Producers and their law firm reached a settlement agreement this month against a manufacturer of allegedly defective milking robots.
On September 1, 2023, the Court granted final approval of the settlement for the Lely A4. The settlement allowed class members to replace their existing robot with Lely’s newer A5 model or receive cash relief. Nearly all of the approximately 400 class members participated, and the relief selected is worth approximately $121 million. Based on the claims submitted and options chosen, the cash fund is approximately $51 million, and those opting for trade-ins will receive approximately $71 million in value for trading in their A4s for new A5s.
In approving the settlement, the Court called it an “excellent result,” noting that it provided “outstanding relief” and received “overwhelming, unprecedented” support from the class. The terms of the settlement were agreed upon after nearly three years of litigation.
