Consumers who own property in the State of Maryland and had Gastite or Wardflex corrugated stainless steel tubing installed as recently as March 15, 2017 might be eligible for class membership in a proposed class action lawsuit settlement. The lawsuit alleges Gastite and Wardflex stainless steel tubing is vulnerable to perforations, which creates gas leaks that external sources ignite to produce fires and/or explosions. Titeflex Corporation manufactures corrugated stainless steel tubing under the Gastite brand, while Ward Manufacturing LLC produces Wardflex.
Both companies agreed to terms that mandate free safety inspections of corrugated stainless steel tubing sold to consumers. Consumers that experience perforations in the corrugated stainless steel tubing sold by either company are eligible for discounted repairs that bring the tubing up to applicable safety codes. Class members also receive a voucher that reduces the cost of a Lightning Protection System.
What You Need to Know
Granted preliminary approval on February 24, 2017, the corrugated stainless steel tubing class action settlement covers consumers who owned property in Maryland after September 5, 2006 through March 15, 2017. Eligible Maryland property owners must have Gastite or Wardflex corrugated stainless steel tubing installed. No other type of tubing is covered by the settlement.
The potential award for class members varies depending on the date of purchase. Moreover, the court factors in whether Titeflex and Ward Manufacturing installed the tubing according to “applicable codes, regulations and manufacturers’ installation requirements, and the location of the property in Maryland.” Eligible class members must present photographic evidence of installed Gastite or Wardflex corrugated stainless steel tubing on their properties. They must also present proof of property ownership. This is especially important for class members who are eligible for a $400 payment voucher to reduce the cost of a Lightning Protection System.
The deadline to file a claim from under the class action lawsuit case James Roy, et al. v. Titeflex Corporation, et al., Case No. 384003V, in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland is March 15, 2018. The final settlement hearing unfolds on June 23, 2017. For updated information about the Maryland Gastite, Wardflex Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing Class Action Settlement, access www.CSSTSettlement.com. Class counsel includes Gary E. Mason and Ben Branda representing the law firm of Whitfield Bryson & Mason LLP and Jonathan K. Tycko and Andrea Gold of Tycko & Zavareei LLP.
Here are the other attorneys who represent the class action plaintiffs:
Anthony J. Morrone and Mark E. Utke-Cozen O’Connor
Steven M. Pavsner-Joseph Greenwald & Laake PA
Aaron Rihn-Robert Pierce & Associates PC
Brendan S. Thompson-Cuneo Gilbert & Laduca LLP
Thomas Sullivan of Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP and John Papianou from Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads comprise the defense counsel.
