Dental patients who were affected by a significant data breach at a Wisconsin dental practice have a limited window to submit claims for compensation. The settlement, amounting to $1.225 million, is part of a class action lawsuit against First Choice Dental, which has not admitted to any wrongdoing. Patients have until January 28, 2024, to claim up to $6,000 for documented losses due to the breach.
Details of the Lawsuit
The class action lawsuit stems from allegations that First Choice Dental failed to adequately protect sensitive consumer information, which was compromised during a data breach in 2023. The breach reportedly involved the exposure of personal details such as names, dates of birth, driver’s license numbers, Social Security numbers, financial account information, and health data.
Under the terms of the settlement, individuals who can provide proof of economic losses resulting from the data breach may receive compensation of up to $6,000. Acceptable forms of documentation include receipts, bank statements, account statements, bills, invoices, and other relevant records.
Compensation for All Affected Individuals
In addition to the compensation for documented losses, those who did not experience any financial impact due to the breach can still claim a payment of $50. Furthermore, all affected class members will benefit from three years of complimentary credit monitoring services, along with $1 million in identity theft protection insurance.
Individuals wishing to object to or opt out of the settlement must do so by December 29, 2023. To receive benefits, a valid claim form must be submitted online by the January 28 deadline.
The final approval hearing for the settlement is set for January 12, 2024, where a judge will confirm that the settlement adequately addresses the needs of the affected individuals. This hearing is a standard part of the class action process, ensuring that the settlement is fair and just for all involved parties.
Patients are encouraged to act quickly to secure their claims and protect their sensitive information in the wake of this significant data breach.
