NEW YORK – Nov. 22, 2002 — As the deadline draws closer, Parker & Waichman, Attorneys at Law has issued an updated warning of the impending deadline to opt out of the MetLife racial discrimination class action lawsuit. Some of the details regarding the case have been updated from the previous announcement (10/28/2002).
Parker & Waichman has been retained by a significant number of plaintiffs to file individual lawsuits against Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, for its policy of charging African American policyholders higher premiums for policies than Caucasian policyholders.
Policyholders who purchased MetLife Insurance policies from 1901-1972 are already part of a class action settlement that covers certain policies with face values ranging from $500 to $5,000 and possibly more. However, Parker & Waichman is encouraging policyholders to explore all of their legal options, including the filing of individual lawsuits against Metropolitan Life. Parker & Waichman will evaluate all Metropolitan Life discrimination cases for policies purchased between 1901-1972, at no-charge.
Jerrold Parker, partner at Parker & Waichman commented, "It is grossly unjust to pay African American policyholders $10.00 to $50.00 for years of racial discrimination. Parker & Waichman is encouraging our clients to exercise their right to opt-out of this lopsided settlement. We are dedicated to ensuring that our clients receive fair and adequate compensation from the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company."
All new case evaluations must be completed by Dec. 15, 2002, to allow the necessary time to process claims by the December 31, 2002 "opt out" deadline. Those who "opt out" will be allowed to pursue their own claim against Metropolitan Life.
Metropolitan Life representatives usually sold these policies door-to-door in predominantly African American neighborhoods. In addition to charging higher premium fees to African Americans than whites, the Company allegedly engaged in unfair screening practices.
Policyholders can visit Parker & Waichman's site devoted to consumer fraud to learn more about MetLife discrimination cases. The site is located at http://www.consumerfraudlawyernetwork.com/. To learn more about Parker & Waichman, please visit the firm's site at http://www.yourlawyer.com at or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).
Contact: Jerrold Parker, Esq. (516) 466-6500
Parker & Waichman
http://www.consumerfraudlawyernetwork.com/
http://www.yourlawyer.com/