Homeowners in line for one-time payment up to $400 as part of $2m settlement pot – all you have to do is show receipt

SOME homeowners could be eligible for a chunk of a multi-million dollar settlement if they fit the criteria and file a claim in time.

Owners of certain Bosch appliances could get up to $400 in compensation after a settlement was reached in a class action lawsuit.

Bosch has agreed to pay $2 million to resolve claims that some of its products had defective components which resulted in the failure of some of its appliances.

The lawsuit filed in Seattle last year claims that a select number of microwave/ovens that carry certain model numbers contained faults that "made them unsuitable for their intended use."

"The Microwave/Ovens are defectively designed and/or manufactured such that, under normal and intended use, the display on control panels ('Control Panel') dims or fades to the point where it becomes unreadable," it claimed.

"The Control Panel is essentially the steering wheel of the Microwave/Ovens, which cannot operate properly or safely without the Control Panel."

It noted that such a defect means the temperature cannot be controlled, cooking modes cannot be read, and the timer is unclear.

In agreeing to a settlement, Bosch has not admitted any wrongdoing but wishes to bring an end to the litigation.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible class members will have purchased, or received as a gift, or as part of a home purchase, Bosch microwaves or ovens with the following model numbers:

• HBL5751UC
• HBL8751UC
• HBLP751UC
• HMC80151UC
• HMC80251UC
• HMC87151UC

In order to claim a stake of the $2 million settlement, homeowners will have to submit proof of purchase with their claim as well as the relevant model and serial number.

A proof of purchase document could be a receipt, a credit card statement, a warranty registration, a service invoice, a check, or a repair communication.

REWARD

The compensation money will be divided into three tiers which will impact what each class member claims for and what documentation they will have to provide.

Tier 1 (A) benefits will see claimants get a reimbursement of up to $400 for loss of money related to a previous display failure.

Tier 1 (B) applies to class members who want up to $400 reimbursement for future failures regarding the displays on such models.

Meanwhile, the compensation under Tier 2 sees claimants get an extended service plan for three years during which time Bosch will replace any failed control panels.

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.

Those who wish to file a claim have just weeks left to do so.

KEY DATES

Several deadlines have already passed which may impact the legal rights of class members.

Eligible members who wished to object to the terms of the settlement or wanted to exclude themselves from it should have done so by April 25, 2024.

Class members who are eligible but who failed to exclude themselves and then do not file a claim will lose their right to bring future legal action against Bosch regarding this fault issue.

By excluding yourself from a class settlement, you protect these legal rights.

Meanwhile, the final approval deadline for the settlement was carried out in court on June 13, 2024, confirming the amount and terms of the agreement.

Class members who wish to receive Tier 1 (A) benefits must submit a valid claim form by September 3, 2024.

Those who want Tier 1 (B) or Tier 2 benefits have until February 12, 2025.

Claim forms can be submitted here.

Meanwhile, the deadline for a $70,000 payout from a $600 million settlement is in just a few hours.

All claimants have to do is submit their address if they are eligible.