Americans to get payment worth up to $5k as part of $2.25m data breach settlement – they just need a receipt to hand

AMERICANS can get up to $5k from a $2.25 million settlement surrounding Atlantic General Hospital’s data breach.

However, patients must act quickly as the deadline to file a claim is later this week.

Getty

Getty

Atlantic General Hospital, a healthcare facility in Maryland, was a cybercrime target in 2023.

Certain sensitive information, such as health data and Social Security numbers, may have been leaked as a result.

Some of those impacted by the breach sued the hospital, alleging it could have done more to protect their data.

Atlantic General denies all wrongdoing, but agreed to the settlement to avoid the costs of more litigation, The U.S. Sun previously reported .

The deadline to file a claim, however, is fast approaching.

Individuals have until Thursday – August 22 – to make a filing.

WHAT HAPPENED

Atlantic General experienced a data breach in January 2023, compromising its patients’ information.

Those involved in the data breach class action lawsuit argue that the hospital could have prevented the breach by implementing reasonable cybersecurity measures.

Hackers allegedly gained access to sensitive consumer information, including Social Security numbers, health insurance information, financial account numbers, and more.

Class members can receive three years of free credit monitoring and insurance services as part of the settlement.

They can also receive cash payments of up to £5,000.

The final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for September 5, 2024.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Anyone who received a notification from Atlantic General saying their data may have been breached is eligible for a payout.

Individuals must have documented losses to qualify for a reimbursement.

These include receipts, account statements, invoice bills, credit reports, and other documentation of data breach-related losses.

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.

You can still get a cash payment if you don’t have documented losses.

However, the payment amount depends on how many people file a claim.

PAY UP

Other settlements currently taking place in the U.S. include a $3.875 million Costco settlement and a $39 million LensCrafters settlement .

Costco shoppers who bought particular cans of tuna may be eligible for a payment.

Two companies were accused of conspiring to raise and fix the prices of their “food-service size” packaged tuna products between 2011 and 2016.

LensCrafters, an American eyewear company, agreed to a $39 million settlement to resolve a class action lawsuit regarding deceptive advertising.