Target Corporation, one of the largest retail chains in the United States, has faced numerous class action lawsuits over the years. These lawsuits have addressed a wide range of issues, from data breaches and deceptive marketing practices to environmental violations and employment discrimination. Below is a detailed outline of the most significant Target class action settlements, including resolved cases and ongoing litigation.
2013 Data Breach Settlement
Settlement Amount: $153.9 million
Key Details:
- In 2013, Target experienced a massive data breach where hackers stole credit and debit card information from approximately 40 million customers.
- The breach led to 33 lawsuits, which were consolidated into a single class action.
- Target agreed to pay $153.9 million to settle claims from consumers and financial institutions, making it one of the largest retail data breach settlements in history.
Hazardous Waste Disposal Violations
Settlement Amount: $22.5 million
Key Details:
- Target was fined for improperly disposing of hazardous waste, including batteries, electronics, and toxic materials, in California.
- Investigations revealed that 240 Target stores released 1–2 tons of hazardous waste annually.
- The settlement included penalties, audits, and improvements to waste disposal practices.
Deceptive Marketing of Target Debit Cards
Settlement Amount: $8.2 million
Key Details:
- Target misled customers about insufficient fund fees linked to its Target Debit Card (TDC).
- The settlement included 5millionincashpaymentstoaffectedcustomersand3.2 million in debt waivers.
- Target also agreed to improve transparency in its marketing practices.
ADA Compliance Violations (NFB v. Target)
Settlement Amount: $6 million
Key Details:
- The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) sued Target in 2008, alleging that its website was inaccessible to blind users, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Target agreed to make its website ADA-compliant and paid $6 million in damages to affected individuals.
Racial Discrimination in Hiring
Settlement Amount: $3.74 million
Key Details:
- Target faced allegations of racial discrimination in its hiring practices, particularly regarding the use of criminal background checks that disproportionately affected Black and Latino applicants.
- The 2019 settlement required Target to revise its hiring policies and compensate affected applicants.
Price Discrepancies in California Stores
Settlement Amount: $5 million
Key Details:
- A 2022 lawsuit accused Target of overcharging customers due to inconsistencies between app and in-store prices.
- The settlement mandated that Target conduct regular price audits and ensure accurate pricing for seven years.
2018 Hazardous Waste Violations (California)
Settlement Amount: $7.4 million
Key Details:
- In a separate California lawsuit, Target was penalized for improper disposal of hazardous materials, including batteries and electronics.
- The settlement included fines and required Target to improve its waste management practices.
Disability Discrimination (Deaf Applicant Case)
Settlement Amount: $45,000
Key Details:
- Target declined a qualified deaf applicant after discovering his disability, leading to a lawsuit by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
- The 2018 settlement required Target to pay $45,000 in compensatory wages and implement policy reforms to prevent future discrimination.
Unresolved Gift Card Fraud Lawsuit
Status: Ongoing
Key Details:
- A 2021 class action alleges that Target failed to secure Apple iTunes gift cards from scammers, resulting in $5 million in customer losses.
- The case remains unresolved, with affected customers seeking compensation.
Unresolved Overtime Pay Dispute (ETL Employees)
Status: Ongoing
Key Details:
- Executive Team Leaders (ETLs) sued Target for unpaid overtime, claiming they were misclassified as exempt employees.
- Target argues that ETLs are managerial employees, but the litigation continues.
Notable Pending Cases (2025)
Securities Fraud (ESG/DEI Issues)
Status: Ongoing
Key Details:
- A 2025 lawsuit alleges that Target misled investors about risks tied to its 2023–2024 Pride campaigns, which caused a decline in stock prices.
- The deadline for lead plaintiff motions is April 1, 2025.
Steps to File a Claim
1. Determine Your Eligibility
- Visit the official settlement website for the specific case. These websites are typically created by the settlement administrator and provide detailed information about who qualifies.
- Check the class definition (e.g., customers affected by the 2013 data breach, Target Debit Card users, or employees impacted by discrimination).
2. Gather Required Documentation
- Proof of purchase, receipts, or account statements (for consumer-related cases like data breaches or price discrepancies).
- Employment records or pay stubs (for employee-related cases like overtime disputes or discrimination).
- Personal identification (e.g., driver’s license or Social Security number) to verify your identity.
3. Submit a Claim Form
- Most settlements require you to fill out an online or paper claim form. These forms are available on the official settlement website.
- Provide accurate information, including:
- Your contact details.
- Proof of eligibility (e.g., receipts, account numbers, or employment records).
- Payment preference (e.g., check, direct deposit, or gift card).
4. Meet the Deadline
- Each settlement has a strict deadline for filing claims. Missing the deadline will disqualify you from receiving compensation.
- Deadlines are typically listed on the settlement website or in court documents.
5. Wait for Approval
- After submitting your claim, the settlement administrator will review it to verify your eligibility.
- If approved, you will receive compensation as outlined in the settlement agreement (e.g., cash payments, debt waivers, or gift cards).
Where to Find Settlement Information
- Official Settlement Websites: Search for the specific case name (e.g., “Target Data Breach Settlement”) to find the official website.
- Class Action Databases: Websites like ClassAction.org or Top Class Actions provide updates on ongoing settlements.
- Court Documents: For detailed information, check the court documents filed in the case, which are often available online.
Examples of How to Claim for Specific Settlements
1. 2013 Data Breach Settlement
- Eligibility: Customers who shopped at Target between November 27 and December 18, 2013, and were affected by the data breach.
- How to Claim: Visit the official settlement website and submit a claim form with proof of purchase or a credit/debit card statement.
2. Target Debit Card Settlement
- Eligibility: Customers who were charged insufficient fund fees on their Target Debit Card.
- How to Claim: Submit a claim form with your Target Debit Card account information.
3. Price Discrepancies Settlement
- Eligibility: California customers who were overcharged due to price inconsistencies between the app and in-store prices.
- How to Claim: Provide proof of purchase and submit a claim form through the settlement website.
What If You Miss the Deadline?
- If you miss the deadline, you will no longer be eligible to receive compensation. However, you may still be able to pursue individual legal action, depending on the case.
Tips for a Successful Claim
- Double-check your claim form for accuracy.
- Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.
- Monitor your email or mailbox for updates from the settlement administrator.
Conclusion
Target’s class action settlements highlight the company’s legal challenges across various domains, including consumer protection, environmental compliance, and employment practices. While some cases have been resolved with significant payouts, others remain ongoing. Affected individuals can check their eligibility for settlements through class action databases like ClassAction.org.
