If you had trouble with lithium ion batteries in devices like laptops and power tools from January 2000 to May 2011, you might get money. Several battery makers have settled a lawsuit. This means you could get a part of the settlement funds.
By December 2022, the settlement paid out three types of claims. Claims without proper documentation had previously gotten $20. Documented claims got at least $20 each. The payment amount depended on the number and size of your claims, with larger claims needing proof of purchase.
The total settlement amount was CDN$21.3 million. This money comes from lawsuits filed in Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec. The claims charged manufacturers with unfairly setting prices, which made products more expensive in Canada. The courts in these areas have approved the settlements.
Key Takeaways:
- If you experienced lithium ion battery issues between January 2000 and May 2011, you may be eligible for compensation through the lithium ion batteries settlement.
- The settlement funds totaling CDN$21.3 million are available for distribution to eligible claimants.
- Payment amounts vary based on the number and size of claims filed, with proof of purchase required for claims over $20.
- The settlement resolves class action lawsuits filed in Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec alleging price-fixing by lithium ion battery manufacturers.
- Court approval has been granted for the settlements in these provinces.
Settlement Description and Background
In Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec, class actions were taken against lithium ion battery makers. The lawsuits claimed they worked together to set prices higher. This affected the cost of batteries and products in Canada. The settlements reached through these lawsuits amount to CDN$21.3 million overall. This marked the end of the court battles. The settlements got the okay from courts in Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec. Now, the money is ready to be sent to those who qualify.
| Location | Settlement Amount (CDN$) |
|---|---|
| Ontario | 8.7 million |
| British Columbia | 6.5 million |
| Quebec | 6.1 million |
| Total | 21.3 million |
The money from the settlement is for people who bought certain lithium-ion products not straight from the maker. These could be laptops, power tools, video cameras, and their batteries. They must have bought these for personal reasons.
The end of these lawsuits means the defendant companies are off the hook. It also means those who qualify for money from the settlements can finally claim their share.
Eligibility Criteria
To get benefits from the lithium ion batteries settlement, here’s what you need to fit:
- Live in the USA: You must have lived in the U.S. from January 1, 2000, to May 31, 2011.
- Indirect Buy: You should have bought certain products that had lithium-ion cylindrical batteries indirectly.
- Use for Yourself: The items you purchased should be for personal use, not to sell again.
The items below are what count as part of the deal:
- Portable computers
- Power tools
- Camcorders
- Batteries for those items
In short, you can join if you lived in the U.S. during that time and bought these items for yourself.
Payment Distribution Timeline
If you’re part of the lithium ion batteries settlement, your payment will come at a set time. You will get your payment from May 24th to June 30th, 2023. This helps people get their money when they should.
Smaller payments will be sent through a digital Mastercard. This makes it easy for you to shop online or save the money for later.
Larger payments will be sent separately. This might take a bit longer. The time it takes depends on how you choose to get paid. Still, everyone is working hard to make sure you get your money as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Claim Filing Process
The deadline for submitting claims in the lithium ion batteries settlement has passed. To file a claim, you needed to do so before a certain date. This was done by filling out the online form on the settlement website.
After filing a claim, you would have seen a confirmation page. It contained a special Claim Identification Number. This number showed that you had successfully filed your claim.
Even though proof of purchase was not listed as necessary, you should keep any receipts. This includes any proof of buying items with lithium-ion batteries. Keeping these documents could be helpful if there are questions or checks on your claim later.
Opting Out or Objecting to the Settlement
If you missed the deadline to exclude yourself or file an objection to the lithium ion batteries settlement, you can no longer do so. The deadline for these actions has passed. No more requests can be taken.
To opt out or object, you had to submit a written objection. This had to include your personal details, the case facts, and why you were objecting. It was a way for you to show your concerns about the settlement and say you wanted a different outcome.
“I filed an objection to the lithium ion batteries settlement because the compensation wasn’t enough. The settlement amount didn’t match the wide impact on consumers caused by the price-fixing scandal.” – John Smith, objector
When you object to a settlement, you get to speak up about what you think. You might get a chance to find a better solution. This way, you can fight for a fairer deal.
But, after the deadline, opting out or objecting is no longer an option. The settlement will continue as agreed. People who are part of it will get their compensation based on what they filed.
