(September 2019 update: The checks are in the mail! Click here for details.)
(May 2019 update: There have been further delays in the case that will prevent you from getting your share of the settlement any time soon – click here for details.)
(October 19, 2018 update: A federal appeals court has upheld the settlement agreement, finally clearing the way for the payments or coupons to be sent out to consumers who filed a claim.)
(Update: Shortly after the settlement was finalized, six appeals were filed. Those objections are still being heard, so it will be quite a while longer before you’ll be seeing your share of the settlement.)
If you’ve been waiting more than a year for your $50 in tuna coupons or $25 in cash from the StarKist tuna class action lawsuit settlement, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is, your coupons or check will finally be on the way soon. The bad news is – you’ll be getting a lot less than you had hoped. Instead of $50 in coupons or $25 in cash, try $4.43 in coupons, or less than two bucks in cash.
Well, that was worth the wait, wasn’t it?
A federal judge has granted final approval to a settlement agreement in the case of Hendricks vs. StarKist. California consumer Patrick Hendricks sued the tuna company back in 2013, accusing it of “cheating purchasers” by underfilling 5-ounce cans of tuna by as much as 17%. The lawsuit was granted class-action status, so any shopper who purchased any of the affected varieties of StarKist products from February 2009 through October 2014 was able to file a claim.
Without admitting any wrongdoing, StarKist agreed to settle the case last year. It set up a $12 million fund, to provide payouts of $25 in cash, or $50 in tuna coupons. The fund was enough to cover 80,000 coupon claims and 120,000 cash claims.
But never underestimate the draw of free tuna – or free money. Instead of 200,000 claims, more than two and a half million people submitted claims for cash or coupons before the claim period ended late last year. And, as the fine print of the settlement agreement stipulated, each claimant’s share of the $12 million is to be prorated accordingly.
The agreement technically wasn’t “$25 in cash or $50 in coupons”, after all – it was “up to $25 in cash or $50 in coupons.”
Of the 2,512,034 claims submitted, 902,643 members chose to receive the coupons. If you’re one of them, keep an eye on your mailbox for your share of the settlement – approximately $4.43 worth of coupons. If you’re one of the 1,607,632 who opted for the cash, you’re about to receive a check for a whopping $1.97.
The judge rejected an earlier version of the settlement back in February, which led to the lengthy delay as the two sides hammered out a revised agreement. And last Thursday, the judge decided he was okay with this one. The average retail price for a 5-ounce can of StarKist during the time the cans were allegedly underfilled was 86 cents, he noted. With an average underfill between 4.5% and 16.7%, that meant consumers overpaid by an average of 3.87 cents to 14.3 cents per can. “A $1.97 cash payment would provide full recovery for 13 to 50 cans, and a voucher of $4.43 would provide full recovery for 30 to 114 cans,” the judge concluded, determining that the settlement was more than fair.
Fair, maybe, but not anywhere near as lucrative as it might have been.
If you’re wondering why there hasn’t been much coverage of this finalized settlement agreement, it’s probably because the parties involved aren’t exactly shouting the news from the rooftops. A curious section in the settlement agreement stated that “there will be no press release regarding the settlement, and neither side will initiate contacts with the media nor issue any public statement… Any party can respond to inquiries initiated by the media, and in doing so may decline to comment.”
In response to inquiries from Coupons in the News, both StarKist and the plaintiffs’ lead attorney chose the “decline to comment” option.
So there’s no word on exactly when the checks and coupons will be sent out, and how many coupons claimants can expect to receive. The settlement agreement notes that the face value of each coupon will be “an amount between $1.00 and $2.00,” which suggests that the settlement will consist of at least two, and as many as five, coupons for a free can of tuna.
As for Hendricks, the original plaintiff, he won’t be waiting by the mailbox for his few bucks like every other consumer who is party to the settlement. In recognition of his trouble in filing the lawsuit, he’ll receive a $5,000 cash payment. His attorneys, meanwhile, will get a grand total of $3.6 million in fees and expenses.
Not “up to” $3.6 million, and not $3.6 million worth of tuna coupons – they’ve opted to receive their payment in cash. When it comes to class-action settlements that cost companies millions and provide consumers with a pittance, leave it to the lawyers to end up the real winners.
Never recieved check yet
I have not received my check or coupon. Can’t recall which I opted for. Is there a way to find out.
did you move? I did and didn’t get my settlement either. can’t find where a person can put in a change of address.
