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Employees who worked for Big Al’s Inc. in Washington and earned less than twice the state minimum hourly wage between Jan. 1, 2020, and May 22, 2026, may be eligible to receive a cash payment from a class action settlement.
Big Al’s Inc. agreed to pay $450,000 to settle a class action lawsuit alleging violations of the Washington Noncompetition Covenants Act. The lawsuit claimed Big Al’s Inc. unlawfully bound employees to an outside employment policy.
Who are the class members?
The settlement class includes all current and former employees of Big Al’s Inc. who:
- Worked in Washington state
- Earned less than twice the applicable state minimum hourly wage
- Were employed at any time from Jan. 1, 2020, through May 22, 2026
Big Al’s Inc. identified approximately 180 individuals who meet these criteria. If an individual received a notice about this settlement, it is because company records indicate they are likely a class member. The settlement administrator will use company records to determine eligibility, but those who believe they qualify and did not receive a notice can contact the settlement administrator to confirm their status.
How much can class members receive?
The total settlement fund is $450,000. Each eligible class member who does not opt out of the settlement will receive an equal share of the net settlement fund after deductions for attorneys' fees and costs, a service award to the class representative and settlement administration costs.
The settlement administrator considers payments nonwage damages and will report them on IRS Form 1099.
No action needed to receive payment
Class members do not need to file a claim form to receive their payment. The settlement administrator will automatically send payments to eligible class members using the contact information on file. However, class members whose address has changed should contact the settlement administrator to update their information. Those who received a notice with an address form can return it by mail or email to update their address.
Class members who did not receive a notice but believe they are eligible should contact the settlement administrator for assistance.
Settlement administrator’s mailing address: Lazova-Fast v. Big Al’s Inc., c/o Simpluris Inc., P.O. Box 26170, Santa Ana, CA 92799
Payout options
- By check mailed to the address on file
- Electronically via an online payment service (such as PayPal) for those without a valid mailing address or upon request
Class members must cash payments within 180 days of issuance or the claims administrator will send the funds to the state of Washington as unclaimed property.
$450,000 settlement fund breakdown
The $450,000 settlement fund will cover:
- Settlement administration costs: Up to $25,000
- Attorneys’ fees: $149,999
- Attorneys’ expenses: $5,000
- Service award to class representative: $20,000
- Payments to eligible class members: Approximately $250,001
Important dates
- Deadline to request exclusion (opt out): Aug. 24, 2026
- Final approval hearing: Sept. 25, 2026
When is the Lazova-Fast v. Big Al’s Inc. payout date?
The settlement administrator will distribute payments approximately 45 days after the court resolves any appeals and grants final approval to the settlement.
Why is there a class action settlement?
The class action lawsuit alleged Big Al’s Inc. violated the Washington Noncompetition Covenants Act by imposing an outside employment policy on employees who earned less than twice the minimum wage.
The company denied any wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid the uncertainty, risks and expense of ongoing litigation.
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