Bluefield University $500,000 Data Breach Settlement

If you are a resident of the United States and received a notice from Bluefield University regarding a data breach that compromised your private information, you may be eligible to claim up to $4,500 from a class action settlement.

Bluefield University has agreed to pay $500,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged mishandling of private information during a data breach incident was discovered on May 1, 2023.

Who can file a claim?

Eligibility criteria:

• You must be a natural person residing in the United States.
• You must have received a notice letter from Bluefield University informing you that your private information was compromised in the data breach incident.

How much are the payouts?

Class members can claim several types of compensation:

• Reimbursement for documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to the incident, up to a maximum of $4,500 per person.
• Compensation for up to 5 hours of lost time at $25 per hour, which is also capped at $125.
• Three years of identity theft protection and credit monitoring services.
• Alternatively, a one-time cash payment of up to $100 instead of the other benefits.

The total compensation for each class member cannot exceed $4,500.

Is proof required to submit a claim?

Yes, claimants must provide proof to claim an award. To receive reimbursement for documented out-of-pocket losses, claimants need to submit third-party documentation supporting the claimed loss. Self-prepared documents like handwritten receipts are insufficient.

How to claim an award

To claim an award, you must complete and submit a claim form by April 7, 2025. You can file a claim online or obtain a paper claim form by calling the Claims Administrator at 1-800-417-6705.

Completed forms can be submitted electronically or mailed to _Bluefield University Data Breach Settlement, c/o Atticus Administration, PO Box 64053, St. Paul, MN 55164_.

Required documentation

To receive reimbursement for documented out-of-pocket losses, claimants need to submit third-party documentation supporting the claimed loss.

Claim instructions

1. Visit the online claim form.
2. Enter your Claimant ID number and last name as instructed.
3. Complete the form with all required information.
4. Submit the form online or mail it to the address provided.

Payment methods

Class members can receive their compensation through:

• Direct deposit
• Check mailed to their address

$500,000 Settlement fund

The settlement fund of $500K will cover:

• Payments to class members for documented out-of-pocket losses and lost time.
• Costs of providing identity theft protection and credit monitoring services.
• Attorneys' fees and costs, which will not exceed $150,000.
• A service award of $1,500 to the class representative.

Important dates

• Deadline to File a Claim: April 7, 2025
• Final Approval Hearing: April 15, 2025

When is the Bluefield Data Settlement payout date?

Awards will be paid within 30 days after the final approval date (April 15, 2025) or after all disputed claims have been resolved.

Why is there a class action settlement?

The class action lawsuit was filed against Bluefield University due to a data breach incident that compromised the private information of individuals. The parties settled to avoid the costs and risks of a trial, and to provide compensation to those affected.