Costco has agreed to a $2 million settlement following a lawsuit over the misleading advertising of its Kirkland Signature wet wipes. These wipes were marketed as flushable, but many customers experienced costly plumbing issues as a result of using them. If you purchased these wipes between July 1, 2011, and May 31, 2017, you could be eligible for compensation.
This article provides a detailed overview of the settlement, eligibility criteria, and steps for claiming your compensation.
Why Did Costco Settle?
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Costco’s Kirkland Signature wet wipes were advertised as flushable, but consumers reported that the wipes caused severe blockages in plumbing systems, septic tanks, and municipal sewer lines. The lawsuit alleged that the wipes were not truly flushable, leading to expensive repairs for some customers.
Although Costco did not admit to any wrongdoing, the company agreed to a $2 million settlement to compensate affected customers.
Who Can File a Claim?
Customers who purchased Kirkland Signature wet wipes between July 1, 2011, and May 31, 2017, are eligible to file a claim. One significant aspect of this settlement is that proof of purchase is not required. This makes it easier for customers to participate in the settlement, even if they no longer have receipts from past purchases.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive?
Eligible customers can receive compensation based on the number of wet wipe packages purchased during the eligibility period:
- $1.30 per package of Kirkland Signature wet wipes.
- The minimum payout is $7.50.
- The maximum payout is $55.90, which covers up to 43 packages.
While this compensation may not cover significant plumbing repair costs, it helps refund a portion of the purchase price. If you have experienced more extensive damage, you may need to seek additional compensation through separate legal action.
Important Deadlines
It’s important to be aware of key deadlines for submitting your claim or opting out of the settlement:
- Deadline to file a claim: August 9, 2024.
- Deadline to exclude yourself or object: August 9, 2024.
If you choose to opt out of the settlement, you reserve the right to file your own lawsuit against Costco if you believe your damages exceed the compensation offered.
How to File a Claim
Filing a claim is straightforward. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Visit the official settlement website: The website contains all the necessary information, including the claim form.
- Fill out the claim form: Provide the required details, including how many packages of Kirkland Signature wet wipes you purchased between July 1, 2011, and May 31, 2017.
- Submit the form: Double-check for any errors before submitting the form online to ensure your claim is processed correctly.
There is no need to submit proof of purchase, but make sure you complete all the required fields accurately.
Final Approval of the Settlement
A final settlement approval hearing is scheduled for August 30, 2024. During this hearing, the court will review and decide whether to approve the settlement. Once it is approved, eligible customers will receive their compensation based on the claims they submitted.
Conclusion: Don’t Miss Your Chance to Claim Compensation
If you purchased Kirkland Signature wet wipes between July 2011 and May 2017, you may be entitled to compensation under this settlement. The process is simple, and there is no need to provide proof of purchase. However, you must file your claim before the August 9, 2024, deadline to ensure you receive your payout.