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If You Purchased A Slide-in Or Freestanding Range From Sears

Between July 2, 2000, And September 18, 2007

You May Qualify For Benefits From A Settlement


Please Read This Frequently Asked Questions And Answers Form Carefully,

Your Legal Rights Will Be Affected Whether You Act Or Do Not Act

A Settlement has been proposed in a class action lawsuit for people that purchased a freestanding or slide-in range from Sears between July 2, 2000, and September 18, 2007. The range must have been delivered and hooked up by Sears, and the range must be for home use only. The Proposed Settlement also includes people who, after the range was delivered by Sears, arranged to have an anti-tip bracket installed (and paid for that installation), all of which must have occurred during the period between July 2, 2000, and September 18, 2007.

A Fairness Hearing will be held by the Court to consider approval of the Settlement on January 15, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. or at such later time as ordered by the Court. The Court is the Circuit Court for Madison County, Illinois, and is located at 155 North Main Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025, courtroom 327. All members of the Settlement Class who do not timely exclude themselves from the Settlement will be bound by the results of the hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. WHY HAS THIS NOTICE BEEN ISSUED?
  2. WHAT IS A CLASS ACTION?
  3. WHAT IS THIS LAWSUIT ABOUT?
  4. WHY SHOULD I HAVE AN ANTI-TIP DEVICE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE ON MY RANGE?
  5. WHY IS THERE A PROPOSED SETTLEMENT?
  6. HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM A CLASS MEMBER?
  7. HOW CAN I TELL IF AN ANTI-TIP DEVICE IS ALREADY INSTALLED ON MY RANGE?
  8. ARE THERE ANY EXCEPTIONS TO BEING INCLUDED AS A CLASS MEMBER?
  9. HOW DO I KNOW IF THE RANGE I BOUGHT IS INCLUDED IN THIS PROPOSED SETTLEMENT?
  10. WHAT DOES THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT PROVIDE?
  11. WHAT AM I GIVING UP IF I STAY IN THE CLASS?
  12. DO I HAVE A LAWYER IN THE LAWSUIT AND PROPOSED SETTLEMENT?
  13. WHO PAYS THE LAWYERS, AND HOW MUCH WILL THEY BE PAID?
  14. SHOULD I GET MY OWN LAWYER?
  15. DO I HAVE TO SUBMIT A CLAIM FORM?
  16. HOW DO I SUBMIT THE CLAIM FORM?
  17. HOW WILL I ACTUALLY RECEIVE THE BENEFITS?
  18. WHAT IF I DO NOT WANT TO BE PART OF THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT CLASS?
  19. HOW DO I EXCLUDE MYSELF FROM THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT?
  20. CAN I TELL THE COURT IF I DO NOT LIKE THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT?
  21. HOW DO I OBJECT TO THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT?
  22. CAN I OBJECT WITHOUT ATTENDING THE HEARING?
  23. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OBJECTING AND EXCLUDING MYSELF?
  24. WHEN AND WHERE WILL THE COURT DECIDE WHETHER TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT?
  25. DO I HAVE TO COME TO THE HEARING?
  26. CAN I SPEAK AT THE HEARING?
  27. ARE THERE MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT?
  28. WHAT CONDITIONS MAKE INSTALLATION OF AN ANTI-TIP BRACKET UNUSUALLY DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE?
  29. HOW DO I CHANGE MY ADDRESS IN YOUR DATABASE?
  30. WHAT IF I PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED COMPENSATION OR A CUSTOMER-SATISFACTION BENEFIT FOR PROBLEMS WITH MY FREESTANDING OR SLIDE-IN RANGE?
  31. WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOTHING?
  32. THE PERSON THE NOTICE WAS SENT TO IS DECEASED/OR IS INCAPACITATED. CAN I FILL OUT THE CLAIM ON HIS/HER BEHALF?
  33. WHO ARE THE CLASS REPRESENTATIVES AND WHAT COMPENSATION WILL THEY RECEIVE?
  34. HOW DID YOU OBTAIN MY INFORMATION?
  35. CAN YOU ADVISE ME ON WHAT TO DO?
  36. DOES THE GIFT CARD HAVE A DATE RANGE OF WHEN IT CAN BE USED OR AN EXPIRATION DATE?
  37. HOW WAS THE SETTLEMENT AMOUNT OR BENEFIT DETERMINED?
  38. HAS THE ANTI-TIP BRACKET AFFECTED OTHER RANGES OUTSIDE THE CLASS PERIOD?
  39. WILL I STILL RECEIVE MY BENEFIT IF THE SETTLEMENT IS NOT APPROVED?

