DeLaval defective milking robots $55M class action settlement

DeLaval will pay $55 million to resolve claims its VMS Classic milking robots were defective and adversely affected cow health.

The settlement benefits consumers who purchased, financed or leased DeLaval VMS Classic milking robots in the United States.

DeLaval provides equipment to dairy farmers for milking cows. According to the company’s website, DeLaval equipment helps promote sustainable dairy production, ensure quality milk products and benefit animal health.

Despite these claims, DeLaval’s VMS Classic milking robots allegedly have an adverse effect on milk quality and dairy cow health.

According to the class action lawsuit against DeVal, the VMS Classic milking robot is defective due to a failure to properly clean, milk and disinfect the teats of dairy cows while in use. The machine is supposed to perform these functions to increase dairy quality and production, the plaintiffs contend. 

Since the VMS Classic milking machine fails to perform as expected due to this defect, the machine allegedly failed to increase milk production or quality. Instead, the machines adversely impacted the health of dairy cows, the DeVal class action lawsuit contends.

DeLaval hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to resolve these allegations with a $55 million class action settlement.

Under the terms of the settlement, class members can benefit from one of two funds: Fund A or Fund B.

Fund A represents 15% of the net settlement fund and will be used to compensate class members who purchased or financed VMS Classic robots. Leased robots are not included in this fund.

Fund B represents 85% of the settlement fund and will be used for payments to class members who can show their milk production was harmed by using the DeVal VMS Classic milking robots. Payments from this fund will be based on the difference between the VMS Classic baseline of 4,500 pounds of milk per robot per day and the actual amount of milk produced by class members’ machines for the first five years of use. Fund B payments will require documentation to prove milk production.

Class members may have their payments from both funds reduced if they purchased the machines between May 1, 2012, and Nov. 14, 2013, purchased the robots used, already executed a release with DeVal related to these claims, served as a test farm for DeVal, or sold or traded the robot.

The deadline for exclusion and objection is June 27, 2022. Class members who object will remain a part of the class while those who exclude themselves will not. 

The final approval hearing for the DeLaval milking robots settlement is scheduled for July 11, 2022. 

In order to receive a payment from the settlement, class members must submit a valid claim form by June 27, 2022.

Who’s Eligible

The settlement benefits consumers who purchased, financed or leased DeLaval VMS Classic milking robots in the United States.

Potential Award

Varies

Proof of Purchase

Fund B payments will require documentation to prove milk production.

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

06/27/2022

Case Name

Bishop, et al. v. DeLaval Inc., et al., Case No. 5:19-cv-06129-SRB, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri

Final Hearing

07/11/2022

Settlement Website

DelavalVMSRobotSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

DeLaval VMS Classic Settlement
c/o Analytics Consulting LLC
P.O. Box 2002
Chanhassen, MN 55317-2002
info@delavalvmsrobotsettlement.com
855-752-1480

Class Counsel

Patrick J Stueve
Bradley T Wilders
Jillian R Dent
K Ross Merrill
STUEVE SIEGEL HANSON LLP

Arend Tensen
CULLENBERG & TERNSEN PLLC

Daniel C Perrone
PERRONE LAW PLLC

Defense Counsel

Robert T Adams
Lynn H Murray
Gregory K Wu
Peter F O’Neill
Anna A EL-Zein
SHOOK HARDY & BACON LLP