Margaret Stevens v. Britax Child Safety, Inc.

United States District Court Central District of California
Case No. 2:20-cv-07373-MCS-AS


The deadline to submit a claim form expired on August 10, 2022.



If you were a California resident when you purchased for personal or household use a new Britax Frontier ClickTight Harness-2-Booster Seat or Britax Pioneer Harness-2- Booster Seat (the “Class Child Seats”), at any time from August 14, 2016 up to and including August 14, 2020 and the seat has a manufacturing date from August 14, 2016 to no later than September 30, 2019, you could be entitled to benefits, including a cash payment, under a class action settlement.


What is the Litigation About?

A Settlement has been reached with Britax Child Safety, Inc. (“Britax”) relating to the sale of the Class Child Seats and allegations that the seats are defective and that purchasers paid more for the seats than they otherwise would have paid had they known of the defect. Plaintiff alleges violations of California consumer statutes and warranty laws Britax denies these allegations, denies any liability whatsoever, and stands by the safety of the Class Child Seats. Britax further asserts that the Class Child Seats comply with all applicable laws and regulations. The Court has not decided who is right.


Who is Included in the Settlement?

All persons who when they were residents of California purchased for personal or household use, a new Frontier ClickTight Harness-2-Booster or Pioneer Harness-2-Booster Seat at any time from August 14, 2016 up to and including August 14, 2020, and the seat has a manufacturing date from August 14, 2016 to no later than September 30, 2019. Excluded from the Settlement Class are (a) Britax and its board members, executive-level officers, attorneys, and immediate family members of any such persons; (b) governmental entities; (c) the Court, the Court’s immediate family, and the Court staff; (d) any person who purchased a Class Child Seat that caused an injury or death or any person claiming personal injuries or death resulting from the use of a Class Child Seat; and (e) any person who timely and properly excludes himself or herself from the Settlement Class.


What Relief Does the Settlement Provide?

Britax will pay each Settlement Class Member $40 and in addition will pay Court-approved Attorneys’ Fees and Expenses, a Service Award to Plaintiff, and notice and administration costs.



YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS AND OPTIONS IN THIS LAWSUIT


KNOWN CLASS MEMBERS WILL RECEIVE A CASH PAYMENT WITHOUT HAVING TO MAKE A CLAIM
If you are a Settlement Class Member and registered your Class Child Seat with Britax or if Britax otherwise has your contact information you are a Known Class Member. You do not need to make a claim to receive a cash payment. You will be mailed a check for $40 upon the Final Effective Date of the Settlement.
UNKNOWN CLASS MEMBERS MUST MAKE A CLAIM TO RECEIVE A CASH PAYMENT BY AUGUST 10, 2022
If you are an Unknown Class Member you must submit a claim to the Administrator to obtain a cash payment. To make a claim you must submit a Claim Form by the deadline. Claim Forms can be submitted online or by mail.

For detailed information about eligibility requirements and how to file a claim, see FAQ 8.
EXCLUDE YOURSELF BY AUGUST 10, 2022
You can exclude yourself from the Settlement by informing the Administrator that you want to “opt-out” of the Settlement. If the Settlement is approved, this is the only option that allows you to retain your rights to sue Britax for the claims that are released by this Settlement (see FAQ 10 and FAQ 7.). If you exclude yourself, however, you will not be eligible to submit a Claim Form or to receive a cash payment. For detailed information about how to exclude yourself, see FAQ 16.
ATTEND THE “FINAL APPROVAL” HEARING ON NOVEMBER 21, 2022 at 9:00 A.M.
The Court will hold a Final Approval Hearing to consider the Settlement, the request by the lawyers who brought the Lawsuit (“Settlement Class Counsel”) for attorneys’ fees and expenses, and Plaintiff’s request for a service award for bringing the Lawsuit.

You may, but are not required to, speak at the Final Approval Hearing about any objection you filed.
DO NOTHING
If you are an Unknown Class Member and you do nothing, you will not be eligible to receive a cash payment. However, if the Settlement is approved by the Court, you will give up your rights to sue Britax for claims that are released by this Settlement.