Here’s How to File a Claim for Your Piece of the Lumber Liquidators Settlement [UPDATE]

Back in October, you heard the news that Lumber Liquidators agreed to settle the litigation against it for $36 million. Now it’s time for consumers to start submitting claims. Here’s what you need to know.

How do I submit a claim?

All you have to do is click this link and follow the prompts. Nice and easy.

How do I know if I’m eligible to submit a claim?

Did you buy Chinese-made laminate flooring from Lumber Liquidators between January 1, 2009 and May 31, 2015? If so, you’re probably eligible.

Of course, the specifics are a little more technical than that. Head to the settlement website to learn more.

I got a letter in the mail about the Lumber Liquidators settlement. What does that mean?

If you found a letter in your mailbox concerning the settlement, that means Lumber Liquidators’ records show that you bought the affected flooring. Essentially, if you received the letter, it means you’re most likely eligible for a piece of the settlement and should head over to the settlement website to submit a claim.

What if I never got a letter?

If you did not receive a settlement notice in the mail, that does not necessarily mean you’re not eligible for a piece of the settlement. If you bought Chinese-made laminate flooring from Lumber Liquidators between January 1, 2009 and May 31, 2015, you can still head over to the settlement website to make your claim.  

What can I get from the settlement?

The long and short of it is you will receive up to $50 cash and/or a refund for a portion of the cost of your flooring, not including labor and installation costs. 

If you bought your flooring between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010, you’re eligible for the $50 cash back option. If you bought your flooring between January 1, 2011 and May 31, 2015, you can receive a portion of your flooring’s purchase price back in cash or store credit.

According to the settlement website, those who choose the cash option for a refund on their flooring can expect to receive anywhere between 20 percent and 56 percent of the purchase price. Those who select the store voucher can expect to receive anywhere from 38 percent to 104 percent of their purchase price.

If you bought your flooring during both the time periods described above, you may be eligible for both the $50 cash award and a partial refund of the cost of your flooring. 

Are there any important dates I need to know?

Quite a few, actually.

• The deadline to submit a claim—meaning the date by which all claim forms must be postmarked or received electronically by the settlement administrator—is October 13, 2018.
• The deadline to opt out of the settlement is September 4, 2018.
• The deadline to object to the settlement is September 4, 2018.

What’s the difference between objecting and opting out?

If you choose to opt out of the settlement, you are essentially telling the court that you do not want to participate. If you opt out, you will not be eligible for any of the settlement benefits and will not be able to object to the settlement.

Objecting to the settlement, on the other hand, means that you’re telling the court you don’t like or agree with a particular aspect of the agreement, or even the entire settlement itself.

If you opt out of the settlement, you will forfeit your portion of the settlement; however, this will allow you to retain your right to sue Lumber Liquidators on your own. Think carefully before opting out and speak with an attorney before making this decision.

You can learn more about opting out here under the “exclude yourself” section, and here’s what you need to know about objecting to the settlement.

Which Lumber Liquidators flooring is covered by the settlement?

The flooring covered by the settlement was sold by Lumber Liquidators between January 1, 2009 and May 31, 2015. The settlement website has a list of the affected products here. 

What if I literally do nothing at all? What happens then?

If you choose not to exclude yourself or choose not to submit a claim by the deadline above, you will not receive any part of the settlement and you give up any rights you have to separately sue Lumber Liquidators for the claims made in this litigation.

Is there anything I can print out that has all this information?