In recent years, consumers have brought class action lawsuits against the major ginger-ale producers (most specifically Keurig Dr.Pepper’s Canada Dry and Schweppes brands) accusing them of using false labels, such as “Made from Real Ginger” or “Naturally flavored.” After the lawsuits are settled the affected customers may fill out an request form to demand the payment or any other relief. This article explains in simple U.S. English — what a claim form actually is and the ginger-ale cases that have (or included) claims forms and the procedure to fill them out, the kind of evidence you’ll usually need, the deadlines and typical pitfalls, as well as where you can find the official forms.

How do I define a claim type (and why is it important)?

The claims forms will be the formal form that the court-appointed claims administrator utilizes to confirm that you’re a part of the class that settled, and to determine any benefit or refund you are entitled to. If a class-action settlement has been approved, the claims administrator will post an online claim form and informs users of the best way to submit the form (by post or on the internet). Only valid, timely claim forms will be paid. For Canada Dry-style settlements, the administrators only required one claim for each person, with a limit on the amount of awards per claimant.

Which cases from the ginger-ale market were equipped with claims forms?

• Canada Dry “Made from Real Ginger” settlement (U.S. or Missouri or related multi-jurisdictional matters): Past settlements resulted in a claims program and a claims site where users could submit claims forms and receive small cash or store credits (some settlements cap payments at the amount of a tiny dollar by claimant). Check out the archives of the Canada Dry settlement site for the rules of the program.
• Quebec Quebec Canadian settlement The Canada Dry settlement program in Canada (separate from U.S. action) also included an electronic claim form to Quebec buyers (example that is up to CAD$7.50 subject to certain rules).
• The newest “Naturally flavored” suits (Schweppes or Canada Dry 2024): These suits (e.g., Elliot v. Keurig Dr Pepper filed on October. 29th 2024) are not old and, if they settle, will post claim forms on the settlement administrator’s site. As of the date of the complaint filing the claim form was not available since the case is waiting to be resolved. (If the settlement is agreed upon you can expect a claims portal as well as an announcement of the date.)

Step-by-step guideline on how to fill out a typical Ginger-Ale Claim Form

1. Make sure you’re enrolled within the group. Read the classification term within the Settlement announcement that lists dates and geographical limits (for instance, “purchased in the U.S. between X and Y dates”). Only those who meet the definition are eligible to apply for the class.
2. Select online or send a letter. Most administrators provide both an online claim portal (faster) as well as an alternative mailing option. Go to the official settlement site mentioned in the court’s notice (not random blogs from lawyers).
3. Complete your personal information precisely. Typical fields: complete name, current address addresses, email address, phone and a written declaration at the risk of being perjury to prove that your assertions are truthful.
4. Offer the proof of purchase when required. Some settlements accept an attestation of just (I bought X cans on the date of Y) Some require an official receipt, a photo or a copy of your UPC or proof that you purchased “five or more” units during the course. Check the rules for evidence on the form carefully – most programs will accept bank or credit card statements, photographs or photos of products using UPC codes.
5. Make sure you count your purchases correctly. Settlements often cap the payout per person (e.g. an amount $7.50 or similar). $7.50 and similar). Be sure not to invent transactions -False claims are often rejected and could result in penalties.
6. Date and signature. Most claim forms require signatures (electronic signatures that is accepted on the internet) and date. Unsigned claims are usually rejected.
7. Submission must be made by when the due date is. Late claims are generally denied. Settlement notices and the claim form will specify the date of the postmark or the cut-off for online submissions.

Common documents or evidence you might be asked to submit

• Receipt(s) for the product(s) purchased (preferred).
• Photo of UPC or label for product with date and brand code (if receipt isn’t readily available).
• Credit card statement of a bank/bank line item displaying the amount spent (redact irrelevant information).
• A short written attestation providing approximate purchase date and the store’s address if no receipt is present Some administrators will accept this, but it’s not as robust.
  Learn more about the settlement FAQ to determine which of these acceptable. Rules vary according to the specific case.

Deadlines, timings and expectations for payouts

• Deadlines The settlement notices will always contain the claim submission deadline as well as when hearing the the final fairness review. In the event of a delay, you lose your right to receive cash. Always make sure you use the deadline on the official notice or claim form.
• The size of the payout is: Ginger-ale settlements historically have typically offered tiny individual payments (for example, less than $10 per claimant for certain programs) because the size of the class is huge and the settlement funds are spread over a large number of individuals. Do not expect huge sums unless the settlement announcements state otherwise.
• Process time: After the claims deadline, the administrator checks claims, settles disputes and then issues the payment. It can take a few months. The official settlement website will update the status.

Common pitfalls beware of these errors

• Sites that are not official: Only submit claims via only the authorized settlement site listed on the notice of court (fraudulent “claims” sites sometimes show up). Check the name of the administrator (e.g., Heffler Claims Group or another administrator) in the official press release or in the court docket.
• Not meeting the deadline: No extensions except when a court order is issued.
• Multiple claims submitted: Most settlements permit only one claim per person. Multiple submissions may be rejected.
• Insufficient evidence: If the notice needs a receipt or UPC and you only submit the attestation form, you may be rejected or diminished. You must provide the most convincing evidence you can provide.

Where can you locate claims form as well as assistance

• official settlement site that is mentioned in the court’s noticeit is the primary source. (Past Canada Dry programs posted at CDGAsettlement.com / canadadrysettlement.ca.)
• Court docket/PACER — You can locate the settlement agreement as well as the identity of the claims administrator on the state or federal docket of the court.
• Class-action tracking sites (TopClassActions, ClassAction.org, TruthInAdvertising) will provide summaries as well as claims forms once settlements are available. Make use of them only to locate an official claim website and then visit it.

FAQ

A: had a glass of Canada Dry ginger ale in 2019 Can I now file a claim?
A One: Only If the class period of the settlement is applicable to the purchase and the claim deadline isn’t expired. Review the specific settlement notice and claim deadline. Settlements in the past had clearly defined classes and claim window.

Q Do I require an invoice?
A: It’s up to you. Receipts or UPC photographs are the best choice Some administrators will accept attestation or bank statements when there is no receipt available. Check the directions on the form.

Q Who is the claims manager?
A: In the settlement notification specifies the administrator of claims (examples from the past comprise Heffler Claims Group or other courts-appointed companies). You can contact them through the official settlement website.

The bottom line

If you believe you’re a member of a ginger-ale settlement class, you must act quickly to read the settlement announcement and collect receipts or UPC photographs, and then submit your claims form before the deadline is announced. Expect to receive a modest amount of money in a lot of consumer settlements for beverages, but don’t let your opportunity slip away when you’re eligible. For the most authoritative next steps you can visit the official website of the administrator of settlements as indicated in the court’s notice.