Verizon Class Action Lawsuit 2024 – Settlement Payment Dates, and Claim Form Information

In 2024, Verizon is involved in a major class-action lawsuit concerning deceptive advertising practices. The legal action, which resulted in a $100 million settlement, revolves around allegations that Verizon misled customers by not fully disclosing mandatory administrative charges in their advertised monthly wireless service plans.

This omission gave the impression of lower plan costs than what customers were ultimately charged. Below, we’ll cut into the details of this lawsuit, the settlement payment structure, eligibility, and how to file a claim.

Lawsuit Overview

The lawsuit against Verizon was initiated because of claims that the company failed to be transparent about additional charges, such as administrative fees, in its wireless plans. Plaintiffs argued that these hidden fees inflated the cost beyond the advertised rates, leading customers to believe they were choosing more affordable options.

This alleged deceptive practice formed the basis of the class action lawsuit, which sought compensation for customers affected by these charges. As a result, Verizon reached a $100 million settlement with the plaintiffs, agreeing to compensate eligible customers who were charged these fees between January 1, 2016, and November 8, 2023.

Settlement Payment Date

The settlement allows eligible Verizon customers to claim compensation based on how long they were charged the disputed administrative fees. The payment structure consists of two main components:

1. Base Payment: All valid claimants are entitled to a flat $15 payment.
2. Monthly Service Bonus: In addition to the base payment, customers will receive $1 for each month they were charged the administrative fees, with a cap of $85.

Thus, customers can receive up to $100 total, depending on how long they’ve been Verizon customers and how many months they paid the administrative charges.

Timeline for Payment

The Verizon class action settlement reached a resolution in November 2023, and the distribution of funds to claimants is expected in early 2024. Payments will likely be issued after the claim review process is completed, and the final approval is granted by the court.

If a large number of customers file claims, the settlement payout per person may be reduced, as the $100 million fund will be divided among all approved claimants.

Filing the Verizon Class

Eligible customers need to file a claim to receive their share of the settlement. Here’s how to do it:

1. Eligibility: To qualify for a claim, you must be a current or former Verizon customer residing in the U.S. with a postpaid wireless or data plan during the designated period (January 2016 to November 2023).
2. Filing Process:
   • Visit the Verizon Administrative Charge Settlement website.
   • Download the claim form from the portal.
   • Fill out the form with the necessary information, including your name, contact details, and any other relevant details like your Verizon account information.
   • Attach any required documents to prove your eligibility (e.g., past billing statements).
   • Submit the form either by mail or online before the deadline.

Deadlines

The specific deadline for filing your claim is outlined on the settlement website. Be sure to file your claim promptly to ensure you receive your payment.

Legal Basis for the Lawsuit

This lawsuit was based on consumer protection laws that prevent deceptive advertising practices, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act, which prohibits businesses from engaging in misleading advertising. In this case, the plaintiffs claimed that Verizon’s omission of mandatory administrative fees in their advertising could be considered deceptive because it gave customers an incomplete picture of their monthly charges.

Even though Verizon denied any wrongdoing, it agreed to the $100 million settlement to resolve the dispute and avoid further litigation.

Staying Updated

After submitting a claim, customers should stay informed about the progress of the lawsuit and any developments. If additional documentation or information is required, the settlement administrators will reach out to claimants. It’s also possible that eligible customers may be required to attend hearings or provide further input to finalize their claim.

For ongoing updates, you can check the Verizon Administrative Charge Settlement website or contact the settlement administrators via email or phone for any assistance.

The Verizon Class Action Lawsuit in 2024 provides a significant opportunity for affected customers to receive compensation for deceptive advertising practices. With a potential payout of up to $100 per customer, it’s important to file a claim if you’re eligible. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, filing your claim is a straightforward process, ensuring you can get your fair share of the settlement.

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