Columbus Regional Healthcare Data Breach Settlement

If you were notified by Columbus Regional Healthcare System (CRHS) about a May 2023 data incident, you may be eligible to claim up to $5,000 from a class action settlement.

CRHS has agreed to pay $1,175,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged data security failures that compromised personal information.

Who is considered a class member?

Class members include the approximate 132,800 people who were impacted by the May 2023 data incident.

How much are the payouts per person?

Class members can claim compensation for documented out-of-pocket losses up to $5,000 per person.

These losses include:

• Unreimbursed losses related to fraud or identity theft
• Professional fees such as attorneys' fees, accountants' fees, and credit repair services
• Costs associated with freezing or unfreezing credit with any credit reporting agency
• Credit monitoring costs incurred after the data incident through the claims deadline
• Miscellaneous expenses like notary, fax, postage, copying, mileage, and long-distance telephone charges

Additionally, all class members may claim a pro rata cash payment from the settlement fund, estimated to be $50 per claimant. The final amount may vary based on the number of approved claims.

How to claim an award

To claim an award, class members must submit a claim form by April 2, 2025. You can file a claim online or download the claim form in PDF format and mail it to: _Columbus Regional Data Settlement, c/o Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 25226, Santa Ana, CA 92799_

Claimants need to provide proof of their out-of-pocket losses. This includes documentation such as receipts or statements that substantiate the claimed expenses. Self-prepared documents alone are insufficient but can support other documentation.

Claim instructions

Follow these steps to submit your claim:

1. Visit the settlement website and log in using your unique ID and PIN.
2. Complete the claim form with your personal information and details of your losses.
3. Attach the necessary documentation to support your claim.
4. Submit the form online or mail it to the provided address.

Payout options

Class members can choose from the following payment options:

• Prepaid payment card
• PayPal
• Venmo
• Zelle
• Check mailed to the address on file

$1,175,000 Settlement fund

The settlement fund of $1,175,000 will cover:

• Approved claims for out-of-pocket losses
• Pro rata cash payments to class members
• Notice and administration expenses
• Attorneys' fees and service awards

Class counsel will apply for fees not to exceed 35% of the total settlement fund, which amounts to $411,250.

Important dates

• Deadline to File a Claim: April 2, 2025
• Final Approval Hearing: April 9, 2025

When is the Columbus Regional Healthcare System payout date?

The court will hold a final approval hearing on April 9, 2025, to decide whether to approve the settlement. If approved, payments will be distributed to eligible class members.

Why was there a class action settlement?

This settlement resolves allegations that CRHS failed to protect personal information, leading to a data breach. The data breach compromised a wide array of data including:

• Names
• Addresses
• Dates of birth
• Social Security Numbers
• Medical history
• Health insurance information

The parties agreed to settle to avoid the burden and expense of continued litigation.