TIME is running out for individuals to claim a share of a settlement pot in a data breach lawsuit against a US farming firm.
The deadline for submitting a valid claim in the class action suit against the Green Valley Pecan Company is December 16.
Eligible claimants could receive up to $4,400 each if extraordinary losses or expenses due to identity theft or fraud were incurred as a result of the data breach, which occurred in May 2022.
Other ordinary losses related to the breach, including any bank charges, credit costs, or travel expenses will be paid up to $400.
This includes up to three hours’ time spent dealing with the incident at $15 per hour.
Additionally, claimants will score two years of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection – including $1 million identity theft insurance – under the settlement agreed with the Arizona-based producer.
Though Green Valley Pecan Company has not admitted any liability, it has agreed to pay an undisclosed sum in settlement of the lawsuit.
The company sent a data breach notification to individuals, informing them of a cyberattack in 2022.
This breach saw the unauthorized access of files, potentially compromising the personal information of those affected.
Plaintiffs argued the firm should have had cybersecurity measures in place that would have prevented or lessened the effects of the attack and data breach.
ELIGIBILITY TO CLAIM
Any individual sent a notice of the data incident by Green Valley Pecan Company is eligible to claim the money offered.
If your personally identifiable information was potentially compromised as a result of the data breach you will have received notice from the company.
You will need to submit supporting documentation for your claim.
This can include bank statements, invoices, phone bills, gas receipts, credit reports and postage receipts.
HOW TO CLAIM
Class members can claim through the settlement website.
Complete the online claim form, using your unique settlement claimant ID to log in.
What's a class-action settlement?
Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or 'classes,' a way to band together in court.
These suits are often brought by one or a few people who allege a company or other entity has wronged a large group of people.
When a suit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar complaints to those who filed the suit.
Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue further legal action by accepting money.
These payout agreements frequently include statements by the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.
Pollution, discrimination, or false advertising are a few examples of what can land a class action on a company’s doorstep.
Alternatively you can call the claims administrator and request a claim form be posted to you.
There’s now just a few days left to submit your claim before the December 16 deadline, along with any supporting information for proof of expenses.
Postal claims must be postmarked no later than December 16.
A final approval hearing for the settlement is set to take place on January 10, 2025.
Other recent settlements include up to $5,000 payments for individuals in a data breach suit against Injured Workers Pharmacy.
Dog supply company Earth Rated also settled a class action lawsuit concerning its compostable dog poop bags.
