ELIGIBLE Americans can claim up to $5,400 from a data breach settlement if they take immediate action.
The deadline to file a claim is in a matter of hours and those who miss it will not receive any cash.
Americans have just hours left to file a claim for up to $5,300 (stock)[/caption]
Two payment options are available under the terms of the payout (stock)[/caption]
A $3.6 million payout is being made by the Retina Group of Washington to resolve claims it failed to prevent a data breach.
The leak that happened in 2023 compromised the personal data of thousands of Americans across the country.
In agreeing to settle the class action lawsuit, the Retina Group has not admitted to any wrongdoing.
The eye care center has locations in Maryland and Virginia and was hit by a data breach on March 26, 2023.
Those leading the lawsuit claimed the company could have prevented the breach with adequate cyber security measures.
Data including Social Security numbers, driving license numbers, and health insurance information was included in the leak, putting individuals at risk.
COMPENSATION
The settlement agreement outlines two different payment methods for those impacted by the breach.
First, class members who have documented losses as a result are able to get up to $5,300.
Up to $300 can be claimed by those who suffered usual out-of-pocket losses such as bank fees, communication charges, and payment for credit monitoring etc.
Part of that payment also includes loss of time which will be compensated at a rate of $25 an hour for a maximum of four hours.
An additional $5,000 can be claimed by class members who suffered serious financial losses connected to the breach such as through identity theft or fraud.
Documents will need to be provided to show proof of loss such as bank statements and receipts.
These class members will also be eligible for two years of free three-bureau credit-monitoring and identity theft protection services.
This includes $1 million in identity theft insurance.
What’s a class-action settlement?
Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or ‘classes,’ a way to band together in court.
These suits are often brought by one or a few people who allege a company or other entity has wronged a large group of people.
When a suit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar complaints to those who filed the suit.
Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue further legal action by accepting money.
These payout agreements frequently include statements by the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.
Pollution, discrimination, or false advertising are a few examples of what can land a class action on a company’s doorstep.
The second payment option is available to class members who did not experience documented losses as a result of the breach.
Despite this, they can still get a standard cash payment estimated to be around $100.
The exact amount will be determined once all claims have been filed.
In order to claim, all class members must submit a completed claim form by June 23 meaning there is just 24 hours left to do so.
Claim forms can be completed and submitted here.
A final hearing will take place on July 15, after which payments will be made if the settlement and its claims are signed off.
