Americans can get payout worth $6,000 from $2.7 million dental data breach settlement – and you only need to fill a form

CONSUMERS affected by the February 2023 data breach at Great Expressions may be eligible for compensation through a $2.7 million settlement.

This settlement addresses claims against Great Expressions, a network of 246 dental care centers nationwide.

Great Expressions is settling over allegations that their cybersecurity measures were insufficient, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive consumer information.

The settlement benefits those who received a notification from Great Expressions about the data breach.

It distinguishes between two subclasses based on whether the breach potentially compromised Social Security numbers.

WHAT YOU'LL GET

For individuals whose Social Security numbers were accessed, the settlement offers reimbursement for up to $500 in ordinary losses and up to $5,000 for extraordinary losses.

All of this, plus compensation for up to two hours of lost time at a rate of $20 per hour.

Those whose Social Security numbers were not impacted can claim up to $40 for two hours of lost time, also compensated at $20 per hour.

Great Expressions has not admitted to any wrongdoing but agreed to settle the lawsuit to resolve the claims.

To receive settlement benefits, class members must submit a valid claim form by November 8, 2024.

Claims must include proof of data breach-related losses, such as receipts, bills, invoices, or credit reports.

The deadlines to be aware of include the October 11, 2024, deadline for exclusion and objection.

Meanwhile, the final approval hearing scheduled for December 12, 2024.

Claims must be filed under penalty of perjury, and fraudulent claims can negatively impact other eligible class members.

You can fill the form online.

If unsure about eligibility, check the FAQ section on the Settlement Administrator’s website before filing.

The case is officially known as Great Expressions Data Security Incident Litigation, with the case number 2:23-cv-11185-JJCG-CI.

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.

It is being heard in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

For further details and to file a claim, visit the settlement website here.

If you are not eligible for this settlement, you may want to explore other open class action settlements.

Certain Costco shoppers may soon receive refunds as part of a $3.875 million settlement for overcharges.

Additionally, eligible claimants on Cash App could receive up to $2,500 from a $15 million settlement related to a data breach.