Retina Group of Washington agreed to a $3.6 million class action lawsuit settlement to resolve allegations against them.
According to the claims, the eye care firm failed to prevent a data breach in 2023.
The Retina Group of Washington (RGW) settlement benefits anyone whose personal information was potentially exposed following the company’s data breach on March 26, 2023.
The leak reportedly affected thousands of customers.
The breach also exposed sensitive information, including Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and health insurance information.
Patients were furious and filed a lawsuit against RGW.
They contended that the company should and could have avoided the breach if it had implemented reasonable cybernetics measures.
The eye care center has locations in Maryland and Virginia.
It provides a wide range of services, including retina surgery, diabetic eye care, macular degeneration treatment, and other eye-related services.
RGW denied any wrongdoing, but agreed to a $3.6 million class action settlement to resolve the allegations.
According to the terms of the RGW settlement, eligible class members may receive a cash reimbursement or an alternative cash payment.
Claimants who lost money as a result of the data leak may be eligible for up to $300 in reimbursement for ordinary out-of-pocket expenses.
This covers bank fees, communication costs, travel expenses, and up to four hours of lost time at a rate of $25 per hour.
The settlement will also cover claims for up to $5,000 in additional reimbursement for “extraordinary losses” caused by identity theft or fraud.
Class members who did not suffer direct losses as a result of the data breach may still benefit from the settlement.
The settlement entitles these less affected class members to an alternative cash payment of approximately $100.
The exact alternate payment amounts will vary depending on the number of claims filed and the funds remaining in the settlement after reimbursement claims are paid.
Class members may be eligible for two years of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services.
These include daily three-bureau credit monitoring, identity restoration services, and $1 million of identity theft insurance.
However, class members who choose to receive an alternate cash payment are not eligible for free credit monitoring.
Furthermore, RGW agreed to implement additional data privacy and security measures to strengthen its cybersecurity.
These new measures include implementing a written information security policy, providing cybersecurity training, maintaining a written password policy, and others.
The deadline for those seeking to object or exclude is May 27.
The deadline to submit a valid claim and receive free funds is June 23.
