A class action lawsuit that commenced in 2006 that included allegations that 24 Hour Fitness, the nation’s largest privately owned fitness center chain, violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”), the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (“EFTA”), and engaged in unfair and fraudulent business practices, in addition to other violations of consumer protection statutes relating to charging monthly membership dues by unauthorized electronic funds transfer (“EFT”) after members provided notice of cancellation of their memberships. The defendant company, 24 Hour Fitness, asserted that the class action members had authorized the charges and denied any wrongdoing. After 4 years of litigation, United States District Court Judge A. Howard Matz approved a class action settlement agreement that provided a $20 monetary reimbursement or a 3-month all-access membership certificate, which is valued between $150-$200, to just over 1.50 million class members nationwide.
Following settlement negotiations, both sides entered into a settlement agreement that provided valuable benefits to the settlement class and puts a complete stop to the practice going forward.
Fortunately, the results of this settlement brings change to the whole health club industry, that is, the largest privately owned fitness center chain in our nation has committed to stop this unfair practice. The settlement amounts to more than $295 million, which includes the value of the 3-month all-access membership certificates and the long-term value of stopping the practice going forward.
Gray and White Law is among the top law firms of Kentucky, and nationwide, and is an experienced law firm with decades of success litigating claims relating to antitrust, consumer protection, and wage & hour lawsuits. Our law firm has a winning track record and a strong reputation for vigorously protecting the rights of consumers and employees nationwide. If you suspect that you, or someone you care about, was the victim of unfair and/or fraudulent business practices, you should contact our lawyers immediately for your free legal consultation. We are available to learn about your case and to address any questions or concerns you may have at your convenience, simply contact us by toll-free call at 1-888-450-4456 or by confidential e-mail.