Make It Right Foundation poor construction $20.5M class action settlement 

Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation agreed to a $20.5 million settlement to resolve allegations that it poorly rebuilt hurricane-damaged homes.

The settlement benefits current and former owners of Make It Right homes built between 2008 and 2016 in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans on Jourdan Avenue, Deslonde Street, Tennessee Street, Reynes Street, Forstall Street, North Prieur Street, North Roman Street or North Derbigny Street. There are 105 homes that fall under this class definition.

The Make It Right Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by Brad Pitt. The foundation aimed to rebuild homes damaged in Hurricane Katrina. Make It Right no longer operates and reportedly owes thousands in unpaid property taxes.

Although homeowners were initially grateful to have their homes rebuilt by Make It Right, they later took legal action against the foundation, arguing their homes were poorly built. Plaintiffs in the case say the poorly constructed homes suffer from structural problems, rotting wood, water leaks, rodent infestations and other problems.

Homeowners say they were forced to pay out of pocket to repair these problems, causing them financial damage. The plaintiffs also claim they suffered from emotional distress while dealing with these issues.

Pitt argued the individual claims against him should be dropped under Louisiana law that doesn’t allow consumers to pursue a company’s directors for wrongdoing done by the company itself. Homeowners disagreed, arguing Pitt has a responsibility to compensate Make It Right homeowners for the shoddily built homes.

The Make It Right Foundation hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to pay $20.5 million to resolve these claims.

Under the terms of the settlement, class members can receive a cash payment for any out-of-pocket repairs they had done to their Make It Right houses. 

Class members who are previous owners of Make It Right homes can receive up to $25,000. Class members who still own their homes can receive between $25,000 and $150,000 from the settlement. Exact payments will vary.

If any funds remain in the settlement after the first distribution, the remaining money will be split among class members based on the square footage of their Make It Right Foundation homes.

The deadline for exclusion was Oct. 24, 2022. The deadline for objection was Oct. 31, 2022. 

The final approval hearing for the Make It Right Foundation settlement is scheduled for Dec. 12, 2022.

In order to receive settlement benefits, class members must submit a valid claim form by Nov. 10, 2022.

Who’s Eligible

current and former owners of Make It Right homes built between 2008 and 2016 in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans on Jourdan Avenue, Deslonde Street, Tennessee Street, Reynes Street, Forstall Street, North Prieur Street, North Roman Street or North Derbigny Street. There are 105 homes that fall under this class definition.

Potential Award

Varies

Proof of Purchase

Documentation of out-of-pocket repairs

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

11/10/2022

Case Name

Lloyd Francis, et al, v. Make it Right Foundation, et al, Case No. 18-8977, in the Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans, State of Louisiana

Final Hearing

12/12/2022

Settlement Website

MIRClaims.com

Claims Administrator

Claims Administrator
800-210-2574 

Class Counsel

Ron Austin
Catherine Hilton
RON AUSTIN LAW

Defense Counsel

Sidney J Angelle
Eric B Berger
Elizabeth R Hidgon
LOBMAN, CARNAHAN, BATT, ANGELLE & NADER