SELECT Americans could get thousands of dollars in a one-time distribution from a recent data breach settlement.
The direct payment opportunity comes after a class action lawsuit was filed against a legal data analytics provider.
Plaintiffs in the suit claimed the provider, UnitedLex, failed to prevent an attack from cybercriminals that penetrated its servers, contractors, and staff, per a website created for the case.
The data breach potentially compromised sensitive information belonging to beneficiaries, contractors, and staff.
Those details allegedly included financial account numbers, Social Security numbers, and names.
UnitedLex has not admitted any wrongdoing in the case, but agreed to a settlement pot of $1.3 million to resolve the claims and avoid further legal costs.
There are several qualifying criteria that individuals must meet to get their share of the settlement pot.
First, they must be current or former beneficiaries, contractors, or employees with UnitedLex.
Their personal information must've also been potentially impacted by the March 2023 hacking incident.
Those who are automatically eligible as part of the class would've gotten a notice in the mail or through email informing them that their details were at risk during the data breach.
Those who don't have their Claim ID and PIN can still file securely on the website through an alternative option.
Claim forms are also available to download and fill out under the Case Documents section and then mail to the settlement administrator.
The deadline to file a claim is coming up fast on November 12, 2024.
Exclusion and objection opportunities passed already on September 23, 2024.
Those who qualify can get various benefits from the settlement, including free credit monitoring, identity theft protection services, and reimbursements.
Candidates that include valid documentation of expenses, bank fees, travel costs, credit costs, damages, and more incurred from identity theft or fraud can get up to $15,000.
Additionally, there's $500 added to cover any lost time eligible claimants spent addressing any issues caused by the March 2023 data breach.
Leftover cash from the pot after all deductions for qualifying claimants will be sent out on a pro-rata basis.
The free credit monitoring and identity theft protections are also available for claimants who enroll until July 11, 2027.
UnitedLex also committed to implementing additional cybersecurity measures.
A final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for December 10, 2024.
Americans should also remain aware of other settlements with approaching deadlines.
Another data breach settlement involving an accounts receivable collection services company is sending out $100 payments for those who file by November 12.