If you’ve been buying canned tuna over the past decade, there’s a good chance you could be entitled to a payout as part of a massive $152.2 million settlement. The companies involved, StarKist and Lion Capital, have agreed to pay up, following allegations of conspiring to raise prices on their products. While they haven’t admitted to any wrongdoing, they’ve settled the lawsuit, which means you might have some extra cash coming your way.
Here’s what you need to know about the settlement, including key dates to remember, how much you could get, and how to make sure you don’t miss out.
What’s the Settlement About?
The lawsuit accused StarKist and Lion Capital of conspiring to raise the prices of canned tuna. As part of the settlement, they’ve agreed to pay out $152.2 million. While the exact amount you could receive depends on how much tuna you’ve purchased, it’s estimated that customers will get around $24.50 for every 200 cans or pouches bought. That works out to about 12 cents per can or pouch.
To qualify, you must have purchased cans smaller than 40 ounces between June 1, 2011, and July 1, 2015. If that sounds like you, you could be in line for a payout.
Important Dates to Remember
Here are the three critical dates you need to keep in mind if you want to take part in this settlement:
- November 8, 2024 – Opt-Out Deadline:
This is the last day to exclude yourself from the settlement. If you don’t want to be part of this class action and prefer to sue the companies on your own, you need to opt out by this date. Missing this deadline means you’ll be bound by the settlement terms and won’t be able to pursue separate legal action. - November 22, 2024 – Final Approval Hearing:
The court will hold a final approval hearing on this date to decide whether to approve the settlement. If everything goes smoothly, this will be the green light for payouts to start. While this is mostly a formality, it’s crucial because no payments will be made until the settlement is officially approved. - December 31, 2024 – Claim Filing Deadline:
This is your last chance to submit a claim. If you don’t file by this date, you’ll miss out on your share of the settlement. Don’t leave it until the last minute; make sure to get your claim in well before the deadline to avoid any issues.
How to File a Claim
Filing a claim is relatively straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:
- Visit the Official Settlement Website:
Go to the designated settlement website for StarKist and Lion Capital, where you’ll find the claim form. - Fill Out the Claim Form:
Provide your personal information and details about the tuna products you purchased during the qualifying period. You don’t need to have receipts, but you’ll need to give an estimate of the amount you bought. - Submit Your Claim:
Once you’ve completed the form, submit it online before December 31, 2024. You can also mail it in if you prefer. Just make sure it’s postmarked by the deadline.
When Can You Expect to Receive Your Payment?
While the exact timeline isn’t set in stone, payments will be issued after the final approval hearing on November 22, 2024. Officials have advised claimants to be patient, as it may take some time for the payments to be processed and distributed. Rest assured, though—if you’ve submitted your claim correctly, you should receive your payout.
Other Settlements to Be Aware Of
This isn’t the only settlement where cash-strapped Americans can get a share of the pot:
- AT&T Data Breach Settlement:
AT&T has agreed to a $13 million settlement related to a data breach affecting around nine million customers in January 2023. Customers don’t need to file a claim, as AT&T already has their information on record. - BMW Emission Test Settlement:
BMW has agreed to pay out $6 million to drivers who owned specific models (2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d and 2009-2011 BMW 335d) as part of a lawsuit over diesel emission tests. If you owned one of these cars, you might be eligible for compensation.
What Should You Do Next?
If you think you might qualify for the StarKist and Lion Capital settlement, take action now:
- Mark the Key Dates on Your Calendar:
Make sure you don’t miss any deadlines, especially the claim filing deadline on December 31, 2024. - File Your Claim as Soon as Possible:
The sooner you file, the better. This way, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your claim is in and you’re all set. - Stay Informed:
Keep an eye on the settlement website for any updates. If there are changes or additional requirements, you’ll want to know about them right away.
Final Thoughts
This settlement is a great opportunity to get some compensation for those cans of tuna you bought over the years. While $24.50 for 200 cans might not seem like a huge amount, every little bit helps—especially in today’s economy. And remember, this isn’t the only settlement out there, so be sure to check if you qualify for any others.
If you have any questions or need help filing your claim, don’t hesitate to reach out to the settlement administrators. Good luck, and here’s to hopefully receiving a nice little check in the mail soon!