Court to Notify those who Own or Owned Property with Windows made by MI Windows that they May Qualify for Benefits from a Class Action Settlement
CHARLESTON, S.C., April 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- A notification program is underway, as approved by the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, to alert current or former owners of property in the U.S. (and its territories) containing windows made by MI Windows and Doors, LLC ("MIWD") about a class action settlement that may affect their rights. The settlement relates to tape glazed windows manufactured by MIWD between July 1, 2000, and March 31, 2010, and includes windows branded as MI Windows and Doors, General Aluminum, Capitol, BetterBilt, Bridgewood, PrimeCel, Insight, BrynMawr II, Devon II, HomeMaker, New Bridge II, New Castle III or New Castle XT ("Windows").
This lawsuit alleges that the Windows contain defects that have caused water intrusion (leaking) and resulting damage to Windows and Plaintiffs' property, that some Window owners or former owners have paid for repairs or replacements of their Windows, and that some owners will require future repairs or replacements of their Windows. MIWD denies Plaintiffs' allegations of wrongdoing and asserts numerous defenses to Plaintiffs' claims. The Court did not decide in favor of Plaintiffs or MIWD and the parties have agreed to settle the lawsuit in the interest of serving customers, and to resolve the ongoing litigation.
The Settlement includes both homeowners and contractors who own or owned a home or other structure with the included MIWD Windows. A complete list of the Windows covered by the Settlement can be viewed at www.MIWDTapeGlazedWindowSettlement.com. The website has photographs and detailed instructions on how to identify if your windows are part of the Settlement. Class Members with Windows that are included in the Settlement may be able to make a claim for money, repair service or other benefits. The amount that may be claimed will depend on a number of factors, including (1) the number of affected windows, (2) whether water leaked, causing a visible residue line, water staining or additional property damage, and (3) whether the Class Member previously paid money for certain repairs. Class Members may be able to receive up to $3,750 plus replacement window sashes and repairs. The Settlement creates several categories of benefits.
Notices will be mailed to known potential Class Members and are scheduled to appear across the country in online banner advertisements and top consumer publications leading up to a hearing on June 30, 2015, when the Court will consider whether to grant final approval to the settlement.
Those affected by this Settlement can submit a claim online or by mail requesting benefits or they can ask to be excluded from, or object to, the Settlement and its terms. The deadline for exclusions is May 28, 2015, and the deadline for objections is June 1, 2015. The earliest deadline to submit a Claim Form is October 26, 2015.
A toll-free number, 1-888-668-8198, has been established along with the website, www.MIWDTapeGlazedWindowSettlement.com, where the notice, claim form, settlement agreement and other documents may be obtained. Those affected may also write with questions to the Claims Administrator, PO Box 3230, Portland, OR, 97208-3230 or send an e-mail to [email protected].
SOURCE The United States District Court for the District of South Carolina
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