Virgin Scent Settlement: Company Pays $3,088,000 in Class Action Lawsuit

If you've purchased hand sanitizer products from Artnaturals, Inc. between January 1, 2015, and May 23, 2023, you might be eligible for a cash payment from a class action settlement. This article provides comprehensive information sourced from the official settlement website about who can benefit from the settlement, the potential awards, and key dates and steps to claim your rightful share.

Who Benefits?: Individuals in the United States who paid any amount for Artnaturals hand sanitizer products during the specified period may be entitled to compensation.

How much can I get?: The exact amount each class member can receive is not predetermined. Payments will be based on the number of eligible products purchased, with a maximum of ten automatic payments for those without proof of purchase.

Important Dates

• Fairness Hearing: The court will hold a hearing on September 20, 2023, to determine the settlement's fairness.
• Deadline to File a Claim: The deadline to submit a claim has passed as of August 12, 2023.

Eligibility for the Settlement

Settlement Class Members include all individuals in the U.S. who purchased Artnaturals hand sanitizer products within the specified period. The settlement aims to compensate for products that allegedly contained high levels of benzene without proper consumer disclosure.

• Those with proof can claim the full purchase price for each product listed.
• Those without proof are limited to ten automatic payments of $5 each.

Exclusions from the class include the presiding judges and their immediate families.

Awards Class Members Can Claim

Eligible class members can claim two types of payments:

• Automatic Payment: Based on the number of purchases, with or without proof of purchase.
• Medical Monitoring Payment: For those who attest to using the product and needing medical monitoring for skin symptoms.

Products Involved in the Settlement

The settlement pertains to hand sanitizer products sold or distributed by Artnaturals, Inc. during the specified period. These products are alleged to have contained benzene, a substance not disclosed to consumers, which could pose health risks.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, proof is required to claim the reward. Claimants must provide either a proof of purchase or a sworn declaration of the number of products purchased to receive an automatic payment. For medical monitoring claims, a declaration attesting to the use of the product and the need for medical monitoring is necessary.

How to Claim Your Award

To claim your award, you would have needed to complete and submit a claim form with the required proof by August 12, 2023. The form could be submitted online at the official claim submission page.

Although the deadline has passed, claimants who submitted their forms on time can expect the Class Administrator to review their claims for eligibility and provide a determination.

Understanding the Settlement Amount

The total settlement amount agreed upon is $3,088,000. From this fund, the court approved $1,066,098.32 to cover attorneys' fees and costs, leaving the remainder for class member payments and other settlement costs.

The exact distribution to each claimant will depend on the number of valid claims received and may be adjusted on a pro rata basis to ensure the total payments match the available funds.

The Reason Behind the Settlement

The settlement resolves allegations that Artnaturals hand sanitizers contained undisclosed levels of benzene. The plaintiffs claim this violated consumer protection laws and warranties, while Virgin Scent, Inc. denies all allegations.

Despite the denial, Virgin Scent agreed to the settlement to avoid the uncertainties and expenses of continued litigation. The settlement has received preliminary approval from the court, with a Final Fairness Hearing scheduled to determine its final approval.

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