Do I Need Proof of Purchase to File a Settlement Claim?

A question that many people have when they find out about a settlement is whether they need to provide proof of purchase in order to make a claim for compensation. The short answer is that it depends on the specific terms of the settlement. However, not all class action settlements require proof of purchase to file a claim.

What is a Class Action Settlement?

A class action settlement refers to a deal that the plaintiffs and defendants make in order to resolve a class action lawsuit without going to trial. Often, the defendants will be able to settle the class action lawsuit without admitting liability. Typically, they will agree to change their behavior to address the concerns in the complaint.

Companies may face class action lawsuits from consumers for a wide variety of reasons, including false or misleading advertising, defective products or other types of deceptive or fraudulent conduct.

Many class action settlements also offer some type of compensation to eligible Class Members. They may offer cash payments, replacement products, coupons, vouchers, account credits, warranty extensions or other types of benefits.

Eligible Class Members will be bound by the terms of the settlement and be prohibited from taking further legal action against the defendants for the same issue unless they opt out of the class action lawsuit. If you opt out of a class action lawsuit, you will be unable to claim any potential settlement benefits. However, you retain your right to sue the defendant for the same legal issue litigated in the class action lawsuit.

What is a Claim?

When you read a notice about a class action settlement, you’ve probably noticed that it provides instructions on how to file a claim. To file a claim, you basically submit an application to the settlement administrator to show that you qualify for settlement benefits.

Because every settlement is different, it is important that you carefully follow the instructions for filing a claim. Failure to follow all instructions may result in a denial of your settlement claim.

Not all settlements require Class Members to submit a claim to receive benefits. In some cases, eligible Class Members will automatically receive benefits, such as an account credit, unless they opt out of the settlement.

Do I Need to Submit Proof of Purchase with My Settlement Claim?

Some class action settlements require Class Members to submit proof of purchase when they file a claim. You’ll need to read the claim filing instructions carefully to find out if proof of purchase is required to claim settlement benefits. If documentation is required, the instructions will let you know what information you need to provide and what forms of proof of purchase will be accepted.

A purchase receipt is the most commonly accepted proof of purchase for a class action settlement. But what happens if you threw away or lost the receipt? Depending on the terms of the settlement, the following documentation may be considered appropriate proof of purchase without receipt:

• Purchase confirmation email
• Bank statements or credit card statements that show you paid for the purchase
• Other documentation that shows you paid for the item

Some settlement administrators are very specific about the types of documentation they will accept so make sure you follow the instructions carefully.

How Can I Find Out if I Can Make a Settlement Claim?

When settlement administrators are able to identify individual Class Members, they may send direct notice of a class action settlement via mail or email. They will also often post class action settlement notices in magazines, newspapers, or online.

There are many class action lawsuits that are currently accepting claims from individuals who qualify. Check out our list of Open Settlements to find out if you might be entitled to compensation. Just click the link for the settlement you’re interested in and you’ll find all of the information you need to file a claim.

Make sure you read the instructions carefully to make sure you’re eligible to file a claim. If you submit a fraudulent claim, you could be charged with perjury.

Have you ever received money after filing a claim in a class action settlement? Tell us your experience in the comment section below! 

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