Benson Health Data Breach Class Action Settlement

If you received a data breach notification from Benson Health indicating that your private information may have been compromised, you might be eligible to claim up to $1,000 from a class action settlement.

Benson Area Medical Center, Inc. (Benson Health) has agreed to a settlement of $350,000 to resolve a class action lawsuit concerning allegations of negligence and privacy law violations following a ransomware attack in May 2021.

Who are the class members?

The settlement class includes individuals residing in the United States who received a notification from Benson Health regarding the May 2021 ransomware incident. Approximately 28,913 individuals' private information was potentially impacted. To be part of the settlement class:

• You must have received a notice from Benson Health about the data breach.
• Your private information, including personal and health data, may have been compromised during the incident.

If you are unsure whether you are a part of the settlement class, you can contact the Settlement Administrator for clarification.

Payouts for various claims

• Ordinary Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Up to $300 for documented expenses such as bank fees, phone charges, and credit report fees incurred due to the data breach.
• Lost Time Reimbursement: Up to four hours at $17.50 per hour for time spent dealing with the breach.
• Extraordinary Losses: Up to $1,000 for documented losses directly caused by the breach that are not covered by other reimbursements.
• Credit Monitoring: One year of credit monitoring and $1 million in identity theft insurance.

How to claim an award

To claim an award, class members must complete a claim form by February 11, 2025.

Claims can be submitted online via the online claim form or by downloading the PDF claim form and mailing it to the settlement administrator at Pope Data Breach Settlement, c/o Atticus Administration, PO Box 64053, St. Paul, MN 55164-9996.

Claimants must provide documentation to support claims for out-of-pocket expenses and extraordinary losses:

• Ordinary Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Documentation such as receipts or bank statements is required.
• Extraordinary Losses: Receipts or other documentation that clearly demonstrate the costs incurred.

Payout Options

• PayPal
• Venmo
• Zelle
• Virtual Prepaid Card
• Physical Check

$350,000 Settlement Fund

The settlement fund of $350,000 will cover valid claims, including credit monitoring services, notice and administration costs, and attorneys' fees.

Class Counsel may receive up to $115,000 in fees, and the named plaintiff may receive a $2,500 service award.

Important Dates

• Deadline to File a Claim: February 11, 2025
• Exclusion Deadline: January 27, 2025
• Final Approval Hearing: Date to be determined

When is the Benson Health payout date?

The payout date will be after the final approval of the settlement, which is yet to be determined.

Why is there a class action settlement?

The lawsuit alleges that Benson Health failed to protect private information, leading to a ransomware attack in May 2021. The settlement avoids further litigation and provides compensation to affected individuals.