Americans to get one-time payment worth up to $7,824 from $17.5m photo settlement – all you need to do is submit a form

THE deadline to apply for part of a multi-million dollar payout from police is looming but the process to claim is simple.

It comes after a class-action lawsuit filed in New York in 2018 claimed that women were left "sobbing" after being photographed post-arrest by NYPD officers without their religious coverings.

Two devout Muslim women who brought the complaint forward claimed that they had their hijabs "pushed down around their shoulders" leaving their hair and heads uncovered.

In the Muslim faith, women wear a headscarf in public for modesty and as a sign of devotion to their religion.

One of the women was left feeling "exposed and violated...as if she were naked in a public space," when the photographs were being taken, the lawsuit alleged.

It further claimed that officers lied to the women saying it was the law and that once the photos were taken, officers shared them with fellow colleagues and stored them in an online database.

One woman was left "humiliated, distraught, and panicked," according to the lawsuit which added that both of the women had been arrested after abusive family members made "bogus" reports against them.

"This unnecessary and discriminatory policy is out of step with national norms, federal and state law, and the United States Constitution," the complaint claimed.

In agreeing to pay a $17.5 million settlement, the NYPD has not admitted to any wrongdoing but aims to end ongoing litigation.

ELIGIBILITY

Those eligible for a payout must have been arrested by the NYPD and told to remove their religious coverings anytime between March 16, 2014, and August 23, 2021.

For each time an individual was ordered to remove their head covering, a claim for $7824 can be made.

A higher figure may be paid out depending on how many claims are filed.

However, those who owe money to the New York City Department of Finance in child support liens or others owed to the department may have this amount dedicated from their part of the settlement.

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

Class members have until September 26, 2024, to submit their valid forms.

This can be done here on the settlement website.

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.

Also on this date is the deadline for exclusion and objection to the settlement.

Objections to the terms of the settlement must be heard by the courts and exclusions will see eligible individuals retain their right to bring future legal action against the police department regarding the same claims.

However, those who do not file a claim and do not exclude themselves will lose their future legal rights and will not receive any cash.

The final approval hearing is scheduled for October 29, 2024.

Meanwhile, homeowners can be part of a $2 million settlement if they meet two criteria regarding a home appliance.

Also, beauty lovers could be eligible for a payout from a popular skincare brand over claims it misled customers.