Consumers May Be Entitled to LCD Settlement: Attorney General

Consumers who bought products with LCD screens could be entitled to a settlement from manufacturers, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced Thursday.

Anyone in Illinois who bought TVs, monitors, notebook computers, cell phones, MP3 players and other products that contain liquid crystal display (LCD) screens between 1998 and 2006 may have overpaid, according to a lawsuit filed by Madigan.

The lawsuit alleges that the companies illegally fixed the prices for LCD screens, Madigan said in a statement, causing the product prices to be significantly higher than normal.

Companies including Chi Mei Innolux, Epson, Hitachi, LG Display and Sharp, reached a settlement of $104 million Thursday.

If eligible, consumers could potentially recover up to $270 for a TV to $20 for a small-screen device, with the amount varying based on number of claims submitted.

Consumers have until October 4, 2016, to file a claim online atwww.illinoislcdsettlement.com, or via mail to:

LCD Illinois Claims
c/o A.B. Data, Ltd.
P.O. Box 170500
Milwaukee, WI 53217

“These companies illegally conspired to fix prices for LCD screens,” Madigan said. “I encourage Illinois consumers to file claims to recover money if they overpaid.”

Payments from the settlement are subject to the court’s final approval of the settlement.