$5,000 Stimulus Payment – Who Qualifies for Financial Compensation After a Data Breach?

$5,000 Stimulus Payment: In the last couple of days, a data breach at the Columbus Regional Health System (CRHS) resulted in a settlement class action in the sum of $1.17 million. Affected persons may receive compensation of up to $5,000 under this settlement.

This breach in turn became a cyber attack, occurring between May 19 and May 21, 2023, disclosing sensitive personal and medical information to thousands of individuals. You have a right to compensation if you have been a victim of this leak.

This article will guide you through the minutiae of this settlement: eligibility for it, and how someone can get that compensation.

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What happened?

Hackers obtained access to the database of CRHS on May 19-21, 2023, causing the leak of the personal information of thousands of people.

Leaked Information:

• Complete name
• Address
• Date of birth
• Social security number
• Medical history
• Health insurance information

Whilst CRHS has pleaded no negligence, the claimants said that the breach happened because of poor cybersecurity. Hence, CRHS settled the case for $1.17 million to compensate for the injury of the claimants.

Who is eligible?

All individuals whose personal information has been leaked during this data breach can file for this compensation.

Compensation can be received by two means:

Personal Expense Losses – (Up to $5,000 per person)

If you suffer any financial loss as a result of this data breach, you may receive payment for damages in the sum of up to $5,000.

This could include:

• Losses due to fraud or identity theft
  
• Fees for attorney, accountant, or credit-repair services
  
• Costs of freezing or unfreezing credit with the credit bureaus
  
• Costs of credit-monitoring services (from the time of breach until the deadline to file a claim)

Other expenses that could include those related to notary services, postage, facsimile, copying, and traveling

Cash payment ($50 per person; may vary)

Individuals who may not have specific damages under the first option may apply under the second option.

• Every person who qualifies may expect to receive a sum in the region of $50.
  
• This dollar figure may go up or down depending on claims.

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How to go about getting compensation?

All persons adversely affected by this data breach must file a proper claim form to obtain compensation.

You may submit a claim form in either of two ways:

• Online: The claim form is available at the settlement’s official website.
  
• By mail: Complete the claim form, and send the hard copy of it to the indicated settlement address.
  
• Important dates:

Event	Date
Claim Submission Deadline	April 2, 2025
Final Settlement Approval Hearing	April 9, 2025, 2:00 PM (ET)

• Remember to:
  
  • To claim compensation, you have to file your claim form on or before the above date.
    
  • You may be affected and may not be able to prove any special damages, but are still entitled to a cash payment.

The last determination of the terms will flow during the hearing of the final settlement.

Conclusion

In case you are affected by the Columbus Regional Health System data breach, then this settlement may provide you with some financial assistance.

Regardless of whether you suffered expenses related to identity theft or suffered tangible financial losses- or you are one of those who can only expect a cash payment of $50- do remember to file your claim before April 2, 2025.

Stay updated by keeping tab on the final settlement hearing date for new developments.

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