A $20 million settlement has been approved by a Michigan state judge on Monday, marking the resolution of a nine-year-old lawsuit against the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). The settlement addresses grievances stemming from the agency’s utilization of a faulty computer algorithm, which erroneously accused numerous individuals of fraud.
unemployment agency $20M settlement : Flaws in Algorithm Unveiled
The lawsuit, filed in September 2015, shed light on the flawed practices of the UIA, which relied on a computer program to identify fraudulent unemployment claims. This algorithmic approach led to thousands of wrongful fraud determinations, triggering a wave of unjust collection efforts by the state.
Violated Constitutional Rights
Class members argued that their constitutional rights to due process were trampled upon, as they were subjected to repayment demands and had their tax refunds seized without a fair chance to contest the algorithm’s flawed judgments.
unemployment agency $20M settlement : Two Distinct Funds Established
The $20 million settlement comprises two distinct funds: an $8 million allocation to reimburse affected individuals for financial losses incurred due to the state’s collection actions, and a $4 million hardship fund designated for claimants who suffered additional repercussions such as foreclosure, eviction, or bankruptcy.
Compensation and Recovery
Approximately 3,200 out of an estimated 8,000 eligible class members have registered to partake in the settlement. Each member is set to receive an average economic loss award of $1,609.39, ensuring a minimum 100% recovery of the amounts seized by the agency. Additionally, nearly 1,000 individuals who filed hardship claims will be granted an average award of $4,150.
Legal Battleground and Representation
The legal battle, spearheaded by class counsel Pitt McGehee Palmer & Rivers PC, endured numerous hurdles, including two appeals to the Michigan Supreme Court. The firm’s relentless efforts resulted in groundbreaking legal precedents regarding governmental accountability and the right to seek damages for constitutional violations.
unemployment agency $20M settlement : Conclusion
With the settlement approved, UIA Director Julia Dale expressed the agency’s readiness to implement a new computer system in 2025, aiming to rectify the shortcomings of the outdated technology that fueled this prolonged legal dispute.
