NEW YORK, Aug. 5, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On July 9, 2014, U.S. District Court Judge Ruben Castillo granted final approval of a $10.25 million class action settlement between Unilever United States Inc., Conopco, Inc. d/b/a Unilever Home and Personal Care and consumers who alleged damages and injuries including hair loss following the use of the Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion 30 Day Smoothing Kit ("Smoothing Kit").
The settlement calls for a $250,000 fund to reimburse purchasers of the Smoothing Kit and another $10 million fund to compensate consumers for injury claims. Under the terms of the settlement, significantly injured class members can recover up to $25,000 per person.
The plaintiffs first brought suit in August 2012, seeking redress for consumers who purchased or used the Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion 30-Day Smoothing Kit, which was marketed in the U.S. for approximately five months until its recall in early May 2012. Two additional federal court cases were subsequently filed, in Kentucky and in California. The three cases were ultimately resolved together in the nationwide settlement that was approved by Judge Castillo on July 9.
Consumers who are eligible to submit claims include all persons who purchased or used the Smoothing Kit in the United States before February 17, 2014. Class Members who did not suffer an injury from the Smoothing Kit are eligible for reimbursement of up to $10.00 for the purchase of the product. Class Members who suffered injuries may submit a claim for reimbursement of up to $10.00 and also a claim for compensation ranging from $40 to $25,000, depending on the extent of the claimed injuries.
Christopher Polaszek, one of the attorneys representing the Class, said: "We are very pleased that the Court granted final approval of the Settlement. This was hard fought litigation and we believe this is a terrific settlement for the consumers who purchased or suffered damages as a result of using the Smoothing Kit."
There is still time to file a claim for the Suave Keratin class action settlement. Claim Forms must be submitted on or before September 25, 2014. For detailed claim filing instructions please visit www.Suave30DaySmoothingKitLawsuit.com or call Class Counsel at 1-800-407-1010.
The plaintiffs are represented by Peter Safirstein, Christopher S. Polaszek and Elizabeth S. Metcalf of Morgan & Morgan PC; Jana Eisinger of the Law Office of Jana Eisinger PLLC and Marvin A. Miller of Miller Law LLC.
The case is Sidney Reid et al. v. Unilever United States Inc. et al. , No. 1:12-cv-06058, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Morgan & Morgan Peter Safirstein, Esq. 28 West 44th Street Suite 2001 New York, NY 10036 1-800-407-1010