1.  WHY HAS NOTICE BEEN ISSUED?

You have a right to know about a Proposed Settlement of this class action lawsuit and about your options before the Court decides whether to approve the Proposed Settlement. The Notice is for everyone who purchased a freestanding or slide-in range from Sears and had the range delivered and hooked up by Sears between July 2, 2000, and September 18, 2007. The Notice is also for those who, after Sears delivered their range, paid to have someone come to their home and install an anti-tip bracket during the same time period. The Notice explains the lawsuit, the Proposed Settlement, your legal rights, what benefits will be provided and who will receive them.

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2.  WHAT IS A CLASS ACTION?

In a class action lawsuit, one or more plaintiffs bring a lawsuit on behalf of themselves and also, as class representatives, on behalf of other persons who may have similar claims. All of these persons together are called a "Class" or "Class Members." In this Proposed Settlement, the people in the Class are individuals who purchased ranges from Sears and had them delivered during the Class Period.

The decisions of the Judge in the Illinois State Court regarding this lawsuit will apply to all of the Class Members, except for those who exclude themselves from the Class.

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3.  WHAT IS THIS LAWSUIT ABOUT?

Freestanding and slide-in ranges sold by Sears during the Class Period came with a device called an anti-tip bracket (or a similar device). This device is designed to prevent injuries by keeping a range stable in the event that a sufficient amount of weight is placed on an open door or storage bin drawer. During the Class Period, Sears provided anti-tip brackets with ranges sold, but did not install the brackets unless customers specifically asked Sears to do so (and paid an additional fee). Plaintiffs challenged Sears' delivery and installation practices. The lawsuit was filed on July 2, 2004, in Madison County, Illinois. Sears denies that it did anything improper or illegal, and denies that its delivery practices were faulty. The Court has not made a final decision about the issues in the lawsuit.

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4.  WHY SHOULD I HAVE AN ANTI-TIP DEVICE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE ON MY RANGE?

Plaintiffs assert that there is an immediate safety concern. Anti-tip brackets are designed to limit the risk that a range will tip and cause injury if a sufficient amount of weight or force is applied to an open oven door or storage bin drawer. So, there is a risk of injury from range tipping if an anti-tip bracket is not installed. Either an adult or child is capable of tipping a range.

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5  WHY IS THERE A PROPOSED SETTLEMENT?

Plaintiffs and Sears agreed to settle the lawsuit after extensive negotiations with the help of a former judge who acted as mediator. Plaintiffs' Counsel believe that the Proposed Settlement is fair and reasonable and in the best interest of the Class because it will offer installation of an anti-tip bracket to those who qualify (or, if the Class Member chooses, a gift card) and will reimburse (up to $100) those who, after Sears delivered their range, arranged and paid for someone to install an anti-tip bracket. Moreover, Plaintiffs' counsel believes the Proposed Settlement will avoid the considerable risks and delays involved in continuing the lawsuit. Likewise, although Sears maintains that it has done nothing wrong, it has agreed to settle the lawsuit to avoid the expense, distraction and uncertainty of continued litigation.

Plaintiffs' Counsel believe the Proposed Settlement is fair because, for a number of reasons, they were not certain that the Class would win the lawsuit and, even if they did win, they might receive less benefits than Sears has agreed to provide to settle the lawsuit.

By agreeing to the Proposed Settlement, both sides avoid the expense and uncertainty of litigating these issues.

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6.  HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM A CLASS MEMBER?

You are a Class Member and part of the Proposed Settlement if all of the following apply to you:

  • You purchased a freestanding or slide-in range from Sears during the period from July 2, 2000 to September 18, 2007.
  • Your range was manufactured for use with an anti-tip bracket or comparable stability device.
  • The range was delivered to your home within the 50 States, the District of Colombia, or Puerto Rico and hooked up by Sears' personnel (i.e.- you did not pick up the range from the store or hook it up yourself).
  • The anti-tip bracket was not installed by Sears at the time of delivery.

