Frequently Asked Questions

Click on [+] for answers


Where do I submit my completed claim form?  [+]

Mail it, together with the supporting documentation, to:

Claims Administrator
Name of Litigation
c/o Berdon Claims Administration LLC
P.O. Box 9014
Jericho, NY 11753-8914

If you desire an acknowledgement of receipt of your claim, please send it Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested.

Claims Administrator
Name of Litigation
c/o Berdon Claims Administration LLC
One Jericho Plaza, Suite 106
Jericho, NY 11753


I recently received a Notice and Proof of Claim form for a securities class action. In general terms, what is this about?  [+]

We suggest that you refer to the sections typically referred to as History of the Litigation and Reasons for Settlement in the Notice.  While technical in nature, they discuss (1) allegations made by the Plaintiff's Counsel; (2) any judgments made by the Court; (3) and potential outcomes and recovery.


Why did I receive this information?  [+]

Your name and address were provided to us by one of the following: (1) the stock transfer agent; (2) your stockbroker; or (3) your portfolio manager.


What are my options?  [+]

Generally, potential class members have the following options: (1) file a claim; (2) request exclusion from the Class [if you submit a valid and timely request for exclusion, you shall not share in the distribution of the settlement, and shall not be bound by any judgment or order in the litigation]; (3) do nothing at all [in this case, you shall not share in the distribution of the settlement, you will be, however, bound by any judgment or order in the litigation].


How can I be excluded from the Class?  [+]

Your request for exclusion must be received by the Claims Administrator by the set deadline, and must include all of the following: (1) your name, address, and telephone number; (2) your purchases and sales of the securities in question during the Class Period, including dates, quantities, costs / proceeds; and (3) your wish to be excluded from the Class.  All persons who submit valid and timely requests for exclusion shall have no rights under the Stipulation, shall not share in the distribution of the Net Settlement Fund, and shall not be bound by the Judgment Release.  Unless otherwise instructed, mail your exclusion request to:

Claims Administrator
Name of Litigation
c/o Berdon Claims Administration LLC
P.O. Box 9014
Jericho, NY 11753-8914


I did not receive a Notice and Proof of Claim and Release in the mail.  How can I obtain one?  [+]

This material can be requested by mail, fax, or from this web site as follows:

Claims Administrator
Name of Litigation
c/o Berdon Claims Administration LLC
P.O. Box 9014
Jericho, NY 11753-8914

Fax: (516) 931-0810

Website: Download PDF files or contact us.


Please explain the terminology used in the material I received.  [+]

For the reader, to better understand the process, some basic terminology is provided below:

Class Period — the period of time during which an alleged wrongdoing has occurred. Consequently, any trading activity in eligible securities is limited by that same time frame.

Notice — a legal document that outlines the nature of the case, describes the options available to potential class members, and describes the manner in which the Net Settlement Fund will be distributed.

Net Settlement Fund — the Settlement Fund less the applicable fees and expenses.

Plan of Allocation — the plan, method or model used to determine compensatory damages, if any, sustained by each individual claimant as well as the whole Class.

Recognized Loss — the amount of compensatory damages as per the plan of allocation.  Please note that recognized losses have little or no correlation with realized losses, if any.


What is the Settlement Hearing and do I have to attend?  [+]

The Court has scheduled a hearing to consider the fairness, reasonableness, and adequacy of the proposed Settlement and to consider the request of plaintiffs' counsel for the award of attorney's fees and expenses.  It is not necessary for a claimant to appear at the Hearing. The Class will be represented by the plaintiffs' counsel.


When will I receive my share of the Net Settlement Fund?  [+]

A distribution cannot be made until all claims have been examined and evaluated, which takes a considerable amount of time.  The distribution of the Net Settlement Fund will be made in accordance with the Plan of Allocation as described in the Notice.  Please note that distribution of the Net Settlement Fund is also subject to final approval of the Court.


How much money will I receive?  [+]

All distributions from the Net Settlement Fund will be made to Authorized Claimants based on their Recognized Loss (Recognized Claim, Allowed Claim, Claim).  Recognized Loss is the amount of compensatory damages as per the plan of allocation.  It has little or no correlation with realized losses, if any.  Please note, that the Recognized Loss is not the amount of money a claimant will receive.  Your pro-rata distribution will be calculated as follow (most settlements are distributed on a pro-rata basis):

Distribution Amount = [Claimant’s Recognized Loss / Total Recognized Loss of all claimants] x the Net Settlement Fund


What kind of documentation is acceptable?  [+]

Acceptable documentation to prove purchases, sales, as well as holding positions, include the following: copies of brokerage account statements, confirmation slips, or a letter signed by your broker on firm letterhead.  The documentation must include the trade date, quantity, and costs / proceeds.  (Please note, stock certificates do not indicate the actual purchase date or price paid, and thus cannot be accepted as sufficient documentation).  For a complete list of various types of documentation deemed acceptable by this office, please refer to the Documentation Page.

Before submitting your claim, please make sure that:

• Your holdings at the beginning of the class period plus total purchases less total sales equals your holdings at the end of the class period.
  
  
• You provided detailed explanations if: (1) you acquired securities by way of merger or acquisition; (2) securities were received in your account; (3) securities were delivered out of your account.  Receipts of securities:  In order for us to account for such activity in accordance with the plan of allocation, we must be furnished with the original purchase information of the security received.  Deliveries of securities:  In order for us to account for such activity in accordance with the plan of allocation, we must be furnished with the information indicating whether the security delivered out was retained through or sold prior to the end of the class period.

Should I send the originals of the documentation?  [+]

No, send only copies.  Retain the originals for your files.


Is the distribution taxable?  [+]

For information concerning the tax treatment of any proceeds you may receive from the Net Settlement Fund, please consult your tax advisor.


What if I purchased my shares through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan?  Do I qualify?  [+]

Unless specifically instructed to the contrary, dividends are typically treated as regular purchases. There are, however, special circumstances, and we suggest that you contact us for further case-specific information.


I missed the filling deadline.  Can I still file a Proof of Claim?  [+]

Yes you can.  Any Proof of Claim postmarked after the filing deadline will be presented to the Court, which in its sole discretion will determine whether the late Proof of Claim will be accepted.


How do I notify you of a wrong address or a change of address?  [+]

Please send written notification of your correct address to:

Claims Administrator
Name of Litigation
c/o Berdon Claims Administration LLC
P.O. Box 9014
Jericho, NY 11753-8914

Fax: (516) 931-0810

Be sure to indicate the name of litigation, your name, old address, new address, and your claim number, if known, or your Social Security Number or Tax ID.


I represent a large financial institution and would like to file electronically for all of my clients?  [+]

For instructions on electronic filings, click here or call us at (212) 699-8836.  These representatives will only be able to assist you with matters concerning the electronic filing procedures.




If you have any questions that are not addressed here, please contact us directly.