Mercer University Data Breach Class Action Settlement

If you were notified that your personal information may have been affected in a data breach involving Mercer University, you may be eligible to claim up to $5,500 from a class action settlement.

Mercer University has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit due to alleged mishandling of personal data during a security breach.

Who can file a claim?

The class members include:

• Individuals whose personally identifiable information, such as names combined with Social Security numbers and/or driver’s license numbers, was potentially affected.
• Those who received a notification about the data breach.

How much are the payouts?

Class members can claim various benefits depending on their circumstances:

• Ordinary Out-of-Pocket Losses and Attested Time Reimbursement: Up to $450 for documented expenses related to the data incident, including credit report fees and other miscellaneous costs. This includes up to $100 for up to 5 hours of time spent dealing with the incident, calculated at $20 per hour.
• Extraordinary Out-of-Pocket Losses: Up to $5,500 for documented identity theft expenses directly resulting from the incident.
• Credit Monitoring: Two years of free credit monitoring and identity resolution services.

If the award amount is subject to a net settlement fund calculation, the total settlement fund of $300,000 will be distributed among eligible claimants. If the number of claims exceeds the available funds, payments may be reduced on a pro rata basis.

How to file a claim

To claim an award, you must submit a claim form by March 18, 2025. You can file a claim online or download a PDF claim form and mail it to the settlement administrator.

Mailing address: Mercer University Data Incident, Claims Administrator, P.O. Box 2853, Portland, OR 97208-2853

Claimants must provide documentation to support their claims for out-of-pocket losses:

• Ordinary Out-of-Pocket Losses: Requires documentation such as receipts for expenses incurred.
• Extraordinary Out-of-Pocket Losses: Requires documentation and an attestation that the losses were directly related to the data breach.

Claim instructions

Follow these steps to submit your claim:

1. Gather all necessary documentation, such as receipts and proof of expenses.
2. Complete the claim form with your personal information and details of your claim.
3. Submit the form online or mail it to the provided address.
4. Keep a copy of your submission for your records.

Settlement fund expenses

• Attorneys' fees and costs, not exceeding $300,000, including service awards of $1,500 to the class representatives.
• Payments to eligible class members for their claims.
• Administrative costs associated with the settlement.

Important dates

• Deadline to File a Claim: March 18, 2025
• Final Approval Hearing: April 17, 2025

When is the Mercer University Data Incident payout date?

The payout date will be determined after the final approval hearing on April 17, 2025, and once all claims have been processed.

Why was there a class action settlement?

The lawsuit was filed due to a data security incident affecting Mercer University's computer systems, which potentially compromised personal information. The breach affected 93,512 people by exposing personally identifiable information.

By agreeing to settle, both parties avoid the costs and uncertainties of continued litigation. The settlement is deemed fair, reasonable, and adequate by the parties involved.