What This Page Covers:
- Slack Fill: Slack fill is the empty space in packaging, which can make consumers believe they are getting more product than they actually are, leading to frustration and potential legal issues.
- Regulations: California and federal laws prohibit misleading slack fill with specific exceptions like product protection, settlement during shipping, and necessary packaging size for labeling.
- Why Hire a Lawyer: With 29 lawyers and over 700 years of combined experience, Callahan & Blaine excel in complex cases, achieving record-breaking results with vast insurance expertise and trial knowledge.
- Protecting Your Rights: Our attorneys help you identify misleading packaging, document evidence, and navigate the complex legal process to protect your rights and seek compensation.
- Contact us at (714) 241-4444 or through our contact form to discuss your legal options and protect your interests.
When you go to the grocery store, you may notice bottles of soda and other items in clear containers with some empty space called slack fill. While this space may be necessary for some items, it could mislead you to think you are getting more product, especially when you cannot see through the packaging. For this reason, state and federal governments enacted regulations on slack fill and when manufacturers are and are not permitted to use it. If a manufacturer or company has violated these laws, our trusted lawyers at Callahan & Blaine are here to help you seek the justice you deserve.
Whether you pursue an individual or class action lawsuit, which involves several parties with the same complaint, we can guide you every step of the way through the complex legal process, from investigation to gathering evidence to negotiation and litigation. Our robust team of 29 lawyers has centuries of combined experience and has obtained multi-million dollar settlements for our clients. With this commitment to excellence and our high-quality services, you can rest assured your slack fill lawsuit is in the right hands.
When Is Slack Fill Illegal in California?
According to 21 C.F.R. § 100.100, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code, §§ 12606, and 12606.2, slack fill is prohibited, as it can be used to mislead customers. It can also create competition between companies, with some using larger packaging, so customers think they are buying more product. This also creates unnecessary waste.
However, there are exceptions to this rule, which include the following:
- The slack fill protects the product
- The product settled during shipping
- The packaging needs to be a certain size for labeling or other purposes
- Closing/sealing machines caused the slack fill
- Non-misleading design elements of the packaging required slack fill
- The customer did not view or handle the package
- There is a clearly visible fill line on the packaging
- The packaging has a photo or drawing of the actual size of the product inside.
Based on these exemptions, a bag of chips with room for air inside, for example, would be allowed, but if the packaging is misleading and there is no purpose for the slack fill, you may file a lawsuit with the help of our skilled lawyers.
How to Protect Your Rights in a Slack Fill Lawsuit
If you feel cheated after purchasing a product with slack fill, knowing if you have a case can be challenging. Our dedicated attorneys take the time to listen to your story and help you understand how to protect your rights, which you can do in the following ways:
- Identifying Misleading Information: When you identify misleading packaging with non-functional slack fill that prevents you from seeing the contents inside, keep the packaging and proof of your purchase to demonstrate the illegal slack fill.
- Contacting a Lawyer: Taking action quickly after discovering illegal slack fill is crucial. However, the legal process can be complicated. Having the help of an experienced lawyer can help you fight for your rights and secure the best possible outcome.
- Documenting Evidence: If you are filing an individual lawsuit, we can help you collect and organize your evidence. The same goes for class action lawsuits. Our lawyers can gather information from everyone involved to prove multiple instances of the same issue.
With the strong evidence we help you collect and our specialized knowledge of these types of cases, you have the best chance of achieving the compensation you deserve. If you are filing a class action lawsuit and are one of the class representatives, you may receive additional compensation for pursuing litigation.
Why Partner With Callahan & Blaine for Your San Diego Slack Fill Lawsuit?
Holding a company liable for their illegal slack fill use can be daunting, and you may think the harm caused is not worth the legal expenses. However, it is important to hold these businesses liable, and with the help of our 29-lawyer team at Callahan & Blaine, you do not have to handle it alone. We provide comprehensive legal support that covers every aspect of your case, taking the weight of the process off your shoulders. Additionally, we set ourselves apart in the following ways:
- Insurance Knowledge: With our managing partner, Edward Susolik being one of the nation’s leading insurance experts, we have the knowledge to create nuanced and strong strategies to stand up to companies in slack fill lawsuits.
- Stunning Results: We have achieved record-breaking results for our clients, including the largest jury verdict in Orange County history, worth $934 million, in a complex business litigation case, giving us the track record and experience to take on your lawsuit.
- Trial Lawyers: At our core, we are trial lawyers with over 700 years of combined experience, so we are fully equipped to fight for your rights both in and out of the courtroom.
Callahan & Blaine are ready to be your trusted partners in your slack fill lawsuit. We communicate with you every step of the way, giving you the information you need to protect your rights and make the best decisions for your future.
Seek Guidance from the Reputable Lawyers at Callahan & Blaine on Your San Diego Slack Fill Lawsuit
Holding a company accountable for illegal slack fill use can be daunting, but ensuring businesses follow the law is important. Our 29-lawyer team at Callahan & Blaine provides comprehensive legal support, managing every aspect of your case to alleviate the burden. With our extensive insurance knowledge and expertise, we develop strong strategies to confront companies in slack fill lawsuits.
Our proven track record showcases our ability to handle complex litigation effectively. As trial lawyers with over 700 years of combined experience, we are fully prepared to advocate for your rights and hold the liable party liable for their negligence. Contact us at (714) 241-4444 or through our contact form to discuss your legal options and protect your interests.