Summary
- Kirkland Baby Wipes contain PFAS and could cause harm
- A class action lawsuit has been brought against Costco for selling them
- Class action lawsuits allow many cases to be brought forward together
Keeping your baby safe means ensuring they don’t come into contact with any chemicals that could impact their development or result in any injuries. A recent Consumer’s Report investigation revealed that one brand of wipes that Costco sold could pose dangers to babies: Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes Fragrance-Free.
The complaints started pouring in quickly after the report, leading to a Kirkland baby wipes recall. Subsequently, plaintiffs and lawyers started a class action lawsuit, and more plaintiffs are joining in. But what does this kind of lawsuit involve, and are Kirkland baby wipes safe for use now?
Costco Baby Wipes Class Action Lawsuit: Unsafe Levels of PFAS
The Kirkland lawsuit centers around the claim that these fragrance-free wipes contain unsafe levels of PFAS. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are long-lasting synthetic chemicals that have been used in various products since the 1950s, when they were first introduced in household items like cookware and even clothing.
PFAS are some of the most resilient synthetic chemicals, and they’re everywhere. Exposure to PFAS can potentially increase the risk of developing certain health issues, including:
- Changes in liver enzymes
- Kidney and testicular cancer
- High cholesterol
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia
- Early puberty
Costco Kirkland baby wipes PFAS concerns stem from the delicate skin that babies have, which could make them more susceptible to absorbing these chemicals. The class action lawsuit goes on to state that the wipes’ manufacturer, Nice-Pak, claims their products are made with “naturally derived ingredients,” which is false according to the lab that performed the tests.
Parents quickly hired product liability attorneys to help defend them, which led to the formation of the PFAS Kirkland wipes class action lawsuit.
Understanding Class Action Lawsuits
The PFAS Kirkland wipes class action suit is just one of many, but what is a class action lawsuit? A “class action” refers to a legal proceeding in which one or more plaintiffs bring a lawsuit forward on behalf of a larger group of people, called a “class.”
These lawsuits can happen if there is a group of claimants large enough that considering each individual claim would be too complicated, expensive and time-consuming. Class actions involve people who have each suffered similar harm because of the defendant’s conduct. They can be brought to state or federal court.
Benefits of Class Action Lawsuits
The plaintiffs of the PFAS Kirkland wipes class action lawsuit have chosen this mode of bringing their claims forward for a few crucial reasons.
They’re Practical for Plaintiffs
Class action lawyers often recommend this option when it’s available because it can make the process easier for everyone. You only need a single set of experts, a single set of witnesses, and a single set of documents. This not only saves money but also saves time, allowing plaintiffs to receive the help they need sooner.
They Allow More People to Receive Help
Because these lawsuits lower costs, they can make it possible for more plaintiffs to receive the help they need. For some, it may be the only way they can pursue a claim.
Some people may even hesitate to begin a claim because they think their losses are too insignificant. When put together with other plaintiffs’ losses, however, they can make an impact against corporations.
They Offer Fair Distribution of the Damages
Without a class action lawsuit, the first plaintiff who files a claim can receive a significant amount of damages, meaning subsequent claims may not be able to collect the amounts they deserve. Class action lawsuits allow everyone who’s been affected by the defendant’s actions to receive a fair amount, dependent on their losses.
They Grant Flexibility
Even if you participate in a class action lawsuit, you still have the right to opt out of a settlement and pursue your claim on your own.
The Class Action Process
When it comes to how to start a class action lawsuit, the first thing to remember is that you need the right law firm. You’ll want a firm with experience in these kinds of cases, otherwise you could end up losing your chance to get compensation.
For a lawsuit like the PFAS Kirkland wipes one, that could mean not being able to receive help for your child, who could be facing medical issues.
Filing a Lawsuit
In a class action suit, a plaintiff files a lawsuit that names at least one class representative. That representative files on behalf of the entire class, and the defendants have a chance to respond to the claims.
The class representative then files a motion to have the court approve or certify the class. There are numerous requirements to do this, so a lawyer’s involvement is key.
Notifying Members of the Class
Once the lawsuit is approved as a class action, all members of the class have to be notified, as well as all individuals who could be members of the class.
Settling or Going to Court
For PFAS lawsuits and other class actions, there’s also the option of settling. This is typically the fastest way to get compensation, and it’s often the option that most corporations choose because it’s less newsworthy.
There tend to be non-disclosure agreements involved in the process, too. Court proceedings can be longer and more expensive, but they’re sometimes the only viable choice.
Once there’s a settlement or a verdict, all members of the class have to be notified. This gives people a chance to decide whether they want to opt out of the settlement and pursue their own claims.
Get the Legal Guidance You Need From ConsumerShield
If you’ve suffered injuries or illnesses because of a consumer product that contained chemicals, like the Kirkland Wipes, you could be eligible to participate in a class action lawsuit. At ConsumerShield, we can help you understand your rights and connect you with a qualified lawyer. Contact our team to learn more today.
