If you’ve recently been a patient at East River Medical Imaging, you might be eligible for a portion of an $18.5 million settlement. This compensation is part of a class action lawsuit filed after a 2023 data breach, which exposed sensitive patient information. The lawsuit claims that hackers accessed personal details, and now, East River Medical Imaging is offering eligible individuals up to $7,500 in compensation.
The clock is ticking to apply, though, so here’s what you need to know to ensure you don’t miss out on what could be a significant payout.
What Happened with East River Medical?
In August and September 2023, East River Medical Imaging experienced a data breach when hackers targeted the provider, gaining access to highly sensitive patient information. The compromised data included insurance details, Social Security numbers, contact information, and even medical procedure information and imaging results.
The lawsuit against East River Medical alleges that the company failed to implement adequate security measures that could have prevented the breach. While the radiology center has not admitted any wrongdoing, it has agreed to settle the claims and bring the litigation to a close.
Who Can File a Claim over East River Medical?
If you were affected by this breach and received a notification from East River Medical Imaging, you might be eligible for compensation. To qualify, you must prove that your data was compromised during the breach and that you received notification of the incident.
But how do you actually apply, and what kind of compensation is available to you?
Types of Compensation
There are two primary forms of compensation available for eligible claimants: expense reimbursement and pro rata cash payment.
1. Expense Reimbursement: This option is for those who experienced direct financial losses due to the data breach. You can claim up to $7,500 for expenses related to the breach, such as bank fees, fraudulent charges, or even the cost of hiring professionals to help resolve identity theft issues.
To claim this reimbursement, you’ll need to provide documentation like bank statements, receipts, or invoices showing how you’ve been financially impacted by the breach. For example, if your bank charged you fees because of fraudulent activity tied to the breach, you could get that money back—up to $7,500.
2. Pro Rata Cash Payment: If you didn’t experience any out-of-pocket expenses but still had your data compromised, you can opt for a pro rata cash payment. This is essentially a standard compensation payout from the remaining settlement fund after other claims have been processed. It’s worth noting that the amount you receive will depend on how many people file claims and how much of the fund is left after reimbursements.
Free Credit Monitoring
In addition to either of these payments, every claimant will receive access to one year of three-bureau credit monitoring services. This service can help you detect fraud or suspicious activity in your credit reports, offering extra peace of mind after the data breach.
Key Deadlines
The settlement process has already begun, and while one deadline has passed, there is still time to file a claim. However, the remaining time is limited. If you’re eligible, you’ll want to act quickly to ensure you don’t miss out.
The exact deadline to file your claim can be found in the notice you received from East River Medical Imaging or by visiting the official settlement website. Keep in mind that missing the deadline means forfeiting your right to compensation.
How to File a Claim
Filing a claim is straightforward, but you’ll need to gather all necessary documents and follow the instructions provided in the data breach notification. If you are opting for expense reimbursement, make sure to collect and submit all relevant documentation to prove your losses.
If you’re choosing the pro rata cash payment option, you won’t need as much paperwork, but you’ll still need to submit the claim form. Either way, it’s important to complete and submit everything before the final deadline.
Final Thoughts
This data breach may have caused significant stress for those whose personal information was exposed, but the settlement offers a path to compensation. Whether you experienced direct financial losses or simply want to claim your share of the payout, it’s crucial to act before the deadline.
Check your eligibility, gather your documents, and make sure you file your claim as soon as possible to secure your compensation. If your data was compromised, you deserve to be compensated—and now’s your chance.
