#United States #Class Action #Chicago #Settlement #Bestway Pools

Important Class Action Settlement for Bestway Pool Owners

If you've purchased a Bestway above-ground pool with a height of 48 inches or taller that has straps connecting to the leg structure since 2008, you might be eligible for benefits from a recent class action settlement. This announcement is backed by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Background of the Lawsuit

The class action lawsuit involves Bestway (USA) Inc., along with its affiliates Bestway Inflatables Material Corp. and Bestway (Hong Kong) International Ltd. The lawsuit arose from allegations centered on safety defects in the pools that could potentially create drowning hazards.

The case, titled In re Bestway Above-Ground Pools Litigation, number 125-cv-09570, is significant for consumers who purchased these products, as it addresses serious safety concerns associated with above-ground swimming pools sold over several years.

Who is Eligible?

To be part of the settlement class, consumers must have bought a Bestway pool that is 48 inches tall or more, which includes popular models like Power Steel and Steel Pro, with exterior straps on the support poles. Purchases must have been made for personal use and not for resale, at stores or commercial retailers, but not second-hand. The eligible period for this settlement extends from 2008 to 2024.

Settlement Details

The total settlement amount available to eligible class members is $15 million. This amount will cover various expenses, including payments to class members, administrative costs, attorney fees (not exceeding one-third of the total settlement), and service awards of $2,500 for each named plaintiff involved in the case.

To receive a payment from this settlement, affected consumers must fill out a Claim Form either online or via mail by the deadline of October 30, 2026. Details regarding the claims process can be found at PoolSettlementBW.com.

Options Available to Class Members

Class members have several options regarding their participation:
1. Submit a Claim Form: Doing so allows individuals to receive a monetary payment while forfeiting their right to sue the defendants regarding the issues settled.
2. Exclude Yourself: If you choose to exclude yourself, you will not receive any compensation but retain the right to pursue separate legal action against the defendants.
3. Object to the Settlement: You may voice concerns about the settlement, as long as this is done through a valid objection before the October 30 deadline.
4. Do Nothing: If you choose this route, you remain in the settlement class but will not be eligible for any monetary benefits.

Court Approval Process

As of now, the settlement has not received final court approval. A hearing is scheduled for November 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. CT, where the court will assess the fairness and adequacy of the settlement terms. Attorney fee awards will also be discussed during this hearing. All class members can attend, though attendance is not mandatory to receive potential benefits.

How to Get More Information

For further details, interested parties can visit PoolSettlementBW.com or reach out via phone at 1-855-789-5948 for assistance with claims or more information.

This class action settlement represents an important step for consumers affected by safety defects in Bestway pools, promising not just financial compensation, but also raising awareness about product safety in the industry.