You may be entitled to alternative benefits (reimbursement up to $100.00) if you paid someone to install an anti-tip bracket after Sears delivered your range.

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7  HOW CAN I TELL IF AN ANTI-TIP DEVICE IS ALREADY INSTALLED ON MY RANGE?

This depends on the type of range you have and its components. Most ranges have four leveling legs, and many of the anti-tip devices supplied with ranges sold by Sears are designed to engage or be secured to one of those back leveling legs. Using a flashlight to provide additional light for a better visual inspection, try to look behind or under your range for an anti-tip bracket. If possible, remove the lower panel, or storage drawer, to get a better view of the back leveling legs. The bracket will look like a piece of metal screwed to the floor which will appear to be connected to, or secured to, one of your range's feet. For models with a warmer drawer or broiler drawer compartment getting a clear view of the rear leveling legs can be difficult. If you have any doubt as to whether you see a bracket, please fill out a claim form and Sears will proceed as if no bracket is currently installed. Under no circumstances should you attempt to move your range or attempt to tip the range by standing on the open door.

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8.  ARE THERE ANY EXCEPTIONS TO BEING INCLUDED AS A CLASS MEMBER?

You are not a Class Member and part of the Proposed Settlement if any of the following applies to you:

  • The conditions in your home make installation of an anti-tip bracket unusually difficult or impossible.
  • Sears installed an anti-tip bracket at the time of delivery.
  • You purchased the range for a purpose other than use in your home (i.e. - you are a landlord, business, contractor, etc.).
  • You choose to exclude yourself from the Proposed Settlement.
  • You have claims for personal injury or property damage against Sears related to range tipping.

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9  HOW DO I KNOW IF THE RANGE I BOUGHT IS INCLUDED IN THIS PROPOSED SETTLEMENT?

Only freestanding or slide-in ranges that were sold by Sears and its affiliates from July 2, 2000 to September 18, 2007 are included in this Proposed Settlement. If you are not sure if you bought your range from Sears during this time period, you may call the Settlement Administrator at the toll-free number (888) 952-9084 to check whether your purchase occurred during this time period.

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10  WHAT DOES THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT PROVIDE?

Sears has agreed to provide free installation of an anti-tip bracket to those Class Members who qualify for relief. In the alternative, those Class Members may request (instead of a free install) a nontransferable $50 gift card that can be used towards the purchase and delivery of a new regular price range at any Sears retail or online store. For any Class Member who, after their range was delivered by Sears, arranged and paid for the installation of an anti-tip bracket, Sears will reimburse the cost of the installation (up to $100). Sears has also agreed to pay all costs of notice to the Class and the costs of administering the Proposed Settlement.

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11.  WHAT AM I GIVING UP IF I STAY IN THE CLASS?

If you do not ask to be excluded, you will stay in the Class. If the Proposed Settlement is approved, Plaintiffs will dismiss the lawsuit. All Class Members will give up their right to sue, or continue to sue, Sears over any claim regarding Sears' delivery practices of ranges during the Class Period with respect to anti-tip brackets. In other words, those claims will be "released." The released claims do not include claims that relate to any alleged personal injury. The release of claims is a "general release" as that term is used in Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California or similar statutes in other states. The full release is contained in the Settlement Agreement (available on this website), and you should review it if you have any questions.

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12.   DO I HAVE A LAWYER IN THE LAWSUIT AND PROPOSED SETTLEMENT?

Yes. The Court has appointed lawyers to represent you and the other Class Members. These lawyers are called Plaintiffs' Counsel. You will not be charged for these lawyers. You can contact Plaintiffs' Counsel at the following addresses:

Stephen Tillery
Korein Tillery LLC
505 N. 7th St
Suite 3600
St. Louis, MO 63101

Daniel J.T. Sciano
Tinsman & Sciano, Inc.,
10107 McAllister Freeway
San Antonio, TX 72816

Roger L. Mandel
Marc R. Stanley
Stanley, Mandel & Iola, LLP,
3100 Monticello Avenue
Suite 750
Dallas, TX 75205

Blake Beckham
Jose M. Portela
The Beckham Group, 3400 Carlisle St.,
Suite 550
Dallas, TX 75204

A complete listing of Plaintiffs' Counsel is set forth in the Settlement Agreement, which is available on the website, www.searsrangesettlement.com, or by calling (888) 952-9084 or writing the Settlement Administrator, PO Box 1574, Minneapolis, MN 55440-1574.