I received a coupon for 5.03 if I buy three starkest products. However, Walmart doe no take the coupon because there is no expectation date.
Hi, I spent my voucher yesterday, that whopping $5.03, thanks to a store manager. It probably has to do with your manager as to how much they put into it. Good luck! I won’t be doing StarKist after this…
Woo Hoo!!! got my voucher today, 9/23/2109. Aren’t ya’ll just peeing yourselves waiting for yours now?? My claim receipt stated Award Selection: $50 in Product Vouchers Redeemable for StarKist Tuna Products. So, drum roll please—–My Voucher states—–enjoy $5.03 towards the Purchase of Any StarKist Can or Pouch Products!!!!!!Must choose 3 products yada yada yada. What a f***ing disgrace!!! My claim date is Aug. 27, 2015,,4 years for this,ha. Good luck all!!!
I received $2.68. It was placed in my PayPal account. DAMN SHAME!!! That’s why I don’t buy Starkist anymore. Sorry Charlie, You Been Replaced!!????????????
I got my voucher for the same amount last week on a postcard that stated “if redeemed in compliance with our redemption policy (available upon request). So what does that mean? Looking for the redemption policy but can’t find anything.
Hi, my voucher doesn’t have that info. I took a pic of mine but I can’t send in this format. I’m curious if Walmart will accept it, will find out in the next few days. Use your at your fav & find out!! Good luck, but I don’t see a problem…
I thought the voucher was a coupon and tried to use it at Wal-Mart. The register wouldn’t take it and the cashier said I had to send it in to the company–does that make sense?
I got my $2.38 via PayPal today.
Wow! All that waiting for $2.38! I’m sure I will get the same via PayPal.
Starkist Lost. Claim filers lost, Lawyers won!!!!
Filed Nov. 2015 – nothing so far – I opted for 50.00 more tuna. Star Kist lost, claimers lost. Lawyers won!!!!
Here it is July 22, 2019 and still no check. Filed on 8/26/15, four years ago.
well its 2/1/2019 and still nothing from this bs lawsuit, if everyone stops buying starkest tuna then guess what? no business no company…sorry charlie
Well now it’s April 2019 and still nothing!!!
I am staring at my Claim Form Receipt —- under Claim Information it clearly states my Selected Product was 5oz StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water, Award Selection states Cash payment of $25! NOT up to $25!
What a scam….
did anyone receive anything yet i’m just curious. I have not yet and its august 2018
I am also still waiting with my claim number in hand for this promised settlement from Starkist Company. Until I receive the tuna vouchers, I will look elsewhere for tuna products. Legal system is only profitable for attorneys.
Sent yet another letter to the attorney handling the Hendricks v. Star-Kist Settlement on 9/4/18. ( filed in 2015, sent two follow previous letters 4/17 & 7/17) but didn’t hear a thing. Also, this last letter 9/18 was returned “address unknown, no forwarding address.” What a scam. Will never purchase anything from Star-Kist again.
I have gave up on receiving anything from Starkist. They are so full of it!! As far as buying anymore Starkist tuna, that is NOT going to happen!! Sorry Charlie you Suck!!
I’m still waiting…but, I’m not holding my breath.
Same here….nothing. My whopping $1.97 check must be on a very slow moving tuna boat to Hawaii. LOL!
Thank god for lawyers now we can all retire, life is great.
No more Starkist for me. I feel ripped off again with this settlement!
Tell me about, Pam! Starkist can take Charlie and Be Gone!!!
ill never buy it again..
So, where’s my $4.43 coupon? I want to hang it up on the wall, with my other winning certificates.
I didnt get one either . Almost 3 years of waiting.
Maybe we should bond together and sue Hendricks law firm for misleading the public for personal gain
well that’s it for me never use there product again said $50. give ya $4. your going to lose more from nonsales tuna man you really need to follow the news America is fed up with being ripped off welcome to the boycott stand right next to the nfl
Still waiting for my coupons…how does 25.00-50.00 end up to be 2.00-4.00?? But yet the attorneys still collecting millions…the company ripped me off…umm….why is this honest on Starkist? Those coupons mean customers…. I doubt the attorneys will use their money to purchase tuna!!!!
