Maryland Gastite, Wardflex Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing Class Action Settlement

A settlement has been proposed in a class action lawsuit alleging Gastite and Wardflex corrugated stainless steel tubing is susceptible to perforation and the possibility of gas leaks, fire or explosion when energized by lightning strikes.

If you own property in Maryland that had Gastite or Wardflex corrugated stainless steel tubing installed as of March 15, 2017, you may be entitled to benefits from this class action settlement.

Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) sold under the name Gastite is manufactured by the Titeflex Corporation, and CSST sold under the name Wardflex is manufactured by Ward Manufacturing LLC.

Titeflex and Ward Manufacturing deny the allegations and maintain their corrugated stainless steel tubing is not defective. However, they have agreed to settle the class action lawsuit to avoid the expense and uncertainty of ongoing litigation.

Under the terms of the proposed corrugated stainless steel tubing class action settlement, the defendants have agreed to provide Class Members with a free safety inspection of their CSST, a discounted repair if necessary to ensure compliance with applicable codes, and a voucher to offset the cost of a Lightning Protection System.

The CSST class action settlement was granted preliminary approval on Feb. 24, 2017.

Who’s Eligible

Class Members include anyone who either:

• As of March 15, 2017, own property in Maryland on which Gaslite or Wardflex corrugated stainless steel tubing was installed after Sept. 5, 2006; or
• After Sept. 5, 2006, purchased property in which Gaslite or Wardflex CSST was installed on or before Sept. 5, 2006.

Potential Award

Varies, based on the date Class Members purchased their property, the date on which the Gaslite or Wardflex CSST was installed on the property, whether the CSST was installed in accordance with applicable codes, regulations and manufacturers’ installation requirements, and the location of the property in Maryland.

The benefits available to Class Members include:

• Inspection: Class Members who submit validated photographic evidence that their property contains Gaslite or Wardflex CSST are eligible to receive a free inspection from a third-party vendor who will determine whether the CSST is compliant with applicable codes and regulations.
• Code Compliant Repair: If the CSST on a Class Member’s property is not code-compliant, the Class Member may decide to have the third-party vendor make repairs that bring the CSST into compliance with the applicable codes and regulations. The defendants will contribute up to $125 to offset the cost of the repair. The actual payment amount will be determined based on the date the CSST was installed on the property.
• Lightning Protection System: Owners of property with CSST in certain geographic areas within Maryland may elect to receive a payment voucher of up to $400 that can be used to offset the cost of a Lightning Protection System. To be eligible for this benefit, the property must be located in an area of Flash Density 4 (based on the VAISALA lightning density map) or greater and qualify under NFPA 780 factors.

Proof of Purchase

Class Members must submit proof of ownership of the property on which the CSST is installed, and photographs depicting the CSST. Please read the instructions on the Claim Form carefully.

NOTE: If you need to make repairs to your CSST before your Claim is resolved, you must notify the defendants. If you complete the repairs or replacement without notifying the defendants, your claim may be denied.

Claim Form

CLICK HERE TO FILE A CLAIM »

Claim Form Deadline

3/15/2018

Case Name

James Roy, et al. v. Titeflex Corporation, et al., Case No. 384003V, in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland

Final Hearing

6/23/2017

Settlement Website

www.CSSTSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

1-844-357-8798
CSSTSettlement@AdministratorClassAction.com

Class Counsel

Gary E. Mason
Ben Branda
WHITFIELD BRYSON & MASON LLP

Jonathan K. Tycko
Andrea Gold
TYCKO & ZAVAREEI LLP

Jonathan Shub
KOHN SWIFT & GRAF PC

Anthony J. Morrone
Mark E. Utke
COZEN O’CONNOR

Steven M. Pavsner
JOSEPH GREENWALD & LAAKE PA

Aaron Rihn
ROBERT PEIRCE & ASSOCIATES PC

Brendan S. Thompson
CUNEO GILBERT & LADUCA LLP

Defense Counsel

Thomas Sullivan
MORGAN LEWIS & BOCKIUS LLP

John Papianou
MONTGOMERY MCCRACKEN WALKER & RHOADS LLP