PET FOOD PRODUCTS LIABILITY LITIGATION
Settlement status as of April, 2011
After more than two years on appeal, the class action settlement has been confirmed by the Courts. During the two-year post-settlement period, the claims that were submitted for compensation were evaluated according to the protocols that were established in the settlement process. Claimants should receive a letter directly from the Claims Administrator, Heffler, Radetich & Saitta LLP, detailing their claim status and the amount of their award. The award determination was an independent evaluation performed by the Claims Administrator; Berding & Weil was not involved in the determination process and therefore we cannot answer any questions regarding the Claims Administrator's letter. Please contact the Claims Administrator if you feel your claim was not properly considered or appears to be in error. Also, since Berding & Weil has not been copied on any of the letters that have been sent out, if you have not received any correspondence about your claim, you should directly contact the Claims Administrator's office. The Claims Administrator's contact information and further details can be found at www.petfoodsettlement.com.
MENU FOODS CLASS ACTION
Berding & Weil, LLP has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of all pet owners nationwide who purchased the pet food that was manufactured by Menu Foods, Inc. and sold under various brand names, including IAMS, and whose pets have become ill or died as a result of eating such food. Menu Foods has recalled all of its "cuts and gravy" wet style of cat and dog food, which was produced in its plants between December 3, 2006 and March 2007.
The suit, filed in San Diego Superior Court, seeks compensation for pet owners who have pets that died or were injured from eating the tainted food, and also the payment of veterinary bills, medicines, special foods, and other costs that will or have been incurred by owners whose pets have taken ill. Recovery of the costs of the food which had to be thrown out because of the recall is also being sought.
PREVIOUS UPDATES
On May 30, 2008, the Preliminary Settlement Hearing was held and the Judge did preliminarily approve the settlement as it was proposed. In addition, the Judge appointed a third party administrator to oversee the claims of pet owners.
The administrator is in the process of setting up a website to assist with the claims process.
That site is www.petfoodsettlement.com.
That site is www.petfoodsettlement.com.
In addition, the administrator has outlined some Frequently Asked Questions regarding the settlement and we have attached that document for your convenience.
A Final Settlement Hearing has been scheduled for October 14, 2008.