Thousands of Americans affected by a significant data breach are being encouraged to file claims for compensation of up to $25,000. This opportunity arises from a class action settlement involving Integris Health, a healthcare group based in Oklahoma, which agreed to a $30 million settlement following allegations that it failed to adequately protect patient information.
The data breach occurred on November 28, 2023, when sensitive personal information of patients was compromised. According to the lawsuit, the breach exposed details that could lead to identity theft and fraud. The plaintiffs argued that reasonable cybersecurity measures could have prevented this incident. Although Integris Health has not admitted to any wrongdoing, the settlement aims to resolve the claims against the organization.
Patients impacted by the breach are eligible to receive up to $25,000 for documented losses resulting from the incident. Alternatively, they may opt for a pro-rata cash payment estimated at around $100. Alongside the monetary compensation, affected individuals will also receive three years of complimentary credit monitoring services from the three major credit bureaus, which includes up to $1 million in identity theft insurance.
To qualify for the compensation, claimants must provide documentation of out-of-pocket expenses, such as receipts. Individuals have until December 22, 2023, to submit valid claims as part of the settlement.
Additional Data Breaches Prompt Legal Action
This settlement comes on the heels of another significant breach involving the Communication Federal Credit Union (CFCU), which faced allegations of insufficient cybersecurity measures. The breach reportedly occurred between December 31, 2023, and January 11, 2024, exposing customer names, birthdays, home addresses, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, bank account details, and credit card numbers.
CFCU, a member-owned financial institution with branches in Oklahoma and Kansas, also agreed to a settlement, amounting to $2.9 million, although it did not admit any wrongdoing. Under the terms of this agreement, U.S. residents who were part of the class action can receive cash payments or reimbursements for expenses related to the data breach.
Individuals who incurred out-of-pocket losses as a result of the CFCU data breach may be compensated up to $7,500. Eligible expenses include costs for credit monitoring, identity replacement, communication-related expenses, and losses stemming from fraud or identity theft. As with the Integris Health settlement, documentation such as receipts or bank statements is required to validate claims.
For those who did not experience direct out-of-pocket losses, a pro-rata share of the $2.9 million settlement fund is also available. While estimates suggest that individual checks may amount to around $125, actual amounts will vary based on the total number of valid claims submitted.
As these settlements unfold, they highlight the increasing importance of cybersecurity in protecting personal information. Individuals affected by these breaches are urged to act swiftly to ensure they receive the compensation to which they may be entitled.