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13.  WHO PAYS THE LAWYERS, AND HOW MUCH WILL THEY BE PAID?

From the beginning of this lawsuit to the present, Plaintiffs' Counsel has not received any payment for their services. They also have not been reimbursed for their out-of-pocket expenses. If the Court approves the Proposed Settlement, Plaintiffs' Counsel will ask the Court to award them attorneys' fees and out-of-pocket expenses in the amount of $17 million. Sears has agreed not to oppose an award of $17 million or less. The Court will decide what amount of fees and expenses to award. Sears will pay Plaintiffs' Counsel the amount of attorneys' fees and expenses awarded by the Court. This payment will not reduce the benefits offered by Sears to the Class.

Plaintiffs' Counsel will file their request for attorneys' fees and expenses with the Clerk of the Court on or before December 14, 2007. Any attorneys' fees and expenses awarded by the Court will be paid separately from, and will not reduce, the benefits provided under the Proposed Settlement. Class Counsel will also petition the court for an incentive award not to exceed $5,000 to be paid to each of the named Plaintiffs who bring this lawsuit. Under no circumstances will Class Members be personally liable for any attorneys' fees or expenses of Plaintiffs' Counsel.

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14.   SHOULD I GET MY OWN LAWYER?

You don't need to hire your own lawyer because the Court has appointed Plaintiffs' Counsel to represent you. But, if you want your own lawyer to advise you or appear in Court on your behalf, you may hire a different lawyer. You will have to pay that lawyer yourself.

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15.  DO I HAVE TO SUBMIT A CLAIM FORM?

If you want to obtain benefits under the Proposed Settlement, you must submit a Claim Form. The Claim Form is attached to the notice mailed to all class members and is also available on this website, www.searsrangesettlement.com

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16.  HOW DO I SUBMIT THE CLAIM FORM?

The Claim Form must be completely filled out, signed and dated and mailed to Range Settlement Administrator, c/o Rust Consulting, Inc., PO Box 1574, Minneapolis, MN 55440-1574. You must check the appropriate box stating whether you wish to receive free installation of an anti-bracket bracket, a non-transferable $50 gift card that can be used towards the purchase and delivery of a new regular priced range at any Sears retail or online establishment or reimbursement of the amount you paid (up to $100) to have the anti-tip bracket installed. To obtain the reimbursement, you must attach a receipt, invoice or other proof of installation. The Claim Form must be postmarked on or before September 18, 2008.

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17.  HOW WILL I ACTUALLY RECEIVE THE BENEFITS?

If you are a Class Member and do not have an anti-tip bracket installed on your stove, you may request a free installation of a bracket by checking box ("A") under "Benefits" on your Claim Form. The Settlement Administrator will mail you a postcard providing a telephone number and other necessary details to schedule the installation. If you still have the original anti-tip bracket supplied with your range, you may call and schedule your installation once you receive your postcard. If you no longer have the original anti-tip bracket, Sears will mail you a replacement bracket. After you receive your replacement bracket, call the number on the postcard to schedule your installation. Under no circumstances will Sears install a bracket unless: (1) the range is in a safe condition (e.g. - not hot) at the time for which the installation is scheduled; (2) the range is reasonably accessible to Sears' personnel; (3) an adult (at least 18 years of age) is present from the beginning to the conclusion of the time for which the installation is scheduled; and (4) the home and range hookups meet relevant codes and regulations.

Instead of receiving a free install, you may select a nontransferable $50 gift card to be used towards the purchase and delivery of a new regular price range at any Sears retail or online establishment. To receive this benefit, you must check box ("B") under "Benefits" on your Claim Form. If you qualify for and select a gift card, the Settlement Administrator will mail one to you.

