AMERICANS have just hours to request a piece of a settlement worth more than $1 million.
Applicants may be able to pocket a check for up to $7,000 if they act quickly.
The settlement, worth US$1.45 million, is related to a data breach that Avem Health Partners suffered in May 2022.
A lawsuit alleged that the company did not do enough to protect patient information.
Social Security numbers were among the data allegedly exposed because of the breach.
Other data allegedly compromised includes birth dates.
The suit alleges that if stricter measures had been in place, the breach could have been prevented.
Avem Health Partners bosses have not admitted any wrongdoing but are resolving the allegations through the settlement.
But claimants must provide evidence that they suffered losses.
Bank statements, receipts and credit reports also count as proof.
Americans must request the agreement by May 25.
They can apply online or submit an application form by mail.
Those affected can also receive three years of identity theft protection.
It is too late for Americans to oppose or exclude themselves from the agreement. The deadline to do so was April 25th.
It is not yet known when payments will be sent to claimants.
Payments may be delayed if the agreement is appealed.
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.
Americans were urged to remain patient during the process.
Meanwhile, another data breach settlement could leave Americans pocketing up to $5,200.
The deadline to file a complaint is June 5th.
The settlement is linked to a data breach suffered by life insurer Ethos Technologies.
Americans who owned an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus between September 2016 and January 2023 will be able to claim a payment.
Apple bosses agreed to resolve the claims through a $35 million settlement.
A lawsuit alleged that both iPhone models had audio problems linked to an integrated circuit chip.
Apple has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
