Johns Hopkins Health System $2.9M Data Breach Settlement

If you are a resident of the United States whose information was impacted by the data security incident disclosed by Johns Hopkins in June 2023, you may be eligible to claim an award from a class action settlement.

Johns Hopkins has agreed to pay $2,900,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged negligence and breach of contractual and statutory duties in connection with a data security incident, which affected 363,885 people in the United States.

Who Claim an Award?

To be eligible for an award, you must be a resident of the United States whose information was impacted in the data security incident and who received notice of the incident from Johns Hopkins. This includes students, employees, and patients of Johns Hopkins.

If you have not reached the age of eighteen, a lawful, authorized, and/or duly appointed parent, guardian, or caretaker may act as a Settlement Class Member Representative on your behalf.

What Awards Can Class Members Claim?

Johns Hopkins has agreed to establish a Settlement Fund of $2,900,000. The fund will cover attorneys’ fees and costs, a service payment for the class representatives, and settlement administration costs. The remaining amount, known as the Net Settlement Amount, will be used to pay valid claims.

Class members can claim the following awards:

• Reimbursement of Expenses: Up to $2,500 for documented out-of-pocket losses such as bank fees, postage, or costs for credit reports and monitoring incurred between May 29, 2023, and September 12, 2024.
• Extraordinary Losses: Up to $5,000 for documented extraordinary losses such as identity theft or fraud-related costs incurred between May 29, 2023, and September 12, 2024.
• Lost Time: Reimbursement at $25 per hour for up to three hours (up to $75 total) for time spent remedying identity theft or credit inaccuracies.
• Credit Monitoring and Identity Theft Protection Services: Two years of three-bureau credit monitoring and identity theft protection services.
• Alternative Cash Payment: A one-time payment up to $100 in lieu of other reimbursements and services.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, proof is required to claim certain awards. For reimbursement of expenses and extraordinary losses, you must provide supporting documentation such as receipts or statements showing the charges incurred. For lost time, you need to submit an attestation of the time spent.

• Reimbursement of Expenses: Documentation such as receipts or statements.
• Extraordinary Losses: Documentation supporting the loss and its connection to the data security incident.
• Lost Time: An attestation of the time spent.

How to Claim Your Award

To claim your award, you must submit a completed claim form by September 12, 2024. You can submit the claim form online or by mailing it to the Settlement Administrator at:

JH Settlement

Settlement Administrator

PO Box 25225

Santa Ana, CA 92799

Submitting a Claim

Follow these steps to submit your claim:

1. Visit the online claim form.
2. Fill out the required information, including your name, address, and contact details.
3. Select the type of award you are claiming and provide the necessary documentation.
4. Submit the form online or mail it to the Settlement Administrator.

How do I Get Paid?

You can choose to receive your payment via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or a paper check. If you choose an electronic payment method, ensure the email address or phone number associated with your account is provided. If there is a discrepancy, the Claims Administrator will contact you or default to a check payment.

Settlement Fund Breakdown

The settlement amount of $2,900,000 will be used to cover various costs:

• Attorneys’ fees and costs
• Service payment for the class representatives
• Settlement administration costs
• Net Settlement Amount for valid claims

Important Dates

• Deadline to File a Claim: 09/12/2024
• Deadline to Opt-Out of the Settlement: 08/13/2024
• Final Approval Hearing: 09/26/2024

When is the Payout Date?

Awards will be paid after the final approval hearing on September 26, 2024, and once the settlement is approved by the court.

Why is There a Class Action Settlement?

The class action settlement aims to resolve claims that Johns Hopkins was negligent and breached contractual and statutory duties in connection with a data security incident. Johns Hopkins denies any wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement to avoid the expense and uncertainty of litigation.

What Happens Next?

Next, the court will hold a final approval hearing on September 26, 2024, to determine the fairness of the settlement. If approved, the settlement funds will be distributed to eligible class members who submitted valid claims.