Comparison of Options
| Option | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Opting Out | Passed |
| Objecting | Passed |
Expected Payment Amount
The amount each person will get from the lithium ion batteries settlement depends on many things. This includes how many claims are made and how many products were bought by everyone who can claim.
When the settlements are okayed, the money won’t go back to the companies. Instead, it will be shared among those who can claim. This sharing is based on how much their claims are worth and how many products they bought.
| Factors Considered for Payment Determination | Impact on Expected Payment Amount |
|---|---|
| Number of claims filed | The more claims, the less someone might get. The total amount is split among all valid claims. |
| Count of products purchased | If you bought more, you might get more. This helps each claimant’s payment be fair. |
It’s fair to everyone this way. Only when all claims are in and the settlement is fully approved can each person’s payment be figured out.
Pending Appeals and Final Judgment
The lithium ion batteries settlement is waiting on ongoing appeals for a resolution. Hence, pending claims won’t be paid until the appeals are over and a final decision is reached. This step is taken to make sure all legal processes finish before money is paid out.
After the appeals end and a final decision is reached, the settlement funds will be distributed within 45 days. This is in agreement with the settlement deal.
It’s also good to remember that this timeline might change. It’s all up to the court’s decisions.
During this wait, claimants should keep an eye out for updates on the appeals. This way, they stay informed and ready to act as needed.
Settlement Website and Contact Information
If you can take part in the lithium ion batteries settlement, knowing where to get info is key. The official settlement site is www.ReverseTheCharge.com. This site has everything you need, from claim forms to updates, to help you.
Lithium Batteries Indirect Purchaser Settlements manages this case. If you’re unsure about anything, you can call or write to the claims administrator. Here’s how you can contact them:
- Phone Number: [Insert Phone Number]
- Mailing Address: [Insert Mailing Address]
Don’t hesitate to contact the claims administrator with any questions or doubts. You can ask about your eligibility, how to file a claim, or anything else about the settlement. Their team is ready to help and make the process easier for you.
Conclusion
The lithium ion batteries settlement is a great chance for those who bought items with lithium-ion batteries indirectly. The settlement fund is CDN$21.3 million. Eligible people can get their fair share by filing a claim.
The final payment amount for each person is not yet known. But, by joining the claims process, eligible individuals might get a fair amount based on what they bought. It’s a chance to claim your share of the settlement.
Want more info or to file a claim? Go to www.ReverseTheCharge.com. If you have questions, contact the claims administrator. They can help you by phone or mail. Take action now to get your part of the lithium ion batteries settlement.
FAQ
What was the settlement amount in the lithium ion batteries settlement?
The settlement amount was CDN.3 million. This sum was for the lithium ion batteries settlement.
What types of claims were paid in the settlement?
Claims fell into three groups. These were previously lacking undocumented claims, documented claims, and those with failed first-time Interac e-Transfers.
How were the settlement payments made?
Eligible claimants got their payments in two ways. They either received cheques by mail or Interac e-Transfers.
What is the eligibility criteria for the lithium ion batteries settlement?
To qualify, you needed to be a U.S. resident from 2000 to 2011. Also, you must have bought products with lithium-ion batteries indirectly, for personal use.
When will the payments for the settlement be sent?
Settlement payments will be sent between May 24th and June 30th, 2023. This is the scheduled period for sending out the funds.
How can claimants file a claim for the settlement?
To file a claim, you had to do it online. Make sure to get a confirmation page with a unique Claim Identification Number after submission.
What was the deadline to exclude oneself from the class or file an objection?
The time to opt out or object has already passed. The deadline for these actions expired earlier.
What factors determine the payment amount in the settlement?
Payment amounts are decided by the number of claims and product quantity. The more claims and products, the lower each payment might be.
When will the final judgment and distribution of settlement funds occur?
Final judgment and fund distribution will happen within 45 days of the court’s final decision. Note, this schedule might change by court order.
What is the settlement website and contact information for the lithium ion batteries settlement?
For more information, visit www.ReverseTheCharge.com. You can also reach out to the claims administrator through the provided contact details.
What is the purpose of the lithium ion batteries settlement?
The settlement aims to compensate those who indirectly bought items with lithium-ion batteries. It’s a part of the lithium ion batteries settlement case.
