Top Class Actions  |  February 21, 2020

Category: Closed Class Actions

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This settlement is closed!

Please see what other class action settlements you might qualify to claim cash from in our Open Settlements directory!

man pumping gas

Essex gas stations have agreed to pay $1.5 million to resolve claims that they fixed the price of gas in the area between 2012 and 2015.

The settlement benefits individuals and businesses who owned or leased at least one eligible vehicle (validly registered motorcycle, three wheel vehicle, car truck or van), lived in Chittenden, Franklin or Grand Isle counties, and purchased gasoline from certain gas stations between April 1, 2012 and June 22, 2015. A full list of gas stations is available in the “Who’s Eligible” section below.

Plaintiffs claimed that R.L. Vallee Inc., S.B. Collins Inc., Wesco Inc., and Champlain Oil Company Inc. conspired together to artificially fix the prices of fuel in the Essex area. The class action filed in June 2015 claimed this conspiracy violated Vermont state consumer protection laws.

The involved Essex gas stations have not admitted any wrongdoing but have agreed to resolve the claims against them with a $1.5 million settlement.

“Defendants maintain that they have acted completely independently of each other, are competitors in the sale of gasoline, have not conspired in any way, have set gas prices fairly based on existing market forces, and did not violate any laws,” the Essex gas stations class action settlement notes.

Under the settlement, Class Members can collect a share of the net settlement fund based on the number of gallons purchased.

Without proof of purchase, individuals will be presumed to have purchased 500 gallons of gas. With proof of purchase or credit card statements, individuals and businesses may be able to collect a higher share of the settlement fund.

In order to benefit from the Essex gas stations settlement, Class Members must submit a valid claim form by March 26, 2020. The deadline for exclusion and objection is also March 26, 2020. The final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for May 11, 2020.

Who’s Eligible

Individuals and businesses who, between April 1, 2012 and June 22, 2015, owned or leased at least one eligible vehicle (validly registered motorcycle, three wheel vehicle, car truck or van), lived in Chittenden, Franklin or Grand Isle counties, and purchased gasoline from the following gas stations:

  • Champlain Farms at Jericho Road
  • Champlain Farms at Pearl Street
  • Dave’s Service Center
  • Essex Center Maverick
  • Essex Colonial Mart
  • Essex Discount Beverage
  • Fairground Beverage
  • Go Go Gas: Essex Junction
  • Maplefields at Essex
  • River Road Beverage & Redemption
  • Simon’s 2A
  • Simon’s 5 Corners
  • Simon’s Essex Center
Potential Award

A proportional share of the net settlement fund based on the number of gallons purchased.

Proof of Purchase

Credit card statements and other proof of purchase may entitle consumers to higher payments.

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

3/26/2020

Case Name

Kent, et al. v. R.L. Vallee Inc., et al., Case No. 617-6-15-CNCV, in the Vermont Superior Court for the Civil Division of Chittenden Unit

Final Hearing

5/11/2020

UPDATE: The Essex Gas Stations Price Fixing Class Action Settlement was granted final approval on June 26, 2020. Let Top Class Actions know when you receive a check in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.

Settlement Website
Claims Administrator

VT Fuel Settlement Administrator
c/o JND Legal Administration
PO Box 91130
Seattle, WA 98111
info@VTFuelClassAction.com

Class Counsel

John Roddy
Eric Snyder
Michael Murphy
BAILEY & GLASSER LLP
Joshua L. Simonds
THE BURLINGTON LAW PRACTICE PLLC

Defense Counsel

Tristram J. Coffin
DOWNS RACHLIN MARTIN PLLC

David V. Kirby
O’CONNOR & KIRBY PC

Diane M. McCarthy
SHEEHEY FURLONG & BEHM PC

Robert B. Hemley
GRAVEL & SHEA PC

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33 thoughts onEssex Gas Stations Price Fixing Class Action Settlement

  1. Angela Jackson says:

    Filed never received anything

  2. Kari says:

    I received $7.16 today, Thanks TCA :)

  3. Robert says:

    $21.55 in IL today.

    1. Jenny says:

      I received a check for $7.18

  4. Kari says:

    Receiving something in the mail from them today in IL :) Will update once received

  5. Daisy says:

    Someone said the checks are only 22.00….wow!

    1. james says:

      Better than 0.00 Checks in the mail!

      1. Sean says:

        It might as well be 0.00 especially after waiting for almost 2 years. The only folks that are getting rich off these settlements, are the lawyers! They throw crumbs at those who file claims, especially when you provide proof. So some of you all settle for crumbs without challenging the lawsuit. Cheers!!!

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Please note: Top Class Actions is not a settlement administrator or law firm. Top Class Actions is a legal news source that reports on class action lawsuits, class action settlements, drug injury lawsuits and product liability lawsuits. Top Class Actions does not process claims and we cannot advise you on the status of any class action settlement claim. You must contact the settlement administrator or your attorney for any updates regarding your claim status, claim form or questions about when payments are expected to be mailed out.