If you have worked for Troy Design & Manufacturing Co. through the staffing agency PeopleShare in Illinois, you may be eligible for a portion of a new class action settlement. The case, known as Franklin v. Troy Design & Manufacturing Co., focuses on allegations regarding the collection of biometric data without proper authorization. A settlement fund of $212,500.00 has been established to resolve these claims, providing a path for affected individuals to receive compensation.
Understanding class action settlements can be complex, but this guide will break down the eligibility requirements, the filing process, and the important deadlines you need to know. By following these steps, you can ensure your rights are protected and that you receive any payment you are owed under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA).
What is the Franklin BIPA Settlement?
The Franklin v. Troy Design & Manufacturing Co. lawsuit alleges that the defendants violated the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act. The plaintiff claimed that workers were required to use biometric scanners—such as fingerprint or hand-geometry readers—to clock in and out of work without receiving the legally required disclosures or providing written consent.
Biometric data is considered highly sensitive because, unlike a password or a social security number, it cannot be changed if it is compromised. Because of this, Illinois law requires companies to follow strict protocols when collecting and storing this information. While the defendants deny any wrongdoing, they have agreed to a settlement to avoid the costs and risks of a lengthy trial.
Understanding the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA)
BIPA is one of the strictest privacy laws in the United States. It was enacted in 2008 to protect Illinois residents from the unauthorized collection of their biological identifiers. This includes fingerprints, voiceprints, facial scans, and hand scans.
Under BIPA, companies must meet several requirements before collecting biometric data:
- Written Notice: The company must inform the individual in writing that biometric identifiers are being collected or stored.
- Purpose and Duration: The company must state the specific purpose for collecting the data and how long it will be kept.
- Written Release: The company must obtain a signed written release from the individual.
- Public Policy: The company must have a publicly available written policy regarding the retention and destruction of this data.
When these steps are skipped, individuals have the right to seek damages, which is what led to the Franklin v. Troy Design settlement.
Who is Eligible for the Settlement?
Eligibility for this settlement is specific to a particular group of workers. You are likely a member of the Settlement Class if you fit the following criteria:
Employment Criteria
You must have been employed by or worked for Troy Design & Manufacturing Co. in Illinois through the staffing agency PeopleShare. The settlement specifically targets individuals who used a biometric time clock system during their time at the facility.
Timeframe Requirements
The settlement covers individuals who worked at the facility within a specific window of time defined by the court. Generally, if you received a notice in the mail or via email regarding this case, you are automatically considered part of the class. If you did not receive a notice but believe you qualify, you should review the official court documents to confirm the exact dates of the class period.
How to File a Claim
To receive a payment from the settlement fund, you must take action. In most class action cases, payments are not sent automatically; you must submit a valid claim form by the deadline.
Step 1: Locate Your Notice
Most eligible class members were sent a notice containing a unique Class Member ID. This ID makes the filing process much faster. If you lost your notice, you can often still file by providing your personal information, such as your social security number or employee ID, to verify your identity.
Step 2: Complete the Claim Form
You can typically complete the claim form online through the official settlement website or by mailing a paper form. The form will ask for your current contact information to ensure your check is mailed to the correct address. You will also need to attest, under penalty of perjury, that you are a member of the class.
Step 3: Submit Before the Deadline
The most important part of the process is ensuring your claim is submitted on time. Late claims are almost always rejected by the court. For the Franklin v. Troy Design settlement, the deadlines are critical, so do not delay in submitting your information.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Staying informed about court dates is essential for anyone involved in a class action. Here are the key dates currently associated with this settlement:
- Exclusion Deadline (Opt-Out): November 3, 2025. If you wish to sue the defendants individually, you must exclude yourself by this date.
- Objection Deadline: November 3, 2025. If you disagree with the terms of the settlement, you must file a written objection by this date.
- Final Approval Hearing: The court will hold a hearing to decide if the settlement is fair and reasonable. You are not required to attend this hearing to receive a payment.
Please note that these dates are subject to change by the court. It is always a good idea to check for updates periodically.
How Much Money Will You Receive?
The total settlement fund is $212,500.00. However, this is not the amount that will be distributed directly to class members. Before payments are made, several costs are deducted from the fund:
- Attorney Fees: The lawyers who represented the class will be paid a percentage of the fund for their work.
- Administrative Costs: The company managing the settlement (the Settlement Administrator) is paid for mailing notices and processing claims.
- Service Award: The lead plaintiff (Franklin) may receive a small additional payment for their role in representing the group.
After these deductions, the remaining “Net Settlement Fund” is divided equally among all class members who submitted a valid claim. The exact amount depends entirely on how many people participate. If fewer people file claims, the individual payments will be higher.
What Happens if You Do Nothing?
If you do nothing, you will not receive a payment. Furthermore, you will give up your right to ever sue Troy Design & Manufacturing Co. or PeopleShare regarding these specific biometric privacy claims in the future. By staying in the class but not filing a claim, you essentially accept the settlement terms without receiving the financial benefit.
If you want to keep your right to sue individually, you must follow the formal “exclusion” process before the November deadline. For most people, filing a claim is the most practical way to receive compensation for the alleged privacy violation.
Conclusion
The Franklin v. Troy Design & Manufacturing Co. settlement is a significant opportunity for eligible workers to exercise their privacy rights under Illinois law. By providing $212,500.00 in relief, the settlement holds companies accountable for how they handle sensitive biometric data. If you believe you are a member of this class, take the time to review your records and submit your claim form before the November 3, 2025, deadline.
Protecting your digital privacy is more important than ever. We encourage you to explore our other articles on consumer rights, data protection, and how to navigate legal settlements to stay informed and empowered in the modern workplace.