Mouse Repeller Class Deal Fails Over Attorneys’ Fees Problems

Attorneys’ fees problems doomed a proposed class deal between BHH LLC and consumers who allege they were duped into buying ineffective ultrasonic mouse repellers, according to a federal trial court ruling in New York.

The deal’s “quick pay” feature for the plaintiffs’ lawyers, and a provision that an arbitrator would decide their fees, are unfair or don’t comply with class action procedural rules, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York held Friday.

BHH, which does business as Bell + Howell, and the consumers agreed last year to an uncapped settlement that would have given class members ...