If you already have an anti-tip bracket installed, you may be entitled to reimbursement if you can provide evidence to the Settlement Administrator that you had a range delivered by Sears and then later paid Sears or someone else for the installation of an anti-tip bracket. You may be reimbursed for your actual out of pocket cost in an amount not to exceed $100.00. However, to qualify for this reimbursement, you must check box ("C") under "Benefits" on your Claim Form, and provide the Settlement Administrator with a copy of a receipt, an invoice marked paid, a cancelled check, a credit card statement, or other similar documentation issued by someone in the business of installing an anti-tip bracket. You will not be reimbursed if you installed an anti-tip bracket yourself, or if you have an anti-tip bracket installed after you receive this Notice. If you are entitled to reimbursement, the Settlement Administrator will mail you a check in the amount of the reimbursement (not to exceed $100.00).

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18.  WHAT IF I DO NOT WANT TO BE PART OF THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT CLASS?

If you do not want to participate in the Proposed Settlement or be a member of the Class, you must take steps to get out of the Class. This is called "excluding yourself" or "opting out" of the Proposed Settlement. If you exclude yourself, you will keep the right to file or continue your own lawsuit over the claims that are being settled in this case. However, you cannot object to the Proposed Settlement if you exclude yourself.

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19.  HOW DO I EXCLUDE MYSELF FROM THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT?

To exclude yourself from the Proposed Settlement, you must send a Request for Exclusion letter that states that you want to be excluded from the lawsuit and the Proposed Settlement. Your Request for Exclusion letter must be received on or before December 14, 2007. Your letter should contain all of the following:

  • Your name, address and telephone number.
  • The name and number of the lawsuit: Parker, et. al. v. Sears, Roebuck and Co., Case No. 04-L-716, pending in the Circuit Court for the Third Judicial Circuit, Madison County, Illinois.
  • The words "I wish to be excluded from the lawsuit and the Proposed Settlement."
  • Your signature.

You cannot exclude yourself by phone or email. All Request for Exclusion letters must be mailed to the following address:
Range Settlement Administrator, Rust Consulting, PO Box 1574, Minneapolis, MN 55440-1574.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: THE COURT REQUIRES THAT REQUESTS FOR EXCLUSION BE RECEIVED BY DECEMBER 14, 2007. DO NOT MAIL ANYTHING RELATED TO THIS LAWSUIT DIRECTLY TO THE JUDGE.

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20.  CAN I TELL THE COURT IF I DO NOT LIKE THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT?

If you are a Class Member and you do not exclude yourself, you can tell the Court if you do not like the Proposed Settlement or some part of it. This is called "Objecting to the Proposed Settlement." You can explain why you think the Court should not approve the Proposed Settlement. If you comply with the requirements of paragraph 20, the Court will consider your views.

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21.  HOW DO I OBJECT TO THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT?

To object, you must send a letter that states that you want to object to the Proposed Settlement in Parker, et. al. v. Sears, Roebuck and Co., Case No. 04-L-716. Your objection must be received on or before December 14, 2007. Your letter should contain all of the following:

  • Your name, address and telephone number.
  • The name and number of the lawsuit: Parker, et. al. v. Sears, Roebuck and Co., Case No. 04-L-716.
  • Documentary proof or an affidavit establishing that you are a Class Member.
  • A statement of all of the reasons why you object to the Proposed Settlement or the attorneys' fees.
  • A statement of whether you (or your lawyer) wish to speak at the Court's Final Approval Hearing.
  • A list (and copies) of all documents or evidence that you would like the Court to review and consider and a list of all witnesses you intend to call at the hearing.

If you wish to speak at the hearing, you also need to follow the additional instructions under Question Number 26.

You cannot object by phone or email. The Court will not consider any objections that do not substantially comply with all of these requirements. All objections and supporting documents must be mailed to all of the following three places:

Stephen Tillery
Korein Tillery LLC
505 N. 7th St
Suite 3600
St. Louis, MO 63101

Clerk of the Court
155 North Main Street
Suite 120
Edwardsville, IL 62025

Larry Hepler
Hepler Broom
103 W. Vandalia St., #300
P.O. Box 510
Edwardsville, IL 62025

IMPORTANT REMINDER: THE COURT REQUIRES THAT OBJECTIONS BE RECEIVED BY DECEMBER 14, 2007. DO NOT MAIL ANYTHING RELATED TO THIS LAWSUIT DIRECTLY TO THE JUDGE.

