#United States #Class Action #Philadelphia #Security Incident #Telmate Data

Class Action Settlement Over Telmate Data Breach

In a significant legal development, a class action settlement has been proposed in the case of Cooper v. Telmate, LLC, stemming from a data breach incident that occurred in August 2020.

Overview of the Breach

On August 11-13, 2020, unauthorized individuals accessed the computer network of Telmate, LLC, also known as Viapath Technologies. This security breach compromised the personal information of users who relied on Telmate's communication services for incarcerated individuals. Despite the allegations, Telmate denies any wrongdoing.

Details of the Settlement

As part of the settlement, Telmate will contribute $4.225 million into a fund intended to provide cash payments to those individuals whose personal information was affected during the incident. This fund is also set to cover the costs associated with settlement administration, attorney fees, and a service award for plaintiffs.

Eligibility

The settlement class includes any individual in the United States whose personal information was compromised as a result of the breach. Affected individuals can claim a pro-rata cash payment and seek reimbursement for documented out-of-pocket losses, with a cap of $5,000 per person.

Important Dates

Claim forms must be submitted online or postmarked by December 21, 2026. If potential claimants do not take any action, they will automatically remain members of the settlement class but will forfeit their right to sue Telmate for the claims covered under this settlement. Furthermore, individuals who do not wish to receive a settlement payment must opt out by the same date.

Court Hearing

A critical hearing is scheduled for February 12, 2027, at 10:00 AM ET to determine the final approval of the settlement. During this hearing, the court will also review the approval of attorney fees, which may reach up to $1.408 million, in addition to costs and service awards.

Next Steps for Affected Individuals

For those impacted, it is crucial to file a claim form within the stipulated timeframe. More information on how to file a claim can be found on the settlement website: TelmateDataBreachSettlement.com or by calling (833) 453-3721.

In conclusion, the outcome of this settlement may offer crucial compensation to individuals affected by the Telmate data breach, shedding light on the importance of data security and individual rights in the digital age.