Current and Former CenturyLink Residential and Small Business Customers May Be Eligible for a Payment from a Settlement

MINNEAPOLIS, March 20, 2020 The following is being released by CenturyLink and Settlement Class Counsel from the law firms Zimmerman Reed LLP, O'Mara Law Group, and Geragos & Geragos APC for In re: CenturyLink Sales Practices and Securities Litigation.

A Settlement has been proposed in a class action involving the billing practices of CenturyLink.  The case was filed against CenturyLink by several customers alleging CenturyLink engaged in unfair and deceptive billing practices.  CenturyLink denies wrongdoing and liability and both sides disagree on how much, if anything, the Class could have recovered after trial.  The court has not decided which side is right.  But both sides have agreed to settle the case and provide certain benefits to CenturyLink customers in order to avoid the costs of continued litigation. 

Who is included?  A "Settlement Class Member" is included if they were a residential or small business customer in the United States who, during the Class Period (January 1, 2014 to January 24, 2020), had an account for local or long distance telephone, internet, or television services with a CenturyLink Operating Company. 

What relief does the Settlement provide?  A $15.5 million Settlement fund will pay (1) claims of eligible Settlement Class Members; (2) attorneys' fees and expenses; and (3) Service Payments to Settlement Class Representatives.  CenturyLink has agreed to pay $3 million on top of the Settlement Fund to cover costs of Settlement administration and notice.  If administration and notice costs are over $3 million, up to an additional $1 million will be paid for equally by CenturyLink and the Settlement Fund.

What can a Class Member get from the Settlement? If an individual is a Settlement Class Member and claims they were overcharged and not reimbursed by CenturyLink, they are eligible to make a claim for $30, subject to pro rata adjustment depending on the number of claims filed.  They will have to complete a claim form with information about their account services and how they were overcharged.  If they want to claim more than $30, they must provide additional information and documentation to support the Claim. 

How to get a payment? Settlement Class Members must submit a valid Claim Form, available at www.CenturyLinkMDLClassSettlement.com, by June 23, 2020. 

What are the other options?  If a Settlement Class Members does not want to be legally bound by the Settlement, they must exclude themselves by June 23, 2020 or they won't be able to sue CenturyLink for the legal claims in this case.  If they stay in the Settlement, they may object to it by June 23, 2020.  The Court will hold a hearing on August 27, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. to consider whether to approve the Settlement and a request by the lawyers representing all Class Members for attorneys' fees of up to one-third of the maximum value of the Settlement, plus reimbursement for costs and expenses, and for a $2,500 service award for each class representative for their services.  Settlement Class Members may ask to appear at the hearing, but they don't have to. 

For more information: visit www.CenturyLinkMDLClassSettlement.com, email [email protected] or call 1-877-497-5924.

SOURCE Zimmerman Reed LLP, O'Mara Law Group, and Geragos & Geragos APC; CenturyLink