Lippert Components Settles Smoker Penalty Lawsuit for $310,000

Lippert Components Inc. signed a $310,000 class settlement with former employees who say the recreational vehicle part manufacturer wrongly discriminates against workers who smoke by charging them higher health insurance premiums.

The agreement is expected to benefit about 613 people who paid tobacco penalties through Lippert’s health plan between January 2018 and December 2023. It represents about 44% of the workers’ total estimated losses, which is a “much better” result than other ERISA class settlements that have been approved across the country, according to a settlement motion filed Tuesday in the US District Court for the Northern District of Indiana. ...