Auto class action administration is a narrow area of consumer claims with litigation often related to product liability allegations such as defective engines, seat belts, frames, and other components of a particular vehicle. Lawsuits may also focus on deceptive or fraudulent marketing claims. Heffler Claims Group has extensive notice and administration experience with these large-scale, and often high-profile settlements. Attorneys who partner with Heffler can expect a well-planned and efficient settlement administration from notice to distribution and final approval.
Heffler Claims Group provides the following comprehensive services, and more:
If you require a service that you do not see on this list, please don’t hesitate to contact our team.
For decades, Heffler has set the gold standard for handling auto class actions of all sizes. Today, we’re the only claims administrator to offer full-service, in-house resources including comprehensive notice media, enterprise-level contact centers, and intuitive websites for class members and counsel alike. Our uniquely qualified team of attorneys, CPAs, media and public relations experts, MBAs, data architects, and IT specialists allow for a seamless experience, case continuity, quality control, and cost savings.
From airbrake systems and rollover resistance to airbags and frame designs, there is no shortage of Federal Motor Safety Standards enforced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Heffler has significant experience with cases related to NHTSA regulations. We know this landscape inside and out and can proactively counsel you on the changing laws that impact your settlement.
Heffler recently administered an automotive matter that initially opted to cut costs by offering Interactive Voice Response (IVR) contact center support only. Though IVR is a highly effective and efficient solution for many types of class actions, we’ve learned that given the nature of automotive and other higher-value product settlements, live agents are often a more cost-effective option in the long run. In the instant case, when disgruntled class members began to surface we took quick action to set up a 1-800 number with live agents trained to handle class member escalations. While the solution resulted in a slight uptick in administrative costs, the defendant agreed that it was worthwhile to keep the brand reputation in-tact and avoid class member objections with the court, which would have negatively impacted final approval.
Consider some of the noteworthy cases we’ve handled:
Heffler was the pioneer for administering class action settlements in the mid-1960s when demand for these services first emerged. Today, Heffler’s proven processes are used industry-wide. Our priority is to “get it right” the first time for our clients and deliver exceptional, over-and-beyond results. We continuously ask, “How can we do better?” This philosophy is the driving force behind our distinctive, consultative business model.
Many other factors distinguish us from the pack:
Scope: As a trusted leader in legal administration, our leadership team collectively has more than 150 years’ experience in administering and managing some of the most complex and sophisticated cases in US history. As a division of global advisor Duff & Phelps, we have nearly 4,000 professionals in 28 countries in our corporate family, which enables us to provide the most comprehensive support in the industry, including 24/7 capability.
State-of-the-Art Technology: Heffler’s proprietary claims administration system, coupled with our in-house team of highly-skilled IT professionals — including web developers, programmers, and data specialists – allows us to handle any case with unlimited capacity and controlled security. Heffler invests in only the highest level of technology and data security, which is critical in handling sensitive class member data. Our services are supported by our comprehensive information security program, which achieved ISO 27001 certification – the most widely recognized global standard for information security.
Analytics: We utilize the top research, measurement, and evaluation currency in the advertising industry, providing industry-accepted and legally defensible methods for research, demographics, targeting, and overall measurement.
Thought Leadership: Our leadership team remains at the forefront of the class action space by actively participating in panels and thought leadership initiatives, by serving on committees to help write and refine the rules, and by testifying in the Courts.
Expertise: We bring deep experience with the auto industry to the table. Accountability is everything when relying on a trusted partner, which is why every client of ours works directly with a senior director from start to finish. Our in-house, nationally recognized media team has more than 50 years of combined media and communication experience, spanning hundreds of court-approved legal notice programs. We have managed more than 3,500 settlements, processed over 50 million claims, mailed over a billion notices, and distributed $30 billion-plus.
Given the complexity of consumer class actions and the high visibility that often comes with an automotive class action settlement, an experienced claims administrator is an essential partner. Corporations and law firms continually choose Heffler to administer their product liability and consumer class action settlements because we offer the full scope of in-house services required for successful administration. Contact us for a customized quote.
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