Cash Payment Available for Homeowners with Entran II Radiant Heating and Snow Melting Systems

As Winter approaches, there's good news for homeowners. Current or former property owners in the United States with radiant heating or snow melting systems that use a particular rubber hose are eligible to receive a cash benefit from a $324 million Settlement Fund. The hose, Entran II, is orange and stamped with the name "Heatway" or "Heatway Systems." It is put in floors or driveways to carry warm fluid that provides warmth and melts snow. The majority of the hose was sold and/or installed between 1989-1995.

The $324 million Settlement Fund is the result of the Settlement of a class action approved in 2004 by Federal District Court Judge Stanley R. Chesler of the District of New Jersey. Eligible property owners may receive a payment of tens of thousands of dollars, but need to file a claim no later than November 17, 2009 in order to receive a payment.

The Entran II lawsuit alleges that Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company ("the Defendant") manufactured a defective product and that Entran II hose is prone to leaking when used under normal conditions. However, the Defendant denies all allegations and maintains that it produced Entran II according to agreed to specifications and that the problems are with improperly designed, installed and maintained heating systems - not the hose. The Defendant decided to settle the case in order to avoid the cost and inconvenience of a trial.

"Eligible property owners have until November 17, 2009 to file a claim for payment from the $324 million Settlement Fund. This is a great deal for eligible property owners; the first average payment is in the tens of thousands of dollars," said Charles LaDuca of Cuneo Gilbert & LaDuca, LLP, Lead Class Counsel for the Plaintiffs in this case.

An interactive Web site, http://www.entraniisettlement.com, includes the complete notice form, claim form, and other Court documents. There is also a "Frequently Asked Questions" section, as well as information, pictures, and a video clip to assist property owners in identifying Entran II hose. Property owners can also call 1-800-254-9222 for more information and to find out if they are eligible.