In response to claims that the shoe company, Sketchers, misled consumers who purchased their line of “Shape-Up” sneakers, the manufacturer has agreed to pay approximately $40 million in damages to consumers that purchased the shoes. Additionally, the company states that it will accommodate those that no longer have a proof of purchase for their shoes.
According to the LA Times, customers who purchased the shoes are being asked to fill out a questionnaire on the company’s website with details about the purchase. Those filing for a refund will then sign documents stating that their statement is truthful, and a part of the purchase price of the shoes will be returned with no questions asked.
Consumer advocacy groups point out that the payout is just a small fraction of the profits that the company made on the shoes. Estimates show that Sketchers made more than $1 billion in sales in 2010 alone. Due to this fact, it is unclear whether or not the settlement will act as a deterrent to false advertising by big businesses.
A spokesman for Sketchers argued that $40 million is significantly more than the $25 million that Reebok, another shoe manufacturer, was forced to pay several years ago after facing similar claims.
The Indiana Personal Injury Lawyers with Stewart and Stewart Injury Lawyers would encourage anyone who has been affected by a defective product to discuss your case with an experienced attorney.