Jimmy John’s Lawsuit ‘Sprouts’ Hefty Payday for Lawyers – Vouchers for ‘Victims’

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California resident Heather Starks really likes her alfalfa sprouts. So much, in fact, that she’s brought a national class action lawsuit against national restaurant chain Jimmy John’s “claiming that a sandwich she ordered was supposed to contain sprouts but did not.”

While her lawsuit may sound ridiculous, it’s actually resulted in a hefty settlement, of which the plaintiffs’ attorneys will get a big bite – and the allegedly aggrieved “victims” of the sprout-less sandwiches will receive small vouchers.

Specifically, Jimmy John’s has agreed to a class action settlement in which the company will provide vouchers for a $1.40, which is the approximate price of a bag of chips, pickle or cookie. The vouchers will total “up to a maximum of $725,000 less the actual costs of the settlement administration.” Customers must fill out a form on the Jimmy John’s website, stating they purchased a sprout-less sandwich from Feb. 1, 2012 and July 21, 2014.

The plaintiffs’ attorneys in the case, at the Malibu, CA-based law firm of Shenkman & Hughes, will receive a hefty $370,000.

Vouchers for victims … hundreds of thousands of dollars for the plaintiffs’ attorneys.

Starks’ lawsuit comes courtesy, at least in part, of California’s False Advertising Act, which is cited in her suit.

What do you think: Does this lawsuit have merit, or does it leave a, ahem, bad taste in your mouth?