$20M Flushable Wipes Class Action Settlement: You Can Still Join

Quick Summary of the Flushable Wipes Class Action Settlement

Kimberly-Clark Corporation, the large mother company of home product brands such as Kotex, Cottonelle, Huggies, etc. has agreed to pay a $20 million settlement for two simultaneous flushable wipes class action lawsuits. Both lawsuits alleged that Kotex, Cottonelle, Huggies, Scott, and other brands falsely advertised their products as flushable and that the resulting flushing of these wipes into sewer and toilet systems resulted in clogging and damaging to pipes and septic systems. There is still time to join this proposed class action settlement and submit a claim form.

Are you an eligible Settlement Class Member?

If you live in the United States and purchased a package of flushable wipes from any of the brands below between February 21, 2008, and May 19, 2022, you are eligible to participate in the proposed class action settlement and file a claim.

• Cottonelle
• Scott
• Huggies
• Pull-Ups
• Poise
• Kotex

Check out our list of Open Class Action Lawsuits. You may be eligible to receive cash and rebates.

What is the issue with flushable wipes?

Flushable wipes are a growing problem in the United States. Cities and towns all over the country are struggling with clogged sewer systems due to this product. These wipes are made from a different material and do not break down as toilet paper does, and they can cause major blockages in pipes and septic systems. Citizens have complained about these wipes being marketed as “flushable” when they are actually not, therefore becoming an additional expense on their water bill considering these blockages have to be removed manually.

What does the Settlement provide?

Kimberly-Clark Corporation has agreed to pay $20 million for a Settlement Fund in order to pay out class members’ valid class action settlement claim forms. They agreed to pay $0.70 for each package of flushable wipes purchased between February 21, 2008, and May 19, 2022, up to $7.00 per household with no proof required. However, if proof of purchase is required, they will pay $1.10 for each package of products, up to $50.60 per household. It must be noted that the payouts will be per household regardless of how many persons reside in the specific address.

They will also pay Class Counsels for fees and expenses, although the amount to be paid has not yet been decided by the District Court.

Who are the Claims Administrator and attorneys of this case?

Kroll Settlement Administration LLC
P.O. Box 5324
New York, NY 10150-5324

The District Court appointed Samuel H. Rudman, Vincent M. Serra, Francis P. Karam, Sarah E. Delaney, Stuart A. Davidson, and Mark J. Dearman of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP law firm to represent the flushable wipes related Settlement Class as Lead Class Counsel.

How to file a claim form and get cash?

To receive your recovery, make sure to submit a valid claim form online or print a claim form and mail it to the Kurtz/Honigman v. Kimberly-Clark, c/o Kroll Settlement Administration, P.O. Box 5324, New York, NY 10150-5324 by August 16, 2022, to the Settlement Administrator at the address above. All submissions with proof must be mailed and not submitted online. The payouts will be sent out through a check, PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or an Amazon gift card.

Final Approval Hearing

The Court has scheduled the Final Approval Hearing for September 7, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. and payouts will be sent immediately after a decision is made by the judge. The Final Approval Hearing will be held in the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, before the Honorable Pamela K. Chen, in a Courtroom to be determined.  The hearing is open to the public.

Resources

What does Kimberly-Clark Corporation do?
Kimberly-Clark Corporation is a U.S.-based multinational corporation that produces flushable wipes, as well as personal care, health care, and consumer products under brands such as Kleenex, Scott, and Huggies. Kimberly-Clark’s supposedly flushable wipes are marketed to be safe for sewer and septic systems, and the company alleges that they have been tested and certified by third-party organizations. The company’s certain flushable wipes are available in a variety of sizes and styles and can be used for a variety of purposes, including personal hygiene, cleaning surfaces, and removing makeup.

Other class action lawsuits filed against Kimberly-Clark
While Kimberly-Clark’s flushable wipes are designed to be safe for sewer and septic systems, some consumers have filed class action lawsuits against the company, alleging that the wipes do not break down as advertised and can clog pipes and cause sewage backups. In one case, a group of plaintiffs in California alleged that Kimberly-Clark knew that its flushable wipes could cause problems but failed to warn consumers. In another case, a group of plaintiffs in New Jersey alleged that Kimberly-Clark’s flushable wipes are “not safe for sewer and septic systems” and caused more than $100,000 in damages.

How do flushable wipes affect sewer systems in America?
While flushable wipes may be marketed as an environmentally friendly and flushable option, they are actually one of the leading causes of clogs in sewer systems across America. In fact, there have been multiple class action lawsuits filed against companies that produce flushable wipes, alleging that they do not break down like toilet paper and cause major problems for sewage systems. If you are considering using flushable wipes, be aware of the potential problems they can cause.