SPS Technologies $5 Million Fire Class Action Settlement

Individuals who lived, owned property, operated a business or worked within a one-mile radius of the SPS Technologies LLC facility in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, during the February 2025 fire may be eligible to claim a cavsh payment from a class action settlement.

SPS Technologies and its parent company, Precision Castparts Corp., agreed to pay $5 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging it was responsible for damages, injuries and business losses caused by a fire at their facility. The fire led to shelter-in-place recommendations and voluntary evacuations, impacting residents, property owners, employees and businesses in the surrounding area.

Who can file a claim?

To be eligible, class members must have been present or operating within the affected area between Feb. 17, 2025, and Feb. 22, 2025, the specified dates of the fire and related advisories.

The settlement class area is the region of Abington Township subject to the shelter-in-place recommendation and voluntary evacuation order issued due to the fire. This includes the adjacent area, bounded by Kenmore Avenue, Highland Avenue, Jenkintown Road and Stewart Road, as well as the voluntary evacuation zone. The map showing the boundaries is available on the settlement website.

There are two main groups of class members who may be eligible for compensation.

• Business operator settlement class: All business entities, including individuals and partnerships operating under a registered business name, that operated a physical place of business within the settlement class area as of Feb. 17, 2025
• Property owner, resident and employment settlement class: All individuals or entities who, as of Feb. 17, 2025, owned real property, resided or were employed at a physical place of business within the settlement class area

How much can class members get?

The settlement provides several types of awards, depending on the claimant's relationship to the affected area and the losses they experienced. Class members may claim a payment from one of the following claim types:

• Business loss claim: Up to $5,000 for documented, unreimbursed business losses including lost profits and out-of-pocket expenses incurred during the closure period of Feb. 18, 2025, to Feb. 19, 2025
• Employee lost wages claim: Up to $200 for documented, unreimbursed lost wages for hourly employees unable to work during the closure period
• Property damage claim: Up to $300 for documented, unreimbursed property losses, such as repair, replacement or cleaning costs, incurred on or before March 17, 2025
• Residual settlement fund claim: A pro rata cash payment for class members who do not qualify for the above claims or whose claims the settlement administrator denies due to insufficient documentation. The amount of this payment varies based on the number of claimants and the remaining settlement fund after payments for business loss, lost wages and property damage claims and deductions for settlement costs and fees.

How to claim a class action payment

To receive compensation, eligible class members must submit an online claim form or print and complete the PDF claim form and mail it to the settlement administrator.

Settlement administrator's mailing address: Cottrell, et al. v. SPS Technologies LLC, c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC, P.O. Box 225391 New York, NY 10150-5391

The deadline to file a claim is Dec. 3, 2026.

Required proof/documentation

Documentation requirements include:

• Business loss claim: Proof of business ownership, closure dates, financial records detailing lost profits and receipts or invoices for out-of-pocket expenses
• Employee lost wages claim: Employer verification form or alternative documentation, such as pay records and closure notices
• Property damage claim: Proof of residence or ownership, receipts, photos or other records of damage and expenses. Each household may submit only one property damage claim.
• Residual settlement fund claim: No documentation required.

Payout options

• Zelle
• Venmo
• Virtual prepaid card
• ACH electronic transfer
• Physical check mailed to the address provided

$5 million settlement fund breakdown

The $5,000,000 settlement fund includes:

• Settlement administration costs: Up to $350,000
• Attorneys' fees and costs: Up to $1,750,000
• Service awards to class representatives: Up to $2,500 each ($27,500 total)
• Payments to eligible class members: Remainder of the settlement fund

Important dates

• Deadline to opt-out: Nov. 3, 2026
• Deadline to file a claim: Dec. 3, 2026
• Final approval hearing: May 25, 2027

When is the SPS Technologies settlement payout date?

The settlement administrator will issue payments to eligible class members after the court resolves any appeals and grants final approval of the settlement.

Why is there a class action settlement?

The plaintiffs alleged a fire at the SPS Technologies facility in Jenkintown that occurred between Feb. 17, 2025, and Feb. 22, 2025, caused injuries, property damage, business losses and other impacts to individuals and businesses in the surrounding area. Abington Township issued shelter-in-place and voluntary evacuation orders due to smoke and particulate matter.

SPS Technologies and Precision Castparts denied any wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid the costs and risks of litigation.

Sources

1. Claim form
2. Class notice
3. Settlement agreement
4. Settlement website FAQ page