HUNDREDS of Americans are eligible for part of a massive $6.49 million settlement that could result in tens of thousands of dollars being deposited into their bank accounts.
Individuals affected by a data breach in 2022 are eligible to claim part of the massive settlement.
The settlement stems from a class action lawsuit that alleged that CorrectCare Integrated Health, a company that handles medical billing, claims and provision of medical services in the correctional facilities industry, failed to protect customer information from hackers.
The lawsuit alleged that in the July 2022 data breach, criminals were able to access confidential information obtained from processing medical claims.
CorrectCare denied any wrongdoing but agreed to a whopping $6.49 million settlement earlier this month to solve the problem.
Eligible class action members can receive one of three types of settlement payments.
The first aims to reimburse customers for any losses suffered as a result of the data breach, including bank fees, long-distance phone charges, cell phone charges, data charges, credit report fees, fraud, and more.
These losses must have occurred between July 2022 and August 27, 2024.
Eligible individuals can receive up to $10,000 for these losses.
The exact amount applicants receive may vary.
People may also qualify for an alternative cash payment for those without traceable losses.
An additional third California cash payment is also available to qualified individuals.
This payment is expected to be equal to the same “half” value as the alternative cash payment.
Those who qualify for this extra money will be identified on a list developed in the class action settlement.
If the total value of claims exceeds the limit allocated in the agreement, all participating individuals will then see a “pro rata” reduction to account for all claimants.
To receive part of this settlement, eligible individuals must file a claim by August 27th.
Individuals also have until August 30th to exclude themselves from the settlement or object.
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.
A final approval hearing has been scheduled for September 16.
It is not yet clear how quickly claimants will see funds reach their banks, since those responsible for the settlement have warned it may take up to a year with any additional resources.
To file a claim, potential claimants must complete an online claim form and submit any required documentation if they wish to claim out-of-pocket expenses.
This can include account statements, invoices, receipts, bills, tax documents and more, according to TopClassActions.com.
Those who do not qualify for the settlement should not file a claim.
Eligible individuals can find the claim form here.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
