It’s been three years of vigorous defense but Wal-Mart Stores Inc. agreed to settle a federal class-action lawsuit involving more than 13,500 employees who alleged the retailer’s interference in how worker compensation claims were paid for on-the-job accidents.
U.S. District Judge Robert Blackburn in Denver approved the $4 million settlement from Wal-Mart and $4 million from co-defendant Claims Management Inc. on Tuesday (Nov. 13). The court also ordered four years of injunctive relief where Wal-Mart and CMI agreed to provide training for its workers compensation adjustors.
The case — Josephine Gianzero v. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. — also involved American Home Assurance Co. and Concentra Health Services in Colorado as co-defendants.
Concentra’s insurer, Lexington Insurance, agreed to pay another $4 million to settle the case.
The defendants each denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
Wal-Mart operates numerous retail stores in Colorado and American Home Assurance provides the company’s workers compensation insurance. Concentra operates medical facilities where Wal-Mart employees received treatment.
The approved settlement allows for $520 payments to more than 13,500 plaintiffs who were treated at a Concentra facility and $50 to those treated at other facilities.
Read the rest of the story from our content partner at TheCityWire.com