Fred Hutchinson $11.5 Million Data Breach Settlement

If you are a person residing in the United States whose private information was potentially compromised in the data security incident discovered by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center on November 19, 2023, you may be eligible to claim from $599 up to $5,000 from a class action settlement.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center has agreed to pay $11,500,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged negligence, breach of implied contract, unjust enrichment, and violation of the Washington Consumer Protection Act.

This settlement addresses the data security incident that occurred between November 10, 2023, and November 25, 2023, during which unauthorized parties accessed files containing personal information of patients.

Who can claim a FHCC Settlement payout?

You are one of the 2,151,554 individuals eligible for this settlement if:

• You are a person residing in the United States
• Your private information was potentially or actually compromised in the data security incident
• You received notice from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center or its authorized representative regarding the November 2023 data security incident

How much can class members get?

The settlement provides several benefits:

• Out-of-Pocket Losses: Class members can claim up to $5,000 for documented expenses such as unreimbursed losses related to fraud or identity theft, costs of credit monitoring, and other expenses directly linked to the data breach.
• Pro Rata Cash Fund Payment: This payment is up to $599, but the actual amount will depend on the number of claims. The fund will be divided among all valid claims after other expenses are covered.
• Medical Identity-Theft Protection and Monitoring: Class members can receive two years of Medical Shield Complete, a service that monitors medical and healthcare data for potential fraud.

The pro rata cash fund payments will be distributed evenly after deducting other expenses. For example, if 5% of class members claim both medical monitoring and pro rata benefits, the payment may be approximately $60, subject to the net settlement fund.

How to submit a claim

To claim a payout, you must complete a claim form. You can file a claim online or download the PDF claim form.pdf) and mail it to the settlement administrator.

Settlement Administrator's mailing address: FHCC Data Breach - 83118, c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC, P.O. Box 225391, New York, NY 10150-5391

Documentation & proof for certain claims

Claimants need to provide documentation for out-of-pocket losses only:

• Out-of-Pocket Losses: Documentation such as receipts or statements is required to substantiate the claim.
• Pro Rata Cash Fund Payment: No additional documentation is required beyond the claim form.
• Medical Identity-Theft Protection and Monitoring: Enrollment is necessary to receive this benefit.

Claim steps

1. Visit the settlement website to access the claim form
2. Fill out the form with your personal information and Class Member ID
3. Attach documentation for out-of-pocket losses, if applicable
4. Submit the form online or mail it to the settlement administrator by the deadline of May 7, 2025

Payout options

Class members can choose how they receive their payments:

• Direct deposit to your bank account
• Check mailed to your address

$11.5 Million settlement fund

The settlement fund of $11,500,000 will cover various expenses and payments:

• Settlement administration costs: TBD
• Attorneys' fees: Up to $3,833,333.33
• Attorneys' expenses: Up to $100,000
• Service awards to class representatives: $2,500 each
• Payments to class members: Remaining funds after other expenses

Important dates

• Deadline to File a Claim: May 7, 2025
• Fairness Hearing: May 20, 2025

When is the Fred Hutchinson Data Settlement payout date?

Payouts will be made within 60 days of the "Effective Date", or within 30 days of the date that the claim is approved, whichever is later.

According to the Settlement Agreement, the Effective date is after the settlement has received final approval and any appeals are resolved. The final fairness hearing on May 20, 2025, after which the the court will decide to approve the settlement.

The court will hold a final fairness hearing on May 20, 2025, to decide on the approval of the settlement. If approved, the settlement benefits will be distributed to eligible class members.

Why is there a class action settlement?

The lawsuit was filed due to a data security incident where unauthorized parties accessed files containing personal information of patients. The settlement allows both parties to avoid prolonged litigation and provides benefits to affected individuals.