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22.  CAN I OBJECT WITHOUT ATTENDING THE HEARING?

Yes. You can object to the Proposed Settlement by sending a letter to the Court, following the instructions in Question Number 21. The Court will consider your objection, whether or not you attend the hearing. If you want to speak at the hearing, or if you want your lawyer to speak for you, you must file a Notice of Appearance with the Court. The instructions for filing a Notice of Appearance are given in Question Number 26.

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23.  WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OBJECTING AND EXCLUDING MYSELF?

Objecting is the way to tell the Court there is something that you don't like about the Proposed Settlement. You can object only if you stay in the Class.

Excluding yourself is the way to tell the Court that you do not want to be a part of the Class and the Proposed Settlement. If you exclude yourself, you keep the right to file or continue your own lawsuit. If you exclude yourself, you cannot object because the Proposed Settlement will not affect you.

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24.  WHEN AND WHERE WILL THE COURT DECIDE WHETHER TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT?

The Court will hold a Final Approval Hearing, also called a "fairness hearing," to decide whether to approve the Proposed Settlement. You do not need to attend the hearing, but you are welcome to attend if you so desire. The hearing will be held on January 15, 2008, at 10:00 a.m., or at such later time as ordered by the Court. The Court is the Circuit Court for Madison County, Illinois, and is located at 155 North Main Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025, courtroom 327.

At the hearing, the Court will consider whether to give final approval to the Proposed Settlement. The Court has to decide whether the Proposed Settlement is fair, reasonable and adequate and whether it is in the best interests of the Class. The Court will listen to any Class Members who have properly made a written request to speak at the hearing.

Either at or after the hearing, the Court will decide whether to approve the Proposed Settlement, how much to pay the Plaintiffs' Counsel, and how much to pay Plaintiffs as incentive awards. We do not know when the Court will issue its decisions.

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25.  DO I HAVE TO COME TO THE HEARING?

No. You do not have to come to the Final Approval Hearing unless you want to. Plaintiffs' Counsel will speak on your behalf and they will answer any questions the Court may ask. But you are welcome to attend, at your own expense. You may also pay your own lawyer to attend, but it is not necessary. If you send an objection to the Proposed Settlement, you do not have to come to the hearing to talk about it. The Court will consider your objection if your objection letter is received by the deadline.

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26.  CAN I SPEAK AT THE HEARING?

If you stay in the Class and want to speak at the Final Approval Hearing (or have your lawyer speak for you), you must send the Court a paper called a "Notice of Appearance." Your Notice of Appearance must be received on or before December 14, 2007. Your Notice of Appearance should contain all of the following:

  • Your name, address and telephone number.
  • The name and number of the lawsuit: Parker, et. al. v. Sears, Roebuck and Co., Case No. 04-L-716.
  • The words "Notice of Appearance" at the top of the page.
  • A statement that you (or your lawyer) wish to speak at the Court's Final Approval Hearing.
  • If a lawyer will speak for you, the name, address, and phone number of that lawyer.
  • A statement of the position that you (or your lawyer) plan to take on the Proposed Settlement and your reasons for that position.
  • If you want the Court to consider any written materials that support your position, you must include those materials with your Notice of Appearance.

Your Notice of Appearance, including any written materials that you want the Court to consider, must be mailed to all of the following three places:

Stephen Tillery
Korein Tillery LLC
505 N. 7th St
Suite 3600
St. Louis, MO 63101

Clerk of the Court
155 North Main Street
Suite 120
Edwardsville, IL 62025

Larry Hepler
Hepler Broom
103 W. Vandalia St., #300
P.O. Box 510
Edwardsville, IL 62025

IMPORTANT REMINDER: THE COURT REQUIRES THAT NOTICES OF APPEARANCE BE RECEIVED BY DECEMBER 14, 2007. DO NOT MAIL ANYTHING RELATED TO THIS LAWSUIT DIRECTLY TO THE JUDGE.

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27.  ARE THERE MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT?

Yes. More details are in the Settlement Agreement and other Court documents. You can read the Settlement Agreement and other related documents on this website, www.searsrangesettlement.com.

