AMERICANS could qualify for up to $10,000 in a major data breach lawsuit involving an ambulance company.
Empress Ambulance Services has agreed to pay $1.05 million after a data breach may have compromised patient information.
The lawsuit was filed after patients alleged that the New York-based ambulance company failed to protect patient information.
Empress notified patients about a possible data breach in 2022.
On or about July 14 of that year, unauthorized individuals accessed files that “may contain” patient information, according to the settlement website.
The Empress did not admit any wrongdoing in the case.
The company settled to avoid the costs and uncertainty of further litigation.
For those impacted, the deadline to file a complaint is May 8.
HOW TO QUALIFY
Those who believe their information may have been leaked in the data breach have two options.
They may request a “documented loss” payment or a “cash fund” payment.
Documented Loss Payments will cover up to $10,000 in losses likely related to the data breach.
This may include credit card statements or receipts.
Another option is better for those who do not have any proof of expenses related to the data breach.
Opting for a cash payment means no receipts or statements are needed, but the payment amount is unclear.
After documented loss payments and other costs are subtracted from the total settlement amount of $1.05 million, the remainder will be divided equally among all those who qualified for a cash payment.
In addition to or instead of one of these two options, class members may choose to receive credit monitoring services.
Applications can be submitted by mail or online.
What is a class action settlement?
Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or “classes,” a way to come together in court.
These lawsuits are often filed by one or a few people who allege that a company or other entity has harmed a large group of people.
When a lawsuit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar claims to those who filed the lawsuit.
Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue legal action by accepting money.
These payment agreements often include statements from the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.
Pollution, discrimination or false advertising are some examples of what can lead to a class action lawsuit at a company’s door.
MORE PAYMENTS
Data breaches are a common reason companies pay out money through class action lawsuits.
Nurses in Georgia may receive money after data breach settlement.
Allegations of false advertising can also lead to class action lawsuits.
Walmart is paying $45 million following allegations that it falsely advertised the prices of certain weighted products.
Those who bought bagged citrus fruits or certain meat products could receive up to $500.
Robinhood Is Paying After Settlement Over His Text Messages.
Americans could get up to $7,500 from another medical data leak settlement.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
