $15 plus extra for every month they paid fees, up to $85 more.
So, some could get as much as $100 back.
This case makes customers think about their bills and look for hidden fees. It also shows how lawsuits can help people fight against big companies’ unfair charges. Customers are now more aware and might be more careful reading contracts or asking questions before agreeing to services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Many people have questions about the Verizon Wireless lawsuit. Here, we answer the most common ones.
1. What was the lawsuit against Verizon about?
It was about misleading ads and extra fees not told to customers.
2. Who can get money from this settlement?
People with postpaid wireless or data plans from January 1, 2016, to November 8, 2023.
3. How much will each person get?
Every eligible person gets $15 plus more for each month they were charged fees.
4. When will I get my payment?
Payments will start going out in early January 2025, after final approval.
5. Can I still file a claim?
No, the deadline to submit claims has passed and was only available through the official website.
6. What does this mean for future lawsuits like this one?
It might change how companies deal with class actions and arbitration moving forward.
7. Will this affect my current Verizon services?
No, your services should remain the same without any changes because of the lawsuit.
8. How was the total payout amount decided?
The $100 million settlement was reached after negotiations between Verizon and lawyers for those affected.
9. Is there a way to check if my claim was accepted?
Yes, you can check on the official settlement website using your claim identification number.
10. What if I didn’t know about the charges until now?
Sadly, if you did not file a claim by the deadline, you cannot get a payout now.
Takeaways
People who used Verizon from January 1, 2016, to November 8, 2023, might get money. They can file a claim online or by mail before the deadline. This lawsuit shows what happens when a company doesn’t tell the truth about costs.
It’s big news for customers and may change how companies talk about fees in the future. Check if you can get some of this money soon.
