Lima Memorial Hospital $1.5M Settlement for Privacy Claims

If you were a current or former patient of Lima Memorial Hospital and visited one of its websites at least once between January 1, 2018, and May 12, 2023, you may be eligible to claim benefits from a class action settlement.

Lima Memorial Hospital has agreed to pay $1,500,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged improper sharing of patients' web-usage data containing personal health information with third parties.

Can I Claim an Award?

To be eligible for an award, you must be a current or former patient of Lima Memorial Hospital and have visited any of their websites, including limamemorial.org, at least once between January 1, 2018, and May 12, 2023.

If you meet these criteria, you are entitled to file a claim and potentially receive benefits from the settlement. According to the official settlement website, the criteria for eligibility are very specific and detailed, ensuring that only those who were directly affected can claim an award.

• You must be a current or former patient of Lima Memorial Hospital.
• You must have visited any of their websites at least once between January 1, 2018, and May 12, 2023.

Who is Excluded?

Excluded from the Settlement Class are Defendants and their affiliates, parents, subsidiaries, officers, and directors, as well as the judges presiding over this matter and their clerks. This exclusion does not apply to employees of the Plaintiff or Related Entities who received notification regarding the Website Usage Disclosure.

What Awards Can Class Members Claim?

Class Members can claim the following benefits:

• Privacy Shield: Settlement Class Members may enroll in one year of Privacy Shield, a data protection and monitoring service.
• Cash Compensation: Settlement Class Members may file a claim for a pro-rated cash payment. The amount will be calculated by dividing the Net Settlement Fund by the total number of valid claims received.

Under the settlement, Lima Memorial Hospital has agreed to create a $1,500,000 Settlement Fund. This fund will cover various costs, including notice and claims administration, taxes, service awards, attorneys' fees, and benefits to Settlement Class Members.

For example, if the Net Settlement Fund is $1,000,000 and there are 10,000 valid claims, each claimant would receive $100.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

No, claimants do not need to proactively provide proof they are a class member. They can claim an award by attesting that they meet the eligibility criteria.

How to Claim Your Award

To claim your award, you can file a claim online. Alternatively, you can mail a printed claim form to the following address:

LMH Settlement Administrator

P.O. Box 2714

Portland, OR 97208-2714

Ensure your claim is submitted online or postmarked by August 24, 2024.

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 email.
3. Attest that you meet the eligibility criteria.
4. Submit the form online or mail it to the provided address.

How do I Get Paid?

Payments will be mailed in the form of a check. If you prefer to receive your payment electronically (e.g., PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle), you must submit your claim online.

$1,500,000 Settlement Fund Breakdown

The settlement amount of $1,500,000 will be used to cover:

• Notice and claims administration costs
• Taxes owed by the Settlement Fund
• Service Awards
• Attorneys' fees, costs, and expenses
• Benefits to Settlement Class Members

The remaining amount, known as the Net Settlement Fund, will be distributed among valid claimants.

Important Dates

• Deadline to File a Claim: August 24, 2024
• Deadline to Exclude Yourself from the Settlement: July 10, 2024
• Final Approval Hearing: August 8, 2024

When will Awards be Paid?

Awards will be paid after the Settlement is approved by the Court and becomes final.

Why is there a Class Action Settlement?

The lawsuit alleges that Lima Memorial Hospital improperly shared patients' web-usage data containing personal health information with third parties, resulting in an invasion of privacy. The Defendants deny these allegations but have agreed to settle to avoid the risks and costs associated with continuing the litigation.

What Happens Next?

The next steps include the Final Approval Hearing on August 8, 2024. If the Court approves the settlement, the benefits will be distributed to eligible claimants.