Settlement Announced for Class Action Involving Data Breach at California Corrections Department
In a notable development for individuals affected by data security issues, CPT Group, Inc. has announced a proposed settlement stemming from a class action lawsuit, Thomas et al. v. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). This case arises from a data incident reported in January 2022, where an unauthorized user gained access to sensitive information within the CDCR’s systems. While the CDCR maintains that no actual data was compromised, the settlement aims to compensate individuals who might be impacted.
The settlement class includes all individuals in California whose Protected Health Information (PHI) or Personally Identifiable Information (PII) was stored or exposed due to this incident. According to the terms of the settlement, CDCR will establish a Settlement Fund totaling $1.8 million to resolve the case. This fund will be allocated to cover payments to class members, administrative expenses, attorney fees, and service awards for plaintiffs.
Eligible individuals who received a postcard notification about the settlement will automatically be awarded a cash payment. For those who qualify but did not receive any notification, a claim form can be submitted online or via mail to ensure they can still receive a payment. The total payout each individual will get will depend on the overall number of valid claims submitted, making early action vital for potential beneficiaries.
Filing a claim is straightforward. Claim forms are readily available for download and can be submitted online at www.CDCRDataClassActionSettlement.com. However, all claims must be filed by the deadline of February 14, 2025, signaling the need for prompt action. The agreement also allows individuals the option of opting out, which means they can forfeit any potential payout but retain the right to pursue their own legal action against the CDCR if they choose.
In addition, individuals have the right to object to the settlement. Those who want to express their disagreement can do so by submitting a written notice to the Settlement Administrator, ensuring that all opinions regarding the settlement are heard by the court.
A critical milestone in this process will be the Final Approval Hearing set for March 7, 2025. The session will take place in the Superior Court of California, aiming to finalize the settlement and confirm the distribution of funds, attorney fees, and service awards. Participants may attend this hearing, although it is not required, nor must individuals hire legal representation to do so.
For more comprehensive information, including detailed instructions on claiming funds, individuals can visit the designated website or contact the Settlement Administrator directly. It is crucial that potential claimants act promptly to secure their rightful compensation and navigate the complexities of this settlement effectively. As data breaches become prevalent, this settlement highlights the importance of vigilance regarding the protection of personal information in governmental institutions.
The settlement class includes all individuals in California whose Protected Health Information (PHI) or Personally Identifiable Information (PII) was stored or exposed due to this incident. According to the terms of the settlement, CDCR will establish a Settlement Fund totaling $1.8 million to resolve the case. This fund will be allocated to cover payments to class members, administrative expenses, attorney fees, and service awards for plaintiffs.
Eligible individuals who received a postcard notification about the settlement will automatically be awarded a cash payment. For those who qualify but did not receive any notification, a claim form can be submitted online or via mail to ensure they can still receive a payment. The total payout each individual will get will depend on the overall number of valid claims submitted, making early action vital for potential beneficiaries.
Filing a claim is straightforward. Claim forms are readily available for download and can be submitted online at www.CDCRDataClassActionSettlement.com. However, all claims must be filed by the deadline of February 14, 2025, signaling the need for prompt action. The agreement also allows individuals the option of opting out, which means they can forfeit any potential payout but retain the right to pursue their own legal action against the CDCR if they choose.
In addition, individuals have the right to object to the settlement. Those who want to express their disagreement can do so by submitting a written notice to the Settlement Administrator, ensuring that all opinions regarding the settlement are heard by the court.
A critical milestone in this process will be the Final Approval Hearing set for March 7, 2025. The session will take place in the Superior Court of California, aiming to finalize the settlement and confirm the distribution of funds, attorney fees, and service awards. Participants may attend this hearing, although it is not required, nor must individuals hire legal representation to do so.
For more comprehensive information, including detailed instructions on claiming funds, individuals can visit the designated website or contact the Settlement Administrator directly. It is crucial that potential claimants act promptly to secure their rightful compensation and navigate the complexities of this settlement effectively. As data breaches become prevalent, this settlement highlights the importance of vigilance regarding the protection of personal information in governmental institutions.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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