Today, in the King County Regional Justice Center, Judge Brian D. Gain signed the final settlement order relating to the settlement of a Class Action lawsuit brought by UFAA member Russ Poe against six Farmers Insurance Group of Companies doing business in the State of Washington and their management company Farmers Group Inc, a Nevada Corporation.

"The lawsuit relates to appointment fees," says Poe. "In some states in which Farmers Insurance does business, appointment fees are charged to insurers by the state insurance offices on each and every agent appointment by that insurer in that state." According to Poe, approximately seven states in the operating territory charge such fees. And, in at least some of those, the management company may yet still withhold funds without the permission of the agent—as was alleged in Poe’s Washington State lawsuit. Says Poe, "I would like to know if the activity has ceased in other states, or if Farmers continues to withhold funds to pay appointment fees elsewhere."

In the original complaint, Poe sought in total, including expenses, only about $600. In the final order, Poe will be receiving over $16,000. Rick Ockerman, Class Council in the Washington lawsuit says, "Courts wish to reward Plaintiffs for taking the risks of lawsuits and defending the rights of large classes. That’s why such enhancement awards are fairly common."

For further information, Russ Poe can be contacted by writing to 2722 SW 114^th Street, Seattle, WA 98146.