Dental Patients to Receive One-Time Payments up to $6,000 in Data Breach Settlement

Americans affected by a recent data breach involving Great Expressions dental centers may be eligible to receive compensation from a significant settlement. Following allegations that Great Expressions failed to protect consumer data during a breach in September 2023, the company has agreed to a multi-million dollar settlement, offering potential one-time payments of up to $6,000 for impacted individuals. With the deadline for claims approaching, now is the time for eligible individuals to file and secure their compensation.

Eligibility for the Great Expressions Data Breach Settlement

The settlement applies to individuals who received a notification from Great Expressions regarding the September 2023 data breach. To qualify, individuals must have been directly impacted by the breach, which affected personal and, in some cases, sensitive information, including Social Security numbers. Although Great Expressions has not admitted fault, the settlement is intended to address the allegations of inadequate data protection. If you received a notice, you may be eligible to file a claim and potentially receive up to $6,000 in compensation.

Key Points:

• Potential compensation of up to $6,000: Eligible individuals may qualify for reimbursement based on specific categories of loss.
• Eligibility notifications: Only those notified by Great Expressions about the breach are eligible for compensation.
• Claims deadline: All claims must be submitted by November 8, 2024.

Types of Compensation Available

The settlement distinguishes between two subclasses based on the types of personal information accessed. Individuals whose Social Security numbers were compromised in the breach qualify for a higher level of compensation, while those whose data was accessed without compromising Social Security numbers are eligible for other forms of reimbursement.

Compensation for Social Security Number Compromises

For those whose Social Security numbers were accessed in the breach, compensation includes:

• Ordinary Loss Reimbursement: Up to $500 for losses such as minor identity theft or credit monitoring costs.
• Extraordinary Loss Reimbursement: Up to $5,000 for significant financial losses, provided the individual can demonstrate a clear connection to the breach.
• Lost Time Compensation: Up to two hours of lost time related to the breach, paid at $20 per hour.

Compensation for Other Affected Individuals

Those whose information was accessed but did not include Social Security numbers are also eligible for benefits, including:

• Lost Time Compensation: Two hours of compensation at $20 per hour, totaling up to $40.

Overview of Compensation Tiers

Data Compromised	Compensation Benefits
Social Security number accessed	Up to $500 for ordinary losses; up to $5,000 for extraordinary losses; up to $40 for lost time
Other data accessed	Up to $40 for lost time

Filing a Claim for the Settlement

To receive these settlement benefits, affected individuals must submit a claim form by November 8, 2024. It’s crucial to provide supporting documentation that connects the claim to the breach. This documentation may include:

• Receipts
• Bills
• Invoices
• Credit reports or monitoring records

These documents help substantiate any expenses or lost time related to the breach, supporting a complete and valid claim.

Important Hearing Date

A