Americans can claim $100 payments from $494 million medical device settlement – but you need to meet one of two criteria

AMERICANS have the opportunity to claim hundreds of dollars through a medical device settlement.

Those who have paid for or rented a specific Philips Respironics ventilator may be eligible for a cash award after the product was recalled.

This class action lawsuit alleged that members endured economic losses related to the purchase, lease, or rental of certain CPAPs, BiPAPs, and ventilators that Philips Respironics recalled beginning in June 2021.

According to Yale Medicine, about half of the 90 million Americans who snore have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

The devices — used for sleep apnea therapy and more — had sound abatement foam that could potentially degrade and get into the airways.

Several of these devices were recalled.

These devices were sold in the US between 2008 and 2021.

According to the proposal, the class action settlement does not affect or release any claims for personal injuries or medical monitoring relief.

WHAT YOU'LL GET

Eligible users are entitled to a payment award for each recalled device they purchased, leased, or rented.

The award of $100 is awarded for each device that should have been returned or will soon be returned to Philips Respironics by August 9, 2024.

Users who return their recalled device by August 9, 2024, will be entitled to $100 without the need to submit a claim form.

A prepaid shipping label to return any recalled devices is available at no cost.

Returning a recalled device will maximize a person's payments from the settlement.

Those still using your recalled device are advised to consult with a physician before returning the product.

For users who have not already returned their device and do not still have it are asked to review the "Option Charts" or the Interactive Eligibility and Benefits Determination for more information.

Eligible payers - including insurers, self-funded employers, and other third-party payers - that reimbursed a payment for a device will be entitled to a "payer award."

What's a class-action settlement?

Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or 'classes,' a way to band together in court.

These suits are often brought by one or a few people who allege a company or other entity has wronged a large group of people.

When a suit becomes a class action, it extends to all "class members," or people who may have similar complaints to those who filed the suit.

Companies often settle class actions - offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue further legal action by accepting money.

These payout agreements frequently include statements by the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.

Pollution, discrimination, or false advertising are a few examples of what can land a class action on a company's doorstep.

Class members should have documentation of the number of insured lives covered by the payer and the dollar amount of direct premiums.

According to the settlement, affected individuals have several choices depending on the options available.

Affected individuals must mail a valid request to opt out of the settlement.

Those who wish to exclude themselves from the settlement also cannot object to the settlement. However, the deadline to request exclusion has passed.

Meanwhile, payouts of up to $8,500 are available to Americans hit by Carvin Software's data breach.

And Americans have the opportunity to claim thousands of dollars after another data breach.