Recently, a group of customers has filed a nationwide lawsuit accusing retail giant Walmart of overcharging them for pre-packaged items like produce and bakery goods.
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What Is The Walmart Class Action Lawsuit Settlement?
According to the claims, shoppers who purchased particular sold-by-weight meat, poultry, pork, seafood products (collectively termed “Weighted Goods”), and certain organic citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and navel oranges sold in bulk mesh or plastic bags (“Bagged Citrus”) paid more than the advertised in-store prices for these items.
While Walmart denied any wrongdoing, the company agreed to a $45 million settlement to resolve the litigation. This paved the way for affected consumers to file claims and potentially receive cash payments as compensation.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Receive Walmart Class Action Lawsuit Settlement?
The settlement class includes all individuals who made in-person purchases of Weighted Goods and/or Bagged Citrus at any Walmart retail store, supercenter, or neighborhood market within the United States or Puerto Rico during the “Settlement Class Period” from October 19, 2018, through January 19, 2024.
To determine if a specific product qualifies as a Weighted Good or Bagged Citrus under the settlement terms, consumers can consult the detailed product descriptions and searchable UPC code list provided on the official settlement website.
Claim Submission Process and Deadlines
Eligible class members must submit a claim form to receive a cash payment from the settlement fund. The process is simple, and claims can be filed online or via mail without requiring any documentation or proof of purchase.
You can visit the official settlement website and follow the prompts to complete the online claim form. Provide the necessary details, such as the approximate number of Weighted Goods and/or Bagged Citrus items purchased during the class period, and select your preferred payment method (e.g., Venmo, Zelle, ACH transfer, or virtual prepaid MasterCard).
Regardless of the submission method, all claims must be postmarked or submitted online by the deadline of June 5, 2024.
How much is the Compensation Amount?
The settlement allows class members to file claims and receive compensation with or without providing receipts or proof of purchase.
Claims Without Receipts
For those who no longer have receipts, the settlement offers fixed cash payment amount. It is based on the approximate number of Weighted Goods and/or Bagged Citrus items purchased during the class period:
- Up to 50 items: $10
- 51 to 75 items: $15
- 76 to 100 items: $20
- 101 or more items: $25
Claims With Receipts
Class members who can provide valid receipts or other documentation proving their purchases of Weighted Goods and/or Bagged Citrus at Walmart during the class period may be eligible for a more substantial cash payment. The compensation amount will be calculated as 2% of the total cost of the eligible products purchased, up to a maximum of $500 per claim.
Exclusion and Objection Deadlines
Class members have the option to exclude themselves from the settlement or to object to its terms. However, these actions must be taken before specific deadlines:
- Exclusion Deadline (Postmarked by): May 22, 2024
- Objection Deadline (Postmarked by): May 22, 2024
If you choose to opt out of the settlement, you’ll give up the chance to receive a cash payout but keep the option to sue Walmart separately for the issues covered in this case. By objecting to the settlement, you’re letting the court know you have concerns or disagree with the terms. This doesn’t stop you from claiming compensation if the settlement is approved.
Final Approval Hearing and Settlement Status
The Court overseeing this case held the Final Approval Hearing on June 12, 2024. The date of settlement if yet to be announced.
Frequently Asked Questions of Walmart Class Action Lawsuit Settlement
Who Is Eligible?
If you bought weighed items or bagged citrus at any Walmart store in the U.S. between October 19, 2018, and January 19, 2024, you might be eligible for a payout.
Do I Need My Receipt?
A receipt isn’t necessary to claim your share of the settlement. However, if you do have it, you could get back up to 2% of your total purchase. If you don’t have a receipt, you can still claim between $10 and $25.
How Do I Submit a Claim?
To claim your share, visit the settlement website. There are two options to choose from. Keep in mind that the final payout amount will depend on how many people file claims.
