THOUSANDS of Dental patients could be eligible to score one-time payments up to $6,000 from a multi-million dollar settlement.
Great Expressions, a network of 246 dental care centers nationwide, was sued for allegedly failing to protect consumer information from a September 2023 data breach.
Those affected can get thousands from this settlement[/caption]
Great Expressions is settling over allegations that its cybersecurity measures were insufficient, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive consumer information.
The chain has not admitted wrongdoing but agreed to settle the lawsuit to resolve the claims.
The settlement benefits those who received a notification from Great Expressions about the data breach.
It distinguishes between two subclasses based on whether the breach potentially compromised Social Security numbers.
For individuals whose Social Security numbers were accessed, the settlement offers reimbursement for up to $500 in ordinary losses and up to $5,000 for extraordinary losses.
All of this, plus compensation for up to two hours of lost time at a rate of $20 per hour.
Those whose Social Security numbers were not impacted can claim up to $40 for two hours of lost time, also compensated at $20 per hour.
Class members must submit a valid claim form by November 8, 2024 to receive settlement benefits.
Claims must include proof of data breach-related losses, such as receipts, bills, invoices, or credit reports.
Meanwhile, the final approval hearing is scheduled for December 12, 2024.
Claims must be filed under penalty of perjury, and fraudulent claims can negatively impact other eligible class members.
You can fill out the form online.
If unsure about eligibility, check the FAQ section on the Settlement Administrator’s website before filing.
The case is officially known as Great Expressions Data Security Incident Litigation, with case number 2:23-cv-11185-JJCG-CI.
It is being heard in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
For further details and to file a claim, visit the settlement website here.
If you are not eligible for this settlement, you may want to explore other open class action settlements.
What’s a class-action settlement?
Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or ‘classes,’ a way to band together in court.
These suits are often brought by one or a few people who allege a company or other entity has wronged a large group of people.
When a suit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar complaints to those who filed the suit.
Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue further legal action by accepting money.
These payout agreements frequently include statements by the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.
Pollution, discrimination, or false advertising are a few examples of what can land a class action on a company’s doorstep.
MORE SETTLEMENT OFFERS
Popular protective equipment and clothing brand Magid Glove are at the heart of the $5,175 million settlement.
They are accused of violating Illinois laws by using “fingerprint time clocks” and taking temperatures with scanners over eight years.
Anyone who used a fingerprint-scanning clock or had their temperature taken by one of the scanners may be eligible.
According to the class action lawsuit, Magid Glove used fingerprint time clocks and temperature scanners without notifying people properly.
It affects those who used either device at Magid’s Romeoville, Illinois, facility between January 8, 2016, up to August 30, 2024.
Meanwhile, streaming giant Tubi – one of the most-watched services on the market – agreed to pay $19.99 million to settle a class action lawsuit.
The privacy suit alleges that Tubi shared users’ personal information with third parties without getting their consent first, violating the Video Privacy Protection Act.
While the streaming company has not admitted any wrongdoing, it has agreed to pay the sum to settle the lawsuit.
And this means thousands of Tubi users now stand a chance to get a share from the million-dollar payout.
Certain Costco shoppers may soon receive refunds as part of a $3.875 million settlement for overcharges.
Additionally, eligible claimants on Cash App could receive up to $2,500 from a $15 million settlement related to a data breach.