This says the company has, as of March 2017, filed an appeal. Nope, I will not be buying their products anymore either.
https://www.tunalawsuit.com/home.aspx
I filed a claim, and my sister did as well, and neither of us have heard anything. I will file a complaint as soon as I can figure out to whom it will be directed.
CHICKEN OF THE SEA SOUNDS VERY GOOD.
Switching tuna brands. I agree with everyone else-they can spend money on lawyers but can’t be fair to their consumers, so the heck with them!!!
I found my claim never received anything
I never received anything either.
I switched to Bumblebee.
We had 2 claims and never heard a thing,
Just recently moved so, what now???
Sorry Charlie, I guess?
I filled 22 Aug 2015, forgot about till to day when I found my copy of the claim. It says $25.00 cash, not up tp $25.00 Like so many others I no longer buy StarKist. Its a rip off of the consumers.
I also am looking at my Claim Form Receipt that says Cash Payment of $25. How dare the lawyers arrange benefits for themselves and not for the claimants!
I never received mine either
My mother and I both filed 8-29-2015
I Filed my claim August 26,2015. Not a peep so far.
I have since moved. Any idea how to update my address ?
The post office only sends mail for 1 year lol.
as long as you did a change of address at the post office they will still deliver your old address mail to your new mail. I did a change of address for my sick father who moved in with me and he passed in April or 2016, and still am receiving his mail.
Equal justice under the law, unless you’re a StarKist customer.
In that case they skewed you.
Many, many years my family and I have trusted Starkist, as well as other companies. The product that was presented to we consumers, was falsely labeled, which I am not willing to forgive. Our daughters enjoyed a tuna sandwich in their lunch box and our family enjoyed it as a weekend lunch sandwich. Shame, shame on Starkist for stalling all we consumers for so long!! I have not purchased any Starkist product and will NOT.
End of May 2017 and still not so much as a $2 coupon.
My son and I also filed claims back in Oct, 2015. As of today – June 4, 2017 – neither of us have received either a check or a coupon for this class action lawsuit. I still have our claim numbers – waiting for this to be settled. Guess they figure by now everyone would have forgotten about it.
I’ve been waiting over a year for my StarKist Tuna Coupons. I will not be purchasing StarKist ever again. I hope other people do the same.
I just found out today that I will not be receiving my voucher and to me and my family this is really unfair!!!! Considering my family is on a budget and we eat a great amount of tuna.. either tuna salad or in casserole and I am a loyal costumer and have been for at least 16 years!!!! I feel cheated… A great percentage of people that filed claims were probably just trying to get something Free. I’ve always purchased Starkist but will be trying other options!!!!
P.S. Didn’t mean we live off of it however my pantry always contains Starkist tuna and my next shopping trip I will be switching brands!!!!! I don’t like being Lied to!!!! Especially by a company that I have contributed to for years. Also makes me wonder how much money I wasted when the cans were shorted. STARKIST not only LIERS also THEIVES!!!!!!!!!!
Do what I did when i read this and the main site saying they claimed yet ANOTHER Appeal, Switch to Chicken of the Sea “UPDATE – March 2017 – The District Court granted Final Approval to the Settlement but there were appeals filed, meaning the Settlement is not yet final. Appeals can take months or years to resolve, please be patient and check this site for future updates on the status of the Settlement.”
I don’t know why you said that they haven’t mailed out anything yet because they haven’t settled yet. Read the article before you post.
This is nothing more than a Ponzi scheme. The lawyers stir up millions of people who have been swindled by StarKist and coerce them to glom on to their class-action lawsuit – it all sounds so sexy and gratifying to the millions of victims. But they receive a few dollars – not even enough to justify their time, involvement, and cooperation – even thought THEY were the very foundation and reason for the legal action. And the relatively tiny number of lawyers each rake in a fortune.
I’m surprised our legal system allows this kind of scam to continue. Wait – I take that back. After someone like Obama got elected nothing surprises me anymore.
Still waiting for my coupons,GOD DAMN I’M HUNGRY !
You spelled “Trump” wrong.
Give it up. This is the 4th class action suit that I have been on the winning side of. Have not received a cent. There was Blockbuster Video late charge thing. Arco debit card charge thing. Cracker Barrel something about not being allowed to leave on time thing (my wife actually). The only people who win are the lawyers. let us sue them. NLOL
Lawyers won, on both sides… and that is the point of it all… not the consumer…
Just got a nice gift card from the Harbour Freight lawsuit, so there is some justice in the world.
