Ford Motor Company $17.5 Million GIPA Settlement

If you applied for employment or were employed by Ford Motor Company in Illinois on January 27, 2018, or after, you may be eligible to claim approximately $800 from a class action settlement.

Ford Motor Company has agreed to pay $17,500,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for allegedly requesting genetic information from employees and applicants in violation of the Illinois Genetic Information Privacy Act.

Who are the class members?

The settlement class includes individuals who:

• Applied for employment with Ford in Illinois between January 27, 2018, and August 30, 2024, and reached the stage where they may have participated in a hearing or medical exam.
• Were employed by Ford in Illinois and had information requested using Ford’s Annual/Baseline Hearing History form and/or Medical Information Authorization form.

There are two categories of settlement class members:

• Pre-Approved Settlement Class Members: Already identified as part of the class and will receive a payment unless they exclude themselves.
• Claim Form Required Settlement Class Members: Must submit a claim form to confirm they are part of the class to receive a payment.

How much can class members get?

Each class member who submits a valid claim will receive a pro rata share of the settlement fund. The estimated payment is approximately $800, but the final amount may vary based on the number of valid claims.

• Pre-Approved Members: Automatically receive payment unless they opt out.
• Claim Form Required Members: Must submit a claim form to receive payment.

The settlement fund of $17,500,000 will be divided among class members, with deductions for administrative expenses, taxes, incentive awards, and attorneys' fees. If fewer members claim the award, the payment per member could increase.

How to claim an award

If you are a 'Claim Form Required' member, you must file a claim online by December 9, 2024.

$17.5 Million settlement fund

The settlement fund of $17,500,000 will cover:

• Settlement payments to class members.
• Settlement administration expenses.
• Taxes and tax expenses.
• Incentive awards to class representatives.
• Attorneys' fees and expenses.

Class Counsel will request up to 40% of the settlement fund for fees and expenses, totaling $7,000,000.

Important dates

• Deadline to File a Claim: December 9, 2024
• Final Approval Hearing Date: January 28, 2025

When is the Ford GIPA Settlement payout date?

After the final approval hearing on January 28, 2025, and resolution of any appeals, payments will be distributed to eligible class members.

Why is there a class action settlement?

The lawsuit alleges that Ford violated the Illinois Genetic Information Privacy Act by soliciting genetic information from employees and applicants. Ford denies wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid the cost and burden of litigation.