If you have received unsolicited phone calls or text messages from Farha Roofing, LLC, you may be eligible for a cash payment through a recent class action settlement. The case, officially known as Brianna Ford v. Farha Roofing, LLC et al., was filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri. This settlement addresses claims that the company violated federal privacy laws regarding telemarketing practices.
Navigating a class action settlement can often feel overwhelming, but the process for this specific case is designed to be straightforward for eligible consumers. This article provides a comprehensive guide on who is included in the settlement, how to submit a claim, and the important deadlines you need to know to ensure you receive your portion of the settlement fund. By understanding your rights and following the necessary steps, you can secure the compensation you are entitled to under the law.
Understanding the Ford v. Farha Roofing Settlement
The lawsuit was initiated by Brianna Ford, who alleged that Farha Roofing, LLC and its affiliates contacted individuals for marketing purposes without obtaining the proper prior express written consent. These actions are regulated by the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), a federal law designed to protect consumers from intrusive telemarketing practices. The lawsuit sought to represent a broad group of people who were similarly affected by these unwanted communications.
What is the TCPA?
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) was passed by Congress in 1991. It restricts the use of automatic telephone dialing systems (ATDS), artificial or prerecorded voice messages, and SMS text messages. Under this law, companies are generally prohibited from contacting consumers who have not given their clear permission to be contacted, especially if those consumers are listed on the National Do Not Call Registry.
In the case of Ford v. Farha Roofing, the plaintiff alleged that the defendants used automated technology to reach out to potential customers, which led to the legal dispute. By reaching a settlement, the parties have agreed to resolve the claims without the court deciding who was right or wrong. This agreement provides a guaranteed fund for those affected, avoiding the uncertainty and long duration of a full trial.
Who Is Eligible for a Payment?
To receive a payment from this settlement, you must be a member of the “Settlement Class.” Eligibility is generally based on whether your phone number was included in the records of the calls or texts made by Farha Roofing during the specific timeframe covered by the lawsuit. This group is specifically defined to include people who received certain types of telemarketing contacts.
The Settlement Class Definition
The settlement class typically includes individuals in the United States who received one or more telemarketing calls or text messages from Farha Roofing, or someone acting on their behalf, within the period defined in the legal documents. Specifically, the focus is often on those who were on the National Do Not Call Registry for at least 30 days or who received calls via an automated system without their consent.
If you are unsure if you are included, you may have received a notice via mail or email. These notices often contain a unique Claim ID or PIN that simplifies the filing process. However, even if you did not receive a notice, you can still check your eligibility by searching the settlement administrator’s database with your phone number to see if it matches the records used in the case.
How to File Your Claim
Filing a claim is the most critical step in receiving your compensation. If you do not submit a valid claim form by the deadline, you will not receive a payment, and you will give up your right to sue the defendants regarding these specific legal issues in the future. The process is entirely free and does not require you to hire your own lawyer.
Step 1: Locate Your Notice
If you received a settlement notice, keep it handy. It contains your Claim ID, which is the fastest way to verify your identity on the official settlement website. If you lost your notice or never received one, you can still proceed by providing the phone number that received the unsolicited contact. The administrator uses this information to verify that you are a legitimate member of the class.
Step 2: Complete the Claim Form
The claim form can be submitted online or through the mail. The online method is generally recommended as it provides instant confirmation and reduces the risk of errors or mail delays. You will need to provide your current contact information, including your name and mailing address, so the administrator knows where to send your check. You may also be asked to confirm that you received the calls or texts in question.
Step 3: Review and Submit
Before submitting, double-check that all information is accurate. Inaccurate addresses are one of the most common reasons for delayed or returned checks. Once submitted, you should receive a confirmation number. Keep this number in your records in case you need to follow up with the settlement administrator later in the process.
Important Deadlines to Remember
Class action settlements are strictly governed by timelines. Missing a date can result in losing your eligibility for a payment or losing your right to object to the terms of the deal. It is vital to mark these dates on your calendar to ensure you stay informed.
- Claim Submission Deadline: The most important date is Friday, June 13, 2025. All claim forms must be submitted online or postmarked by this date to be considered valid.
- Exclusion Deadline: If you wish to keep your right to sue Farha Roofing individually, you must “opt out” or exclude yourself by the deadline specified in the settlement documents. Doing this means you will not receive any money from this settlement.
- Objection Deadline: If you disagree with the settlement terms, the amount of attorney fees, or the service award for the lead plaintiff, you must file a formal objection with the court by the designated date.
- Final Approval Hearing: The court will hold a hearing to decide whether to grant final approval to the settlement. This is the final legal hurdle before payments can be processed.
How Much Money Can You Expect?
The total settlement fund is approximately $1.4 million. This fund will be used to pay for several items before the money reaches class members. These items include administrative costs, attorney fees, and service awards for the class representatives who brought the case forward. The remaining amount, known as the “Net Settlement Fund,” will be divided among all class members who submit a valid claim.
The exact amount of each payment depends entirely on how many people file a claim. If a small number of people participate, the individual payments will be higher. Conversely, if many people file claims, the individual payments will be lower. Because this is a pro-rata distribution, the final amount cannot be determined until after the filing deadline has passed and all claims have been verified.
Working with the Settlement Administrator
The court has appointed CPT Group, Inc. as the Settlement Administrator. Their role is to manage the claims process, verify eligibility, and distribute the checks. If you have questions about your specific claim status or need to update your mailing address because you have moved, you should contact them directly through the official contact channels.
It is important to remember that the administrator is a neutral third party. They cannot provide you with legal advice or tell you whether you should participate, but they can assist with the technical aspects of filing your claim or understanding the timeline of the case. They are the primary point of contact for all administrative matters related to the fund.
What Happens After You File?
Once you have submitted your claim, the process moves into the verification and approval phase. The administrator will review all submissions to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and are not duplicates. This process can take several months, especially in cases with a large number of potential class members, as every claim must be cross-referenced with the available call records.
After the claim deadline passes on June 13, 2025, the court will hold the Final Approval Hearing. If the judge approves the settlement, there is often a 30-day period during which appeals can be filed. If no appeals are filed, the administrator will begin the process of calculating the final payment amounts and mailing checks. Most participants can expect to receive their payment several months after the final approval date.
Summary of Steps for Success
To ensure you don’t miss out on this opportunity for compensation, follow these simple steps to complete your claim successfully:
- Verify your eligibility by checking for a settlement notice or searching for your phone number in the administrator’s database.
- Decide whether to file a claim, exclude yourself to maintain your right to sue, or object to the terms.
- Submit your claim form before the June 13, 2025, deadline to ensure it is included in the distribution.
- Keep a copy of your confirmation number and update the administrator if your address changes before the checks are mailed.
By taking these actions, you can exercise your rights under the TCPA and receive compensation for the unsolicited contacts you received. For more information on your consumer rights and other active settlements, feel free to explore our other guides on legal protections and financial recovery to stay informed about your options.