Tom Smith of Indianapolis, Indiana did not cash in his $5 scratch-off lottery ticket right away. He actually waited several months. But when he did try to claim his prize he was told it was too late.

According to CNN reports, Smith filed an appeal with the Indiana State Lottery Commission in 1996 saying he was not aware of a time limit. When his claim was rejected he sued the agency for damages.

The case turned into a class-suit when other disgruntled ticket holders joined. The agency reportedly ended up paying $500,000 in legal fees and $600,000 in awards and plaintiffs' legal fees, which awarded Smith $15,000.

The agency now prints the dates the tickets expire, reports say.