Americans have hours left to claim $10,000 checks from $8m data breach settlement and all you need is a receipt

According to The Sun, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, an international law firm based in San Francisco, is set to distribute $10,000 payments to individuals affected by its recent data breach settlement, contingent upon providing proof of their claims. This settlement, totaling $8 million, stems from allegations that the firm failed to adequately protect clients’ information, allowing hackers to access sensitive data through unauthorized file transfers.

The class action lawsuit against Orrick claims the firm exhibited negligence by not implementing reasonable cybersecurity measures to safeguard client data. Although Orrick did not admit to any wrongdoing, it has agreed to the substantial settlement to resolve the claims.

Settlement Details and Eligibility Requirements

Under the terms of the settlement, class members can claim various cash benefits, including payments for lost time, expense reimbursements, and compensation under California law. Specifically, the settlement allows for reimbursement of up to five hours of lost time at a rate of $25 per hour. Additionally, affected individuals can receive up to $2,500 for expenses incurred in response to the data breach, which includes costs associated with identity theft or fraud—potentially totaling up to $7,500.

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The maximum payment for any individual claimant can reach $10,000, but those who prefer not to pursue the reimbursement options can opt for a one-time cash payment of $75 instead. Furthermore, California residents can receive an additional $150 payment in accordance with the state’s Consumer Privacy Act.

Additional Benefits and Claim Submission

Class members will also be entitled to three years of complimentary three-bureau credit monitoring and identity theft protection. Eligibility for the class action is limited to individuals who received a data breach notification from Orrick between March 2023 and December 2023.

To access these settlement benefits, individuals must submit a valid claim form by the deadline of October 28. Acceptable proof of purchase includes account statements, utility bills, tax returns, and other relevant documentation.

A final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for November 8, where the court will review the agreement and ensure that the compensation plan aligns with the needs of those affected by the data breach.