Eligible Americans have a unique chance to claim a one-time payment after a $2.9 million data breach settlement has been reached. From this fund, people affected by the Wright & Filippis cyber security incident could get up to $5,000 as compensation for a ransomware attack that an unauthorized user conducted on the company's networks.
(Photo : Unsplash/Alexander Grey)
Who Suffered in the Wright & Filippis Data Breach?
Wright & Filippis prides itself on being one of the preeminent family-operated suppliers in the healthcare sector. It offers prosthetics, orthotics, and accessibility solutions. Its service to patients spans back more than 75 years. A profound commitment to patient care defines its operations.
However, between January 26 and January 28, 2022, their patients' personal information was compromised. Names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, and healthcare and financial data were potentially accessed by an unauthorized party, putting the security of many patients' sensitive data at risk.
Despite the incident, Wright & Filippis maintain a stance of non-admittance of any wrongdoing. No court has yet found them guilty of violating laws or committing violations related to the breach. They contest all allegations from the litigation.
Claiming the One-Time Payment: Who and How?
Individuals directly notified by Wright & Filippis regarding the potential exposure of their data are entitled to submit a compensation claim. Those affected are required to provide a valid Claim Form to process their claims to be considered for the one-time payment of up to $5,000.
The deadline for submitting a Claim Form is May 8, 2024. The Claim Forms are accessible for print or online submission, but the online method is recommended for a quicker process.
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What Are the Options for Claiming the Settlement Payment?
Recipients of the settlement have three primary avenues to receive their claim payment.
Seeking Documented Loss Compensation
Settlement Class Members stand to recover up to $5,000 for documented financial losses directly resulting from the data breach. These can range from losses due to identity theft to various professional and personal expenses incurred in the aftermath of the incident, including:
- Costs for identity theft protection
- Attorney, accountant, or credit repair services
- Charges from credit agencies for freezing or unfreezing credit reports
- Credit monitoring costs certified as associated with the data breach incurred after November 18, 2022
- Other related expenses, such as postage, notary, and telephone charges
Receipts and supporting documents must provide proof of these losses. With additional filed documents, even handwritten receipts may be considered.
Credit Monitoring and Insurance Services Option
Members of the settlement class can elect to receive three years of Credit Monitoring and Insurance Services (CMIS). The services, including $1 million in identity theft insurance and monitoring across three credit bureaus, will be provided irrespective of any prior CMIS owing to the data breach. Beneficiaries can time the commencement of these services at their convenience.
Opt for a Cash Fund Payment
Alternatively, claimants may seek a share of the settlement in cash. This process involves dividing the residual Net Settlement Funds proportionately among valid claim submissions. Selecting this option excludes eligibility for other benefits under the settlement.
The process to claim compensation requires careful adherence to guidelines under penalty of perjury to ensure the integrity of the claims. Each claimant must verify their eligibility prudently and proceed carefully through the claim process, given that false claims can lead to serious legal consequences. The window to file a claim is stringent, making it crucial for those affected to act immediately.
Claimants are now presented with diverse options tailored to accommodate the needs and contexts of various individuals affected by the Wright & Filippis data breach incident. The deadline to file a claim is unforgiving. May 8, 2024, will be the final day to submit claims online or via mail. This compensation initiative endeavors to mitigate the damages sustained by breach victims, reflecting a significant response to an increasingly digitalized personal health information environment.
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