Published
June 28, 2026
If you applied for a job at or worked for Watershed Foods in Illinois and were asked about your family medical history, you are in line for an automatic payment — no claim form to file.
What Is This Settlement About?
Watershed Foods, LLC has agreed to settle a class action alleging it violated the Illinois Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA), 410 ILCS 513. The lawsuit, Tasker v. Watershed Foods, LLC, Case No. 2024CH000013, alleges that Watershed directly or indirectly requested genetic information — such as family medical history — from people in connection with their job applications or employment, in particular during pre-employment or employment-related medical examinations.The settlement establishes a Settlement Fund of $122,500 to pay settlement payments to the class, settlement administration expenses, an incentive award, and a court-approved attorneys' fee award. Watershed denies all of the allegations and any wrongdoing or liability, and the Court has not decided who is right. The parties agreed to settle to avoid the cost and uncertainty of continued litigation.
Status
Automatic Payment
Pending final approval · Aug 3, 2026 hearing
Opt-Out / Object Deadline
July 6, 2026
No claim deadline — nothing to file
Estimated Payout
Varies
Pro rata share of the net $122,500 fund
Proof Required
No
No claim form — class identified from Watershed records
Who Qualifies?
The Settlement Class includes all individuals in Illinois who:• From September 5, 2018 through the present, applied for employment with Watershed Foods, LLC or were employed by Watershed; and
• From whom Watershed directly or indirectly requested genetic information, such as family medical history, in connection with the person's application for employment or employment with Watershed.
Excluded from the class are any judge or magistrate presiding over the case and their staff and immediate families, anyone who timely excludes themselves, and the legal representatives, successors, and assigns of any excluded person. According to the Notice, if you received a settlement notice, you are a Settlement Class member.
How Much Can You Get?
Each class member who does not opt out will receive a pro rata share of the net Settlement Fund — that is, an equal-share portion of what remains of the $122,500 after the Court approves deductions. Under the settlement, those deductions may include settlement administration expenses, an incentive award to the class representative (up to $10,000, subject to Court approval), and a fee award to Class Counsel (Class Counsel has indicated it will request up to 40% of the fund plus $49,000 in expenses).Because the final per-person payment depends on the number of class members and the amounts the Court ultimately approves, the Notice does not state a fixed dollar figure. Payments are made only after the Court grants final approval and any appeals are resolved.
Do You Need to File a Claim?
No. The Notice is explicit: "You do not need to file a Claim. You have already been identified as a member of the Class and will receive a Settlement Payment of a pro rata share of the Settlement Fund regardless of whether you submit a Claim." Because the class is drawn from Watershed's own records, there is no claim form, no Notice ID or PIN to enter, and no documentation to upload. Eligible members simply need to make sure the administrator has a current mailing address.Your Options and Key Deadlines
• Do nothing: Stay in the class and automatically receive your pro rata payment if the settlement is approved. You give up the right to sue Watershed over the claims this settlement releases.• Exclude yourself (opt out) by July 6, 2026: Mail a signed written request to be excluded that includes your name, address, and email, the case name and number, and a statement that you want to be excluded. If you opt out, you receive no payment but keep the right to sue Watershed separately.
• Object by July 6, 2026: Stay in the class but tell the Court in writing why you disagree with the settlement. You may also ask to speak at the Final Approval Hearing.
The Court will hold the Final Approval Hearing on August 3, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 5D of the Circuit Court of McLean County, Illinois, via Zoom. You do not have to attend. The hearing date may change without additional notice, so check the official settlement website for updates.
What Is GIPA?
The Illinois Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA), 410 ILCS 513, restricts when employers and others may request, require, or use a person's genetic information. "Genetic information" includes family medical history, which is often gathered during medical questionnaires or physical examinations. Among other things, GIPA generally bars employers from directly or indirectly soliciting genetic information from applicants and employees. The law allows people whose rights were violated to bring a lawsuit, which is the basis for this case.GIPA is sometimes confused with the more widely known Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). In short, BIPA covers biometric identifiers such as fingerprints and face scans, while GIPA covers genetic data such as DNA test results and family medical history.
Official Settlement Notice
Sources
• Official Settlement Website: Watershed GIPA Settlement.com• Circuit Court of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, McLean County, Illinois — Tasker v. Watershed Foods, LLC, Case No. 2024CH000013
For more class actions keep scrolling below.
Settlement Amount
$122,500
Case Title
Tasker v. Watershed Foods, LLC
Case Number
2024CH000013
Court
Circuit Court of McLean County, Illinois (Eleventh Judicial Circuit)
Final Approval Hearing
August 3, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.
Courtroom 5D · via Zoom
Official Website
Watershed GIPA Settlement.com
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