Kimberly-Clark Flushable Wipes $13,500,000 Settlement

A settlement has been reached that will benefit individuals in the United States and U.S. territories who purchased certain Cottonelle Flushable Wipes between February 7, 2020, and December 31, 2020.

Those who qualify to partake in the settlement may be reimbursed up to 100% with proof of purchase or up to $5.00 per household without proof.

Detailed Analysis of the Settlement Fund

The settlement reached in the Armstrong v. Kimberly-Clark case represents a significant resolution for consumers who purchased specific lots of Cottonelle Flushable Wipes within the designated timeframe. Kimberly-Clark has agreed to a settlement fund of up to $13.5 million to address claims related to the sale of these products. This fund is designed to reimburse consumers who may have been affected by the recall of these wipes, which occurred after the detection of a bacterium during product testing.

The settlement fund not only provides monetary compensation to eligible consumers but also serves as a resolution to the dispute without the need for a protracted court battle. This approach allows for a more expedient and certain resolution for all parties involved, avoiding the uncertainties and expenses associated with litigation.

Important Dates

Understanding the timeline for the settlement is crucial for claimants. Here are the key dates to keep in mind:

• Claims Deadline: January 16, 2024
• Fairness Hearing: March 6, 2024

Who Are the Settlement Class Members?

Eligibility for the settlement is quite specific. The class members include:

• Individuals who purchased recalled lots of Cottonelle Flushable Wipes for personal use and not for resale.
• Persons residing in the same household as the purchaser during the relevant period.

Exclusions from the settlement class are also clearly defined. They do not include the Court and its officers, Kimberly-Clark and its related entities, and anyone who opts out of the settlement.

Settlement Awards Details

Settlement Class Members who submit a valid Claim Form by the deadline are entitled to receive either:

• With Proof of Purchase: Reimbursement of up to 100% of the purchase amount.
• Without Proof of Purchase: A flat payment of up to $5.00 per household.

The Recalled Products

The products at the center of this settlement are specific lots of Cottonelle Flushable Wipes. These products were subject to a recall due to the presence of the bacterium Pluralibacter gergoviae.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, proof of purchase is required for full reimbursement. However, a claim can still be made without proof, which entitles the claimant to a lesser, fixed amount.

The Reason for the Class Action Settlement

The class action settlement arises from a recall initiated by Kimberly-Clark in October 2020. The recall was due to the detection of a bacterium in certain lots of Cottonelle Flushable Wipes. The settlement provides a mechanism for consumers to receive compensation without the need for individual lawsuits, streamlining the process for all involved.

The next steps for claimants include submitting a Claim Form by the deadline and deciding whether to attend the Fairness Hearing.