Dental patients affected by the recent data breach at Great Expressions dental centers may have an opportunity to receive financial compensation.
This article outlines the details of the settlement, eligibility criteria, compensation types, and important dates to keep in mind.
Overview of the Data Breach
In September 2023, Great Expressions dental centers experienced a significant data breach that compromised the personal information of many individuals. Following allegations that the company failed to adequately protect consumer data, they have agreed to a multi-million dollar settlement.
As part of this settlement, affected individuals may be eligible to receive one-time payments of up to $6,000.
Key Takeaways
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Potential Compensation | Up to $6,000 for eligible individuals |
| Eligibility | Notifications sent to affected individuals |
| Claims Deadline | November 8, 2024 |
| Final Approval Hearing | December 12, 2024 |
Now is the time for those who received a notification about the breach to take action and file their claims to secure compensation.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the settlement, individuals must have received a notification from Great Expressions about the September 2023 data breach. Only those who were directly impacted are eligible. This breach affected various types of personal information, including sensitive data such as Social Security numbers.
While Great Expressions has not admitted to any wrongdoing, this settlement aims to address the allegations of inadequate data protection. If you received a notice, it’s crucial to assess your eligibility for compensation.
Compensation Categories
The settlement provides for different levels of compensation based on the type of personal information that was accessed during the breach.
- Individuals with Compromised Social Security Numbers
If your Social Security number was involved, you may qualify for a higher compensation tier. Here’s what you could receive:- Ordinary Loss Reimbursement: Up to $500 for minor losses like identity theft or credit monitoring costs.
- Extraordinary Loss Reimbursement: Up to $5,000 for substantial financial losses, provided you can demonstrate a clear link to the breach.
- Lost Time Compensation: Up to two hours of lost time related to the breach, compensated at $20 per hour.
- Individuals Without Compromised Social Security Numbers
If your data was accessed but did not include Social Security numbers, you are still eligible for compensation, including:- Lost Time Compensation: Two hours of lost time compensation at $20 per hour, totaling up to $40.
Overview of Compensation Tiers
| Compensation Type | Eligible Individuals | Compensation Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Loss Reimbursement | Individuals with compromised Social Security numbers | Up to $500 |
| Extraordinary Loss Reimbursement | Individuals with significant financial losses | Up to $5,000 |
| Lost Time Compensation (2 hours) | Individuals with compromised Social Security numbers | Up to $40 (2 hours at $20/hour) |
| Lost Time Compensation (2 hours) | Individuals without compromised Social Security numbers | Up to $40 (2 hours at $20/hour) |
How to File a Claim
To claim your share of the settlement, you need to submit a claim form by November 8, 2024. Here’s a step-by-step guide to filing your claim:
- Obtain the Claim Form: Visit the designated settlement website or contact the settlement administrator for the claim form.
- Provide Necessary Information: Fill out the form with your personal details and the information requested.
- Attach Supporting Documentation: It’s essential to include documentation that connects your claim to the breach. Acceptable forms of documentation include:
- Receipts for expenses related to the breach
- Bills or invoices showing losses
- Credit reports or records from credit monitoring services
- Submit Your Claim: Send the completed form and supporting documents before the deadline to ensure you are considered for compensation.
Important Dates to Remember
- Claims Deadline: November 8, 2024
- Final Settlement Approval Hearing: December 12, 2024
The final hearing will determine if the claims can be processed and paid out. It’s crucial for claimants to keep track of all communications related to the settlement and to ensure they have submitted complete and accurate claims.
Conclusion
The Great Expressions dental centers data breach settlement provides an opportunity for affected individuals to receive compensation for the distress and potential financial losses incurred due to inadequate data protection.
If you believe you are eligible, take the necessary steps to file your claim before the November 8, 2024 deadline. Remember to gather all required documentation to support your claim, as this will help facilitate a smoother claims process.
Stay informed about any updates regarding the settlement, especially the final approval hearing date. Your proactive approach can ensure that you secure the compensation you deserve.
FAQs
1. Who is eligible for compensation under the Great Expressions data breach settlement?
To be eligible, you must have received a notification from Great Expressions regarding the September 2023 data breach and be directly impacted by it.
2. How much compensation can I receive?
Eligible individuals may receive up to $6,000, depending on the type of personal information compromised and the losses incurred.
3. What types of losses are compensated?
Compensation includes ordinary and extraordinary losses related to identity theft, lost time, and other documented expenses due to the breach.
4. When is the deadline for filing a claim?
All claims must be submitted by November 8, 2024. Be sure to gather all necessary documentation before this date.
5. What happens after I submit my claim?
After submission, your claim will be reviewed. A final settlement approval hearing is scheduled for December 12, 2024, which will finalize the terms of the settlement and determine when payments will be processed.
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