You can also call the toll-free number (888) 952-9084 or write to Range Settlement Administrator, Rust Consulting, PO Box 1574, Minneapolis, MN 55440-1574, to request additional information. Please include your name, address and telephone number, the case name, and the case number on any letters.

You may also read the Settlement Agreement, or any of the other documents filed in this lawsuit, during regular business hours at the office of the Clerk of the Court, 155 North Main Street, Suite 120, Edwardsville, IL 62025 (Refer to Case No. 04-L-716). If you want copies of any of the documents in the Court's file, you will have to pay for the copies yourself.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE COURT FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT.

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28.  WHAT CONDITIONS MAKE INSTALLATION OF AN ANTI-TIP BRACKET UNUSUALLY DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE?

Generally, this includes situations where modification or destruction of building materials beyond those normally associated with installing anti-tip brackets would be necessary, or where Sears would be required to use a specialty contractor (for example, where Sears would have to use a plumber to disconnect and then re-connect the gas line because the existing gas line is not of sufficient length to properly install the anti-tip bracket in an area where only a plumber can disconnect and re-connect a gas line).

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29.  HOW DO I CHANGE MY ADDRESS IN YOUR DATABASE?

Based upon the eligibility requirements, you must be the original purchaser of the range and reside in the home where Sears personnel delivered and hooked up the range. Therefore, you cannot update your address information if you have not filed a claim.

If you need to change your address once you have filed a claim, please send your new address information along with the address you indicated on your claim form in writing to Range Settlement Administrator, c/o Rust Consulting, Inc., PO Box 1574, Minneapolis MN 55440-1574. Be sure to sign your change-of-address request.

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30.  WHAT IF I PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED COMPENSATION OR A CUSTOMER-SATISFACTION BENEFIT FOR PROBLEMS WITH MY FREESTANDING OR SLIDE-IN RANGE?

If you meet the eligibility requirements for the Settlement, you may still receive the benefits offered by this Settlement regardless of any other customer satisfaction credits or benefits you may have previously received from Sears.

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31.  WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOTHING?

You will be bound by the Terms of the Settlement; however you must complete a Claim Form in order to be eligible to receive any potential Settlement benefits.

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32.  THE PERSON THE NOTICE WAS SENT TO IS DECEASED/OR IS INCAPACITATED. CAN I FILL OUT THE CLAIM ON HIS/HER BEHALF?

If you are the authorized representative handling affairs for the class member, you may fill out the claim form and submit it on their behalf.

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33. WHO ARE THE CLASS REPRESENTATIVES AND WHAT COMPENSATION WILL THEY RECEIVE?

TThe Class Representatives are Charles and Annemarie Parker and Joyce and David Sumpter. Plaintiffs' Counsel will ask the Court for permission for each of them to receive $5,000.00 as compensation for their efforts in obtaining the Settlement.

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34. HOW DID YOU OBTAIN MY INFORMATION?

Sears provided the names and addresses of Class Members.

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35. CAN YOU ADVISE ME ON WHAT TO DO?

The Settlement Administrator cannot provide any advice on what to do.

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36. DOES THE GIFT CARD HAVE A DATE RANGE OF WHEN IT CAN BE USED OR AN EXPIRATION DATE?

No it does not.

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37. HOW WAS THE SETTLEMENT AMOUNT OR BENEFIT DETERMINED?

It was negotiated and agreed upon by all parties involved and preliminarily approved by Court.

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38. HAS THE ANTI-TIP BRACKET AFFECTED OTHER RANGES OUTSIDE THE CLASS PERIOD?

Sears will install the anti-tip bracket for customers who do not meet the eligibility requirements for the Settlement at a special discounted rate. You can contact Sears at (800) 861-0157 to schedule a service appointment.

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39. WILL I STILL RECEIVE MY BENEFIT IF THE SETTLEMENT IS NOT APPROVED?

The Fairness Hearing is currently scheduled for January 15, 2008. No Settlement benefits will be awarded unless and until the Settlement receives final approval. As additional information becomes available, it will be posted on the Settlement website, www.searsrangesettlement.com or you can call the Settlement Administrator at (888) 952-9084 to obtain updated information.

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