In a recent development, CVS, the national pharmacy chain, has agreed to pay $3.8 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging false advertising of its lidocaine products. This settlement aims to resolve claims that CVS falsely marketed its lidocaine patches, creams, roll-ons, and spray products as “maximum strength.” As a result, consumers who purchased these CVS-branded lidocaine products may be eligible for compensation. In this article, we will provide an overview of the CVS lidocaine false advertising class action settlement and guide you on how to file a claim.
Understanding the Allegations
The class action lawsuit against CVS centers around the claim that the company misled consumers with its representations that its lidocaine products delivered the “maximum strength” of lidocaine possible. Additionally, the lawsuit challenges CVS’s advertisements that its lidocaine patches could remain adhered to the body for 8 to 12 hours. According to the complaint, these lidocaine patches failed to provide the advertised duration of relief and were not durable enough to withstand regular activities such as walking, sitting, stretching, and sleeping.
The Settlement Agreement
CVS has agreed to a $3.8 million settlement to resolve the false advertising claims. It’s important to note that CVS has not admitted any wrongdoing. The settlement aims to compensate consumers who purchased CVS-branded lidocaine patches, creams, roll-ons, and spray products marketed as “maximum strength.” To be eligible for compensation, consumers must have purchased the specified CVS-branded lidocaine products. The following SKUs are included in the settlement:
| SKU |
|---|
| 376649 |
| 405343 |
| 977934 |
| 328522 |
| 405623 |
| 250483 |
| 385037 |
| 249024 |
| 235554 |
| 383998 |
| 238921 |
| 197229 |
| 450467 |
| 371271 |
| 188721 |
| 256563 |
| 196728 |
| 256518 |
| 384034 |
| 234274 |
| 834344 |
| 388642 |
Filing a Claim
Consumers who have purchased the eligible CVS-branded lidocaine products can file a claim to receive compensation. The settlement offers two options for filing a claim: with proof of purchase and without proof of purchase.
Filing a Claim with Proof of Purchase
If you have proof of purchase, you can claim an unlimited number of products and receive higher compensation. To file a claim with proof of purchase, follow these steps:
- Gather your purchase receipts or any other valid proof of purchase for the eligible CVS-branded lidocaine products.
- Visit the official settlement website
- Fill out the claim form accurately, providing information such as your name, contact details, and proof of purchase details.
- Submit the completed claim form along with the required proof of purchase by the specified deadline.
Filing a Claim without Proof of Purchase
If you do not have proof of purchase, you can still file a claim for up to three products and receive a maximum payment of $13.50. To file a claim without proof of purchase, follow these steps:
- Visit the official settlement website.
- Fill out the claim form accurately, providing information such as your name and contact details.
- Indicate the number of eligible CVS-branded lidocaine products you purchased without proof of purchase.
- Submit the completed claim form by the specified deadline.
Important Deadlines
It’s crucial to be aware of the deadlines associated with the CVS lidocaine false advertising class action settlement. The following deadlines have been established:
- Deadline for Exclusion and Objection: October 6, 2023.
- Deadline for Submitting a Claim Form: November 20, 2023.
- Final Approval Hearing for the Settlement: December 19, 2023.
To ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines, mark these dates on your calendar and take action accordingly.
Conclusion
If you have purchased CVS-branded lidocaine patches, creams, roll-ons, or spray products marketed as “maximum strength,” you may be eligible for compensation through the CVS lidocaine false advertising class action settlement. CVS has agreed to pay $3.8 million to resolve the claims, although it has not admitted any wrongdoing. By filing a claim, you can seek compensation for the alleged false advertising. Remember to review the eligibility criteria, gather the necessary documentation, and submit your claim form by the specified deadline. Stay informed and take advantage of the opportunity to seek compensation for your purchases.
