Only Hours Left to Secure $10,000 from $8M Data Breach Settlement

According to The Sun, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, an international law firm founded in San Francisco, has agreed to an $8 million settlement to compensate clients affected by a significant data breach. This settlement comes in response to a class action lawsuit alleging that the firm failed to protect client information adequately, leading to unauthorized access by hackers.

Claims of Negligence and Unauthorized Access

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit argue that the firm’s negligence allowed hackers to steal sensitive client information through unauthorized file transfers. While Orrick did not admit to any wrongdoing, the settlement aims to address the concerns raised by the affected clients.

Cash Benefits Available to Class Members

Under the settlement, eligible class members can receive various cash benefits, including compensation for lost time and expenses incurred as a result of the data breach. Each affected individual can be reimbursed for up to five hours of lost time at a rate of $25 per hour, amounting to a total of $125.

Additionally, affected individuals can claim up to $2,500 for ordinary expenses related to the breach, including losses from identity theft or fraud, with total reimbursements potentially reaching $7,500.

Maximum Payment and Alternative Options

The maximum payment for any individual claimant is set at $10,000. Alternatively, class members can choose to receive a flat cash payment of $75 if they prefer to forgo the reimbursement process. Furthermore, California residents may qualify for an additional $150 under the state’s Consumer Privacy Act.

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Complimentary Credit Monitoring and Protection

In addition to the cash benefits, class members will receive three years of complimentary credit monitoring and identity theft protection services, providing further security for their personal information.

Eligibility and Claim Submission Deadline

To qualify for the settlement benefits, individuals must have received a data breach notification from Orrick between March 2023 and December 2023. A valid claim form must be submitted by October 28 to receive any benefits.

Upcoming Final Approval Hearing

The final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for November 8. Claimants will need to provide proof of purchase, such as account statements, phone or internet bills, or tax returns, to secure their cash benefits from the settlement.