How do I get money from a Walmart lawsuit settlement

Walmart to pay $5.6 million to settle overcharging lawsuit
This week, Walmart, one of the largest U.S. retailers, agreed to pay $5.6 million to settle a lawsuit alleging it overcharged customers on items such as fruit, pastries and prepared foods. The lawsuit alleges that the weights on the products were greater than they actually were, causing customers to pay more than they should have.

Here’s how the amount is broken down

$5.5 million will be used as a civil penalty.
$139,908.92 will cover the costs of investigating the Weights and Measures Department in several California counties
San Francisco Chronicle
da.santaclaracounty.gov

Santa Clara County is receiving $1,375,000 for its Consumer Protection Fund. The rest will be distributed among San Diego, San Bernardino, and Sonoma counties

As part of the settlement, Walmart must put in place employees who are responsible for ensuring that product prices and weights are accurate at all of its stores in California

How do I get money from a Walmart lawsuit settlementjio

Walmart has not admitted any legal wrongdoing in this case.

This isn’t the first time: in 2012, a similar case led to a $2.1 million fine after several customers complained about pricing errors. Why does this matter?
For you as a consumer, this shows that there are laws and mechanisms that can prevent companies from doing things that are against the intentions of consumers. These settlements are often used to improve business practices and protect the public.

How would you get money from a legal settlement with Walmart?
First thing to understand: The news articles are unclear about whether affected consumers will get a direct refund. The money goes to the state or county, not to consumers personally. However, there are some general steps you can follow if you think you are eligible for a refund:

Determine if it is a “class-action” or non-county consumer action
This settlement seems to be more geared towards penalties for counties and regulatory agencies, rather than a “class-action” where directly affected consumers can file a refund claim.

Find official information about the settlement
Visit the DA website in Santa Clara County or other counties for notices, news, or documents about “claims” or “consumer settlements.”
da.santaclaracounty.gov

    See if there is an official website for the “Walmart Weighted Goods Settlement” (although this website does exist, it is not always guaranteed to be official).
    Walmart Weighted Goods Settlement

    See if a “Claim Form” is offered
    If there is an option for consumers to file a claim form, you should do so in a timely manner. This is important because there are often strict deadlines.

    Complete and submit claim
    When the form is available:
    Fill it out accurately (name, address, proof of purchase if available).
    Submit online or by mail, as directed.
    Check regularly to see if you qualify or if additional documentation is required.

    Track results or payments
    If you are validated as a “credibility consumer,” you may receive a direct payment or other form of remedy – depending on the terms of the agreement.

    Contact your local consumer protection authority
    If you believe you have been affected by these practices but do not see a clear process for making a claim, you can contact:

      Santa Clara County Weights and Measures Division (online form, email, or call 1-866-SCANNER or (408) 918-4601)
      da.santaclaracounty.gov
      The DA Consumer Protection office in your county.

      Consult a consumer lawyer (optional)
      If the amount is significant or the procedure is complicated, it may be a good idea to contact an attorney who specializes in consumer protection law.

      Summary of steps to getting a refund on walmart

      1. Confirm if there is a consumer claims option—don’t just go by the news.
      2. Visit the DA’s official website or special websites to view the refund request form.
      3. Fill out and submit the form—on time.
      4. Track for notifications or payments.
      5. If you don’t get any money, you can always file a consumer complaint or seek assistance.
      6. Back to the summary with some interesting points and questions for you
      How do I get money from a Walmart lawsuit settlement

      What happened: Walmart will pay $5.6 million—$5.5 million in penalties, $139,908.92 in investigation

      costs, and a portion to the Consumer Protection and Regulatory Affairs Office.
      San Francisco Chronicle
      da.santaclaracounty.gov

      What influenced you? If you purchased a weighted item at a Walmart store in California, you may be entitled to either a refund or a complaint.
      What to do: Look for official documents about the agreement to see if there is a form for consumers to fill out, and submit it on time.

      By – Wilgens Sirise