HOSPITAL patients have just 24 hours to take action or risk missing out on up to $7,500 from a multi-million dollar payout.
It comes after a Florida-based hospital suffered a data breach that compromised the personal information of around 2.1 million people.
All impacted individuals will have been notified by the hospital about the data breach (stock)[/caption]
Eligible class members have until January 12 to file a claim to get their cash (stock)[/caption]
The Tampa General Hospital has agreed to pay $6.8 million to resolve claims made by a class-action lawsuit regarding the breach in 2023.
The lawsuit claimed that the hospital discovered the data leak on or around May 31, 2023, and accused it of failing to protect patient information.
In agreeing to a settlement, Tampa General Hospital has not admitted any wrongdoing.
During the data breach, personal patient information including health insurance details, Social Security numbers, medical record numbers and treatment information was compromised.
Those eligible for compensation from the settlement will have received a notice from the Florida Health Science Center about the data breach and that their information may have been leaked.
There are different categories of compensation which vary depending on the personal impact of the breach.
But all claims must be submitted by January 12 for them to be included in the settlement – this can be done here.
COMPENSATION
Class members who received notice of their information being compromised in the data breach but who did not experience any losses can claim a flat rate payment of $125.
Those who suffered certain documented losses as a result of the breach such as travel expenses, credit-related costs, bank fees and communication charges can get up to $1,500.
Claimants who were subject to extraordinary losses from the breach such as identity theft damages and fraudulent charges can get up to $7,500 for such losses as long as they provide evidence.
Documented losses can be proven using receipts, credit reports, and bank statements.
Class members can also claim money back for time lost as a result of the breach.
Up to four hours can be claimed at a rate of $25 per hour for a maximum lost time payment of $100.
All those impacted by the data leak can also claim one year of free three-bureau credit monitoring services.
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.
Those who fail to submit a claim by January 12 could have their legal rights affected.
By December 28, 2024, class members who did not want to be part of the settlement should have excluded themselves from it.
Doing so means they retain their legal right to bring further legal action against the hospital but in return, they do not get any part of the settlement money.
Class members who did not do this and who miss the January deadline will not be part of the payout and will not be able to bring future legal action against the hospital regarding the data breach.
A final approval hearing is scheduled for February 3, 2025.
Meanwhile, Americans who received a telemarketing message from an online pharmacy could be eligible for between $600 and $1,500.
