SEVERAL settlement payments worth up to $6,500 must be claimed before their November 14 deadline.
Multi-million-dollar payouts have been successfully negotiated for alleged victims of Canteen, Francesca’s and UnitedHealthcare.
The multiple payouts follow successful legal challenges[/caption]
Women’s clothing retailer Francesca’s was accused of failing to protect shoppers.
In separate cases, vending machine operator Canteen allegedly charged shoppers too much, and healthcare giant United Healthcare has agreed to a “robocall” settlement.
Here’s the breakdown of each of the three settlements.
1. CANTEEN
If you made a purchase from a Canteen vending machine with a credit, debit, or prepaid card, you could get $30-$360 from the class action settlement.
Goldenberg Heller & Antognoli said its legal team had secured a total $6.94 million for consumers in a nationwide vending machine settlement.
Compass Group USA Inc., doing business as Canteen, owns and operates vending machines across the country.
Canteen has been accused by users of charging more than the displayed item price when using a credit, debit or prepaid card for purchases.
The attorneys said, “The settlement resolves claims that certain vending machines operated by Canteen across the country charged more… without any notice of the upcharge.
“Compass denies liability.”
The payout follows “years of complex litigation in multiple federal courts across the country,” they added.
“We are committed to holding businesses accountable and protecting consumer rights.”
DEADLINE TO CLAIM
Class members who file valid claims by November 14, 2025, could receive between $30 and $360, depending on the number of purchases made.
No proof is required: “Class members are not required to submit receipts or documentation with their claim,” the firm advised.
A final fairness hearing is set for January 9, 2026.
2. FRANCESCA’S
Clothing chain Francesca’s has confirmed payouts of up to $6,500 for customers affected by a data breach.
The case has been before the Circuit Court of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit in DuPage County, Illinois.
The chain will hand over money to settle claims it failed to protect shoppers two years ago.
It has hundreds of boutiques in 45 states across the country.
Francesca’s announced in September 2023 that an unauthorized third party had accessed its network between January 12 and 31, 2023.
As a result, sensitive customer and employee data – including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, driver’s license details and financial account information – was compromised, Top Class Actions reported.
The settlement covers individuals affected during that period.
Plaintiffs alleged Francesca’s could have prevented the breach with stronger cybersecurity.
Francesca’s has denied any wrongdoing whatsoever.
Settlement class members can make a claim for up to $1,500 of documented losses resulting from the data breach.
Class members could also receive up to $5,000 for extraordinary losses as result of the breach – provided there is supporting documentation.
Settlement class members may also accept two years of three bureau credit monitoring services.
The deadline to submit a claim is November 10, 2025.
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.
3. UNITED HEALTHCARE
UnitedHealthcare has agreed to a $3.4 million settlement with the North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI).
This is to resolve claims it failed to pay enough money for out-of-network medical services, reported Top Class Actions yesterday.
North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey fined UnitedHealthcare of North Carolina Inc. and its affiliate UnitedHealthcare Insurance Co.
Its $3.4 million penalty followed more than four years investigating the firms’ claims handling practices involving balance billing, he said in February.
Balance billing occurs when an out-of-network provider charges more than the insurer allows for an in-network service and tries to collect the excess cost from the member.
The investigation found instances where UnitedHealthcare did not follow its own procedures to negotiate with providers to hold the member harmless.
“Patients receiving emergency room services certainly don’t have the time or capacity to go through a checklist and make sure all providers attending them are in-network,” Causey said.
“UnitedHealthcare’s practices potentially put unnecessary financial burdens on many North Carolinians.
“I am happy to see that UnitedHealthcare has agreed to take corrective action.”
UnitedHealthcare accepted the final report and voluntary settlement agreement, it did not admit to the findings contained in the report.
It expressly denied violating any statutes, rules or regulations.
Under the terms of the settlement, UnitedHealthcare members can receive reimbursement for out-of-network services they paid for out of pocket.
CTA said, “If you’re eligible, you may get money back — plus interest — for medical bills you paid above your copay, coinsurance, or deductible when you visited doctors or providers who were not in United’s network at the time.”
To receive a chunk of the settlement, members must submit a valid claim form by November 4, 2025.
