When Will the Chicken Lawsuit Payout Occur? A Look at the Timeline

The chicken lawsuit payout refers to the settlements reached in the Broiler Chicken Antitrust Litigation, which claimed that major chicken producers conspired to inflate chicken prices. This massive class action lawsuit has led to over $200 million in settlement funds so far, but many consumers are wondering – when will I actually receive my share of the chicken lawsuit payout?

In this article, we’ll break down the timeline and key dates to know regarding the chicken lawsuit settlements and payouts. Keep reading to learn when you can expect to receive your payment if you are eligible.

Overview of the Chicken Price-Fixing Lawsuits

Let’s start with a quick recap of the allegations and lawsuit itself. Multiple chicken producers including giants like Tyson and Pilgrim’s Pride, were accused of illegally coordinating to fix and raise chicken prices from 2008 to 2016. This led to inflated costs for both businesses and consumers who purchased fresh frozen, or processed chicken.

Several major class action lawsuits were filed against the chicken companies starting in 2016. In 2021, the cases were consolidated into the Broiler Chicken Antitrust Litigation, which brought together all claims against the defendants. Plaintiffs say the alleged price-fixing conspiracy could have cost U.S. businesses and consumers billions in overcharges.

So far, the Broiler Chicken litigation has led to around 18 settlements totaling $203 million in funds for class members. However, the case is still ongoing against remaining defendants who have not settled.

Recent $22 Million Settlement in the Chicken Lawsuits

In November 2022, a new settlement was reached with Harrison Poultry for $2.9 million. When combined with previous settlements, this brings the total settlement amount to $203.35 million across all the Broiler Chicken lawsuits.

However, it’s unlikely the full amounts will be paid out. Some funds will go to attorney fees and administrative costs. The rest will be distributed to class members who file valid claims. The total amount each claimant receives will depend on the number and value of claims.

Who is Eligible to Receive a Payout?

To receive a share of the settlements, you must meet the class member eligibility requirements. In general, you may qualify if:

• You purchased fresh, frozen, or processed chicken directly from one of the defendant companies between January 1, 2008 and December 20, 2019.

• You purchased chicken indirectly from one of the defendants during this same time frame. For example, you bought chicken from a grocery store that was supplied by Tyson Pilgrim’s Pride, etc.

• You are a consumer, business, or other entity that purchased chicken at inflated prices due to the alleged price-fixing conspiracy.

Purchases must have occurred in specific states, including California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and Wisconsin.

What is the Claim Filing Deadline to Receive a Payout?

For the newest $22 million settlement, the deadline to file a claim is July 31, 2025.

However, the litigation is still ongoing, so there may be future settlements with new deadlines. The best way to ensure you don’t miss a filing deadline is to complete a claim form now for the current settlements.

You can file a claim online at the settlement website or submit by mail. The claim process requires providing details about your chicken purchases, such as the types of chicken bought and approximate total amounts paid.

When Will Settlement Checks Be Mailed Out?

At this point, the timeline for mailing checks is still uncertain. Here are the key dates and next steps:

• June 30, 2025: A final approval hearing will take place for the newest $22 million settlement. Assuming the settlement is approved, distribution could begin shortly after.

• July 31, 2025: This is the deadline for class members to file claims. Once the claim period closes, the settlement administrator can finalize the list of approved claims and calculate each person’s share of the funds.

• Early 2026: If all goes smoothly, checks could potentially begin mailing out to approved claimants by early 2026. However, factors like appeals could delay the process.

• TBD: If any additional settlements are reached in the future, they would likely have their own timelines for approval, claims, and distribution thereafter.

In short, receipt of settlement payments depends on factors like the courts’ final approval, the claims process, and appeals. But if all goes according to plan, checks may start mailing sometime in 2026 to consumers and businesses that filed eligible claims.

How Much Will Each Claimant Receive?

The exact payout amounts to individual claimants are not known yet. Payments will be based on the total value of approved claims and the remaining funds after legal fees and administrative costs.

Some key factors that will determine individual payout amounts include:

• How many valid claims are submitted by the deadline
• The total dollar amounts of chicken purchases declared on each claim
• How many settlements the claimant is included in

Payouts will not be huge sums like many class actions, as the settlement funds are being split between millions of potential claimants. But eligible consumers could recoup at least some portion of alleged overcharges, likely $50 or more per household.

Can You Still File a Claim for a Settlement Payment?

Yes, it’s not too late to file a claim if you purchased chicken between 2008-2019 and meet the eligibility requirements! You can submit a claim for the current settlements using the online form at www.overchargedforchicken.com.

Even if you are only eligible for the recent $22 million settlement, it’s worth filing a claim to recoup a piece of the funds. You just need to file by July 31, 2025 to qualify.

Follow the Broiler Chicken Litigation for Future Updates

This massive class action lawsuit is still developing, with new settlements possible. To stay up to date on the chicken lawsuit payout and any future deadlines or claims periods, follow these recommendations:

• Check the settlement website regularly or sign up for email updates on the homepage.

• Follow the Broiler Chicken Antitrust Litigation court docket – Case No. 1:16-cv-08637 in the Northern District of Illinois.

• Search for updates on the case using Google News alerts or talking to a class action lawyer.

As the litigation proceeds, important details will emerge on when checks are expected to be mailed out to consumers and businesses. With a claim on file, you can ensure you receive your rightful share of any future settlements reached in this historic chicken price-fixing class action.