This is bs will never buy agian, or help these law office profit off our loss
Lawyers won not us.will never sign up for a class action suit again.Only the lawyers win.Starkist is still putting a whole lot of water in their food.I have no choice but to buy it ,its th.e only kind my cats will eat.
If your cat is hungry enough it will other tuna…they know how to survive
I will never buy star kist products Again! Also my cats don’t eat tuna just dry cat food.
can we fill out a class action suit against the law firm for not honoring the claim form that I signed..Award Selection. $50 in product Vouchers redeemable for Starkist Tuna Products.( it does not state “up to”)
The people who sent out that claim receipt, indicating your award selection is $50 in coupons, or $25 cash payment is Kurtzman Carson Consultants. They should get a wake up call and be held liable for all those award statements they sent out. Real intelligent consulting ! Just one more outfit in the bread line holding out their hand. How much is their fee for this “consulting”. They can be reached at http://www.kcclic.com
Im. Still wait. Also
This is my 4th or 5th class action suit. I have been on the winning side each time. NOTHING ever came to me. Good luck.
My 3rd I just received my check this week for $7.54 for the TracPhone lawsuit. This is the only holdout…
UPDATE – March 2017 – The District Court granted Final Approval to the Settlement but there were appeals filed, meaning the Settlement is not yet final. Appeals can take months or years to resolve, please be patient and check this site for future updates on the status of the Settlement.
Hello. It does seem the consumers are going to get screwed either way! I myself don’t purchase Stardust tuna any longer. Sorry Charlie. ????????
What the hell is Stardust tuna? I have never heard of it. It does not sound like you ever really bought Starkist tuna.
It was a misspelling. Get over it!
Still waiting as well, getting used to Costco Tuna.
Shame on you Charlie.
People are ignorant and don’t read the whole article before responding. It makes sense that the more that filed the less you receive. Duh!!
Claim filed 9/4/2015 nothing as of 2/27/2017, my receipt also states $50 in product vouchers redeemable for StarKist Tuna Products. NOT “Up to $50.00” Not holding my breath…..
I just came across my claim form today and I haven’t received anything in the mail yet either.
i filed around the same time as you and i still didnt receive anything neither…..
lisa rodriguez
So, StarKist would prefer spending who-knows how many millions on lawyer and court cost than taking care of the people who support their business? No more StarKist for me.
I’m switching my brand of tuna. Sorry Charlie, You Suck!!! ????
Chicken of the Sea is all I will purchase. We chose coupons but Starkist apparently not only bilked consumers but in my opinion Chicken of the Sea seems to have a better texture and quality. Either way they lost our business.
As of February 16th, I haven’t receive my coupons either.
My Claim Form Receipt says “Cash Payment of $25″…it doesn’t say UP TO $25. What a bunch of BS. Definitely going back to BumbleBee!!!!
My voucher says cash payment of $25 as well, not UP to $25. What a crock!
I have my claim in front of me. I forgot all about it until i came across the print out. I want what is due me. I bought tuna faithfully actually every two to three weeks for the longest and they cant even repay me the little amount they were required. Who do we contact about this not being carried out.
I filed a claim 8/27/15. Haven’t received anything as of 2/14/17 even though I
have a claim number. Has anyone received anything?
No coupons here either. Bet the damn attorneys have been paid and we’ll never see the coupons.
I filed my claim form on September 8, 2015. No check received yet!
I have my printout and claim number. I followed up on this the end of last year and was told the settlement was about to be awarded.
SCAM!!
I signed up for the coupons to get that tuna for my cat when he was alive. He dead now
He got tired of waiting?
Sorry.
I FILED MY CLAM ON 9/1/2015 AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED MY COUPONS . I HAVE A CLAIM # AND A PRINTOUT OF THE CLAIMANT INFORMATION . I WAS TO RECEIVED $ 50. IN PRODUCT VOUCHERS REDEEMABLE FOR STAR KIST TUNA PRODUCTS.
I filed my claim August 27, 2015. I have a Claim Number as well. I think Charlie swam right on by me!
I filed my claim on August 27, 2015 as well. I, too, have a claim number but sadly no coupons in the mail as of yet. My two 17.5 year old cats are waiting… I’m just not sure how many years longer they are willing to wait. Come to think of it, maybe this waiting is what keeps them alive for this long? In that case I am happily waiting right along with them. >^.^<
Have not received my claim as well?
M. LeBeau
Me either Shelia Bolding. Houston. Texas
Never received coupons. Never again Charlie or any products of Starkist again.
sorry charlie you lose more i will never buy a starkist product again i knew there was something fishy going on what kind of fish has two knees ? a two knee fish /
sorry charlie you lose more i will never buy a starkist product again i knew there was something fishy going on what kind of fish has two knees ? a two knee fish /
I NEVER RECVEIVED MY COUPONS EITHER IN THE MAIL. THIS SEEMS LIKE A HOAX…
I haven’t received any coupons either in the mail. SCAM??!???
I got nothing from participating. Yes, the tuna has gotten bad. Never before have I found bones in chunk white tuna. Real turnoff and I haven’t bought Starkist since.
I have been waiting forever for a reply or any information where is my tuna coupons? or where is my $$$$ ? Why can’t you reply back give us some answers ?
Class action lawsuits take a lot of time for things to finally culminate…that being said…no one has said when the disbursements will start or with whom things will be disbursed from…I wouldnt look at starkist to answer any questions as they have not admitted guilt just agreed to pay out…most people will have forgotten about it long before it comes in the mail
I have been waiting for a reply or confirmation from Starkist forever ! Would be nice to get coupons or reimbursement or some answers !What is up Starkist you can’t reply?
Yes I wish they would reply. I have had Starkist since the very first Sorry Charlie commercial. I love starkest and would hate to have to go to another brand. Still waiting for my coupons.
I opted for the tuna and never got it
It seems they simply were trying to collect information on people never intended to send the goods – ironically after I gave my information I got spammed by many!!
B.S. I will be changing my tuna brand
I would accept Spam in lieu of tuna. But I don’t think that was what you meant. The price of tuna is getting ridiculous. I don’t even buy it anymore it is so bad. It makes steak look cheap.
I live on tuna. I had gastrobypass and so i eat tuna twice a day. So where’s my check or my tuna
Sounds like you got bypassed and the rest of us swallowed the bait hook line and sinker.
Where’s the checks or coupons. I never got mine
Have not received anything.
I totally agree. The Attorneys make the big bucks leaving the consumers helpless. This is ridiculous!! I feel as though this was a scam and the amount should not have been lowered for the consumers who filed the complaint prior to the attorneys settling; especially without any notice. It was absolutely pointless…
read Bleak House by Charles Dickens. Chronicles the case of Jarndyce v Jarndyce, a massive lawsuit worth millions. But by the end of the tale the entire estate [spoiler alert!] is spent in legal fees.
I filed my claim 9/26/2015 and have not heard anything or received anything
claim 61973297001 What’s the deal????
I haven’t gotten anything either. And my cat doesn’t like it either.
I also filed this claim and have not received anything to date. This was a total rip off. Plus the quality of their tuna is getting disgusting. My cats won’t evens eat it sometimes….Makes ya really wonder what they are putting in it…if an animal won’t eat it?
My cat and I agree completely, Ann!
i agree, their tuna sucks
I also filed a claim and have not received anything to date. This is a rip off !
The Only ones who make out in a class action law suit are the Attorney’s. Its a shame because they make this money at the expense of the victims who get a very small pittance. 3.6 million dollars compared to $1.97 plus $4.43 in coupons. Nice exchange rate
I think since the judge threw out the original settlement the judge and attorney’s should pay the difference after being promised $25 or $50 I’m tuna now we are luck if we get $4 apiece
I filed for my claims .. and have absolutely received nothing !!! This is total Bull crap !!!
Better than nothing.
As usual the LAWYERS make out like bandits and the consumer gets the shaft.
If consumers share of the settlement falls 90%, so should the Lawyers Fees and the balance distributed to consumers.
Exactly, Lawyers fees should not be so extremely high resulting in the consumer getting a fraction of the proposed amount. Either that or the amount awarded should be recalculated. Judges are lawyers so the buddy system of lawyers keep the majority in their control. And common, coupons are a fraction of its value. The customer who gets a coupon should get the original amount since they will be purchasing StarKist Tuna. Lastly, the company should be required as part of the settlement to increase the portion of each can of tuna the same amount they shorted the consumer for a period of years. In the long run, StarKist got the best deal all around.
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