Retina Group of Washington $3.6M Data Settlement

If you are a United States resident who received a notification from The Retina Group of Washington, PLLC ("RGW") regarding a data breach that occurred around March 26, 2023, you may be eligible to submit a claim for a cash payment of up to $5,000 from a class action settlement.

RGW has agreed to pay $3.6 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging that the company failed to adequately protect sensitive personal and health information. The lawsuit claimed RGW's negligence allowed unauthorized access to its computer systems, potentially exposing the personal information of thousands of individuals.

Who is eligible for a data breach settlement payment?

Class members are as follows

• Individuals in the United States whose personally identifiable information or personal health information was stored on RGW's computer systems that were compromised in a cybersecurity incident that took place on or around March 26, 2023.
• You received a notification from The Retina Group of Washington informing you about the data breach incident.

How much is the class action rebate?

Class members have these claim options:

• Time Spent: You can claim reimbursement for up to four hours spent dealing with the data breach, at a rate of $25 per hour, up to $100.
• Ordinary Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Class members can submit for reimbursement of documented expenses up to $300. Expenses include bank fees, costs for credit monitoring services, and other charges incurred between December 22, 2023, and June 23, 2025.
• Extraordinary Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Class members who experienced identity theft or fraud directly resulting from the data can claim up to $5,000 for documented extraordinary monetary losses and expenses.
• Credit Monitoring and Identity Theft Protection: Class members can submit to receive 24 months of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services.
• Alternative Cash Payment: Claimants who do not claim Time Spent, Credit Monitoring, or either Out-of-Pocket Expenses options can select a pro rata cash payment. The estimated amount is $100, final amount to be determined by the number of claims submitted.

How to claim class action payout

To receive a settlement payment, class members must file a claim form. You can submit a claim online or download and print a PDF claim form and mail it to the settlement administrator.

Settlement Administrator's mailing address: RGW Data Incident Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 301134, Los Angeles, CA 90030-1134

Claim forms must be submitted online or postmarked by June 23, 2025.

Required proof and information

• Claim ID & PIN from notice required to submit a claim.
• Ordinary Expenses claims require documentation such as receipts, bank statements or proof of purchase for credit monitoring services.
• Extraordinary Expenses claims require documentation proving actual monetary losses due to identity theft or fraud resulting from the breach such as police reports, proof of fraudulent unreimbursed purchases, and professional accountant and/or attorney fees incurred.

Settlement payment options

• Digital payment (only available for online submitters)
• Paper check mailed to address provided

$3.6 Million data breach settlement fund

The settlement fund of $3,600,000 will cover:

• Settlement administration costs: To be determined
• Attorneys' fees: Up to $1,200,000
• Attorneys' litigation costs: To be presented to the court at a later date
• Service awards to class representatives: $2,000 each
• Credit monitoring and identity theft services: Cost determined by number of claims filed
• Payments to approved claimants: Remaining funds after deducting the above costs

Important dates

• Final Approval Hearing: June 9, 2025
• Deadline to File a Claim: June 23, 2025

When is the RGW data breach class action settlement payout date?

The final hearing will take place on June 9, 2025. Claims will be processed and payments will be issued to class members with valid claims after the court grants final approval and any appeals are resolved.

Why did Retina Group of Washington settle this class action lawsuit?

The lawsuit alleged that RGW failed to adequately protect personal patient information, leading to unauthorized access. RGW denies wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid the costs and delays associated with prolonged litigation.

Sources

1. Official Settlement Website
2. Class Notice
3. Settlement Agreement Document