Suncoast Skin Solutions $825,000 Data Breach Settlement

_Update:_ Payments to those who submitted valid claims began on November 22, 2024.

If you were affected by the cybersecurity incident that Suncoast Skin Solutions discovered on July 14, 2021, you may be eligible to claim compensation from a class action settlement.

Suncoast Skin Solutions, Inc. has agreed to pay $825,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged mishandling of personal information during a cybersecurity breach.

Who can submit a claim?

The settlement class includes all individuals whose personal information was compromised as a result of the data incident discovered by Suncoast on approximately July 14, 2021. This includes anyone whose personal data, such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, home addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, drivers’ license information, tax records, bank account and routing information, and other personally identifying information, was accessed or potentially accessed during the breach.

Additionally, information used to process health insurance claims, prescription information, medical records, and other protected health information may also have been compromised. If you fall into any of these categories, you are eligible to submit a claim.

How much can class members get?

Class members may receive compensation for unreimbursed out-of-pocket losses up to $10,000 per person, compensation for up to four hours of lost time at $25 per hour (with a $100 cap), and access to two years of Medical Shield Complete medical and credit monitoring services.

Unreimbursed out-of-pocket losses include costs, expenses, losses, or charges incurred as a result of identity theft or fraud, falsified tax returns, or other misuse of personal information. This also covers costs associated with accessing or freezing/unfreezing credit reports, notary, fax, postage, copying, mileage, and long-distance telephone charges, credit monitoring or identity theft insurance, and unpaid time off work to address issues related to the incident.

• Unreimbursed Documented Out-of-Pocket Losses: Up to $10,000 per person.
• Lost Time Claims: Up to four hours at $25 per hour ($100 cap).
• Credit Monitoring Services: Two years of Medical Shield Complete medical and credit monitoring services.

If the total amount of claims exceeds the settlement fund, the payments will be reduced on a pro-rata basis. Conversely, if residual funds remain after all valid claims are paid, the payments will be increased on a pro-rata basis.

Is proof required to submit a claim?

Yes. Claimants need to provide documentation to support their claims for unreimbursed out-of-pocket losses and lost time. This includes receipts, bills, and other proof of expenses or losses incurred as a result of the data incident.

• Unreimbursed out-of-pocket losses: Documentation such as receipts, bills, or other proof of expenses.
• Lost time: An attestation of the time spent remedying issues related to the data incident.

How to claim an award

To claim an award, you can submit a claim form online or by mail. To file a claim online, visit the online claim form. If you prefer to submit your claim by mail, you can download the claim form from the official settlement website and mail it to:

Suncoast Skin Solutions Settlement Administrator

P.O. Box 3413

Baton Rouge, LA 70821

Claim instructions

Follow these steps to submit a claim:

• Visit the online claim form or download the claim form from the official settlement website.
• Fill out the claim form with your personal information, including your name, address, and contact details.
• Provide documentation to support your claim for unreimbursed out-of-pocket losses and lost time.
• Submit the completed claim form online or mail it to the settlement administrator at the address provided above.

How do I get paid?

Settlement class members whose claim forms are determined to be timely and valid will receive their cash payments via an electronic payment method or by check. You can choose to receive your payment through Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, or an e-MasterCard. If you prefer to receive a physical check, it will be mailed to the address provided in your claim form.

$825,000 Settlement Fund

The settlement fund of $825,000 will cover payments for valid and timely claims for unreimbursed out-of-pocket losses, lost time, and credit monitoring services. It will also cover settlement notice and administration costs, attorneys’ fees and expenses, and plaintiffs’ service awards.

• Unreimbursed out-of-pocket losses: Up to $10,000 per person.
• Lost time: Up to four hours at $25 per hour ($100 cap).
• Credit monitoring services: Two years of Medical Shield Complete medical and credit monitoring services.
• Settlement notice and administration costs.
• Attorneys’ fees and expenses: Not to exceed one-third of the settlement fund, or $275,000, plus reasonable costs and expenses not to exceed $25,000.
• Plaintiffs’ service awards: $2,500 each for the three representative plaintiffs, totaling $7,500.

Important dates

• Deadline to File a Claim: August 19, 2024
• Exclusion Deadline: July 19, 2024
• Objection Deadline: July 19, 2024
• Final Approval Hearing: October 1, 2024

When is the Suncoast Settlement payout date?

Payouts began on November 22, 2024.

Why is there a class action settlement?

The class action lawsuit was filed because Suncoast Skin Solutions experienced a cybersecurity incident on July 14, 2021, which compromised the personal information of many individuals. The plaintiffs alleged that Suncoast failed to adequately protect their personal information, leading to the data breach.

What happens next?

Next, the court will hold a final approval hearing on October 1, 2024, to decide whether to approve the settlement. If the settlement is approved and any appeals are resolved, the settlement payments will be distributed to eligible class members.