One unfortunate outcome of the coronavirus epidemic was the cancellation of live events. Many people have sought refunds for tickets after events were cancelled or delayed. However, this process was not straightforward. This led to a Ticketmaster refund lawsuit.
Ticketmaster, the largest ticket vending company in the world, was criticized for its controversial policies regarding refunds during quarantine. Ticketmaster was sued after it changed its refund policies during the pandemic in order to stop consumers getting their money back. This was a violation of consumers' rights, according to those affected.
Ticketmaster's refund policy as alleged by the Class-Action Lawsuit
Many customers are seeking compensation via a class action lawsuit after Ticketmaster cancelled live events due to the coronavirus virus pandemic. This legal action was led by a former customer of Ticketmaster who was denied a refund from the live event ticket seller. Derek Hansen claimed that ticket sellers changed their refund policies to avoid as many people as possible getting their money back in response to the COVID-19 quintet.
Ticketmaster's new policy allows people to cancel their tickets but not if they are indefinitely delayed. Customers would not be allowed to request a refund for tickets that were cancelled due to the financial crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Consumer damage caused by Ticketmaster's refund policy
People who had tickets for events that were not cancelled outright were left with costly tickets to events that were unlikely to happen, wouldn't be in a timely fashion, or didn't fit their schedule. At the time, it was predicted that major live events wouldn't start again until late 2021.
Joe Berchtold (the president of Ticketmaster's parent company Live Nation Entertainment) stated that 90% events were postponed instead of cancelled. Derek Hansen claims to have purchased tickets to see a band for nearly $600. Although the concert was postponed indefinitely, Hansen could not claim compensation for tickets that he likely would not be able see.
Many people like Mr. Hansen had their money tied up with tickets, even though they would prefer to get refunds, particularly considering the number of people in an economy that was severely affected by the virus.
The Controversial Ticketmaster Refund Policy
Many would have been more understanding if Ticketmaster's policy had stated postponed tickets are not refundable at time of purchase. Ticketmaster's efforts to modify its policy retroactively are the focus of the lawsuit.
Many consumers believed that they could get refunds for cancellations and postponements. Ticketmaster had included "unconscionable clauses" which, according to the lawsuit, allowed the companies to modify their terms at anytime and "bind" all customers to the new agreement.
The lawsuit stated: "Prior to the coronavirus outbreak and at the time that [the plaintiffs] purchased event tickets from Ticketmaster...[they] assured customers that Ticketmaster would refund ticket purchase prices 'if your event is postponed, rescheduled or canceled.' After the coronavirus outbreak forced the cancelation or postponement of most large events and public gatherings, Ticketmaster retroactively revised its policies applicable to the prior ticket sales to allow for refunds only for canceled events, not postponed or rescheduled ones, including when postponed events are 'indefinitely' postponed."
Unlawful Changing Policy by Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster promised its customers that it would honor its terms of use and not reverse its promises to keep its refund policy in place. Ticketmaster's actions could be considered a breach in contract by its customers, who eventually took legal action against Ticketmaster.
Consumers can sue businesses if they feel that they have broken their promises at the time of purchase. This class action lawsuit was created to give people who bought tickets from Ticketmaster to an event that was postponed, rescheduled or rescheduled after March 14, 2020, the chance to seek restitution for their losses and injunctive relief to compensate them for any damages caused by those policies.
Ticketmaster Modifies Its Ticket Policy
After the huge outcry about their questionable refund policy changes Ticketmaster modified its policy to give ticket buyers the option to get refunds for postponed event. Live Nation introduced the "Rock When You Are Ready” program. This allowed ticket buyers to choose between a credit of 150% towards future live events and a full refund for any postponed events. But, there was a catch...
Full refunds were not available for rescheduled or postponed events. Most people had not received them, so refunds went to the organizers and not Ticketmaster. Many people were unable to get refunds due to this loophole, and Ticketmaster kept their money.
Additional ticket refund controversy
Other ticket companies and event organizers also faced outcry due to Ticketmaster's dispute regarding refunds during the pandemic. Stubhub, a ticket resale website, was subject to a similar lawsuit by consumers alleging breach of contract and negligent misrepresentation. Live Nation and Ticketmaster were also sued by MLB fans who wanted refunds for delayed baseball games.
How do Class-Action Lawsuits work?
Many people may be confused about how a class action lawsuit works. The lawsuit generally involves a group of plaintiffs who seek financial restitution. Unless they opt out, most class-action suits are opt-out. This means that all those who are affected by the lawsuit (in this instance, those who are not able to get a refund from Ticketmaster), are automatically included in it.
You don't have to do anything while the case is being considered. To receive your share of the settlement, you'll need to file an online claim or by mail if a class action settlement is reached for the aggrieved party.
How can a class-action lawyer help you?
If the lawsuit succeeds, compensation could be awarded to you if you were affected by Ticketmaster’s revised refund policy. The central parties will decide how the class action suit is progressing. You don't need to file a lawsuit. Although you can't do much to assist in the proceedings, you may still need the counsel from a class-action lawyer.
Although they are unable to negotiate a settlement, they may be able to keep you informed about how the class-action suit progresses. Any type of lawsuit can take a while . A class-action lawyer can help to ease your concerns about whether or not you will be workers' comp lawyer in NYC.
They can help you claim your award once the class action is over. They will guide you through the process and help you file your claim online.
NY Worker slaw Group can help you get involved in the Ticketmaster Class Action Lawsuit
Greedy corporations should not make you suffer huge financial losses from their predatory policies. People have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic, and are now in a more difficult financial position. To receive compensation, a experienced class action attorney will help you join the class-action lawsuit against Ticketmaster.
You may have the right to file a class action lawsuit if you bought tickets through Ticketmaster but were unable to get a refund due to its policy changes. Nyworkerslaw Group has the resources, experience, and knowledge to help you ensure your legal action succeeds. We are passionate to assist victims of illegal business practices. We will help you bring a class action lawsuit that could result in financial relief.