Kansas City Class-Action Lawsuits on the Rise: Major Settlements and Legal Challenges in 2024

Kansas City Class-Action Lawsuits: 2024 Update

Hey there, Kansas City! If you thought class-action lawsuits were just about big companies being taken to court, think again. In 2024, several eye-catching class-action lawsuits have emerged in our very own backyard. From auto dealerships to data breaches, it looks like many locals have found their voice through the legal system. Let’s dive into some of the juiciest cases making headlines this year!

Auto Dealerships in Hot Water

Independent law firm Humphrey Farrington & McClain PC isn’t holding back. They’ve taken legal action against auto dealerships like Adams Toyota in Lee’s Summit and Olathe Dodge. They allege that these dealerships engaged in shady practices by requiring customers to purchase unnecessary add-ons and warranties just to buy a car. Yikes!

But that’s not all. Olathe Dodge stands accused of allegedly inflating customers’ income on credit applications, pushing them to buy services they didn’t need. Sounds like these dealerships better buckle up because this lawsuit is just getting started!

Defective Vehicles Draw Big Settlement

In another case, the same firm took on automobile giants Hyundai and Kia for selling cars with alleged defects making them super easy to steal. And guess what? They recently scored a whopping $145 million settlement to help drivers affected by these issues. That’s a huge victory for consumers!

T-Mobile’s Data Breach Fallout

In today’s digital age, data privacy is no joke. That’s why when T-Mobile US Inc. fell victim to a major data breach in 2021, the lawyers were ready to spring into action. A recent class-action lawsuit filed by Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP resulted in a stunning $350 million settlement, and T-Mobile is also set to invest an additional $150 million to enhance their security. Talk about making a comeback!

North Kansas City Hospital Under Fire

Speaking of data breaches, North Kansas City Hospital is now facing its own class-action suits over a data incident that took place between March and May 2023. Allegations include failure to inform victims promptly and a host of other charges like negligence and breach of fiduciary duty. This is definitely a situation patients will want to keep an eye on!

Sharing Data Without Permission

Moving over to Overland Park, we find SelectQuote Inc. in hot water for allegedly selling visitors’ personal information to third parties, such as Facebook, without consent. Talk about a breach of trust! This lawsuit is also gaining traction and might lead to some serious repercussions for the company.

Life Insurance Companies Not Safe Either

It’s not just the auto or tech sectors facing off in court. Law firms, including Schirger Feierabend LLC and Stueve Siegel Hanson, are also targeting life insurance companies like Kansas City Life Insurance Co. for what they believe to be unjustified fees charged over universal life insurance policies. Back in September, Missouri’s Court of Appeals upheld a $28.4 million jury verdict, which could skyrocket the total damages to a staggering $47.2 million after this appeal. That’s quite a pile of cash!

Shareholders Taking Action

And let’s not forget our publicly traded companies. Compass Minerals International Inc. recorded a hefty loss of $157.8 million last year, and now shareholders are coming together for a class-action suit. They claim the company made misleading statements regarding its fire retardant business, leading to financial losses. This could be a long and expensive battle ahead!

So, there you have it! Kansas City is buzzing with some heavyweight lawsuits this year. Whether it’s consumers holding auto dealers accountable or disgruntled shareholders seeking justice, the legal battles are set to reshape how businesses operate in the area. Keep your eyes peeled; there’s bound to be more to come!