Customers who purchased Kirkland Signature disposable wet wipes at Costco between 2011 and 2017 could be eligible to receive money as part of a settlement in a class action lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges that Costco improperly promoted these wipes as disposable, which caused damage to plumbing systems, septic systems and other plumbing problems among consumers.
As reported by Top Class Actions, a website specializing in legal news, Costco has not admitted liability in the case, but has agreed to pay $2 million to settle the allegation of misleading advertising. The website notes: “Consumers claim that they would not have bought the wipes if they had known that they were not really disposable, as advertised.”
To be eligible as a class member, consumers must have purchased the wipes in New York between July 1, 2011 and May 31, 2017. They have until August 9th to file their claim. According to the terms of the settlement, the members of the lawsuit could receive $1.30 for each product purchased, with a limit of $55.90 per household, equivalent to 43 products.
Summary of Costco’s Class Action Settlement over Kirkland Wipes
Affected consumers do not need to present a purchase receipt to be eligible to receive payment. They can file their claim on the website designated for the class action. It is important to note that only purchases made| in New York during the specified period are valid for this compensation.
- Monetary Compensation: Settlement Class members will receive $1.30 for each unit of the product purchased during the Settlement Class period (July 1, 2011 to May 31, 2017), with a guaranteed minimum payment of $7.50 per member and a maximum of $55.90 per household (equivalent to 43 units of the product).
- No need for proof of purchase: It is not necessary to present proof of purchase to receive payment.
- Options for Consumers: Consumers have the option to participate in the settlement by filing a claim by August 9, 2024. They can also opt out of the Settlement Class and retain their right to separately sue Costco.
- Final Approval: The final settlement approval hearing will be held on August 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET, where the final settlement approval and attorney fees will be decided.
What to Do to Be Included in the Class Action Lawsuit?
- File a Claim: Consumers who wish to receive compensation must file a claim by August 9, 2024, either online or by mail.
- Opt-out: If they prefer not to be part of the agreement, they must submit an opt-out request by August 9, 2024.
- Objecting to the Settlement: Consumers can object to the settlement by filing an objection by August 9, 2024. This will not affect their ability to file a claim.
- Attending the hearing: Consumers can attend the final approval hearing on August 30, 2024, although it is not mandatory.
More Information You Might Need
For full details, it is recommended to take a read to the Official Notification or contact the Claims Administrator. You can get more information by calling 1-877-514-0201 or writing to P.O. Box 301134, Los Angeles, CA 90030-1134.
Another lawsuit pending against Costco
In addition to this lawsuit, Costco is facing another allegation related to its Kirkland Signature baby wipes, which has yet to be resolved. The plaintiffs claim that these wipes contain dangerous amounts of PFAS, despite being marketed as safe for children and made with ingredients of natural origin, as reported by Top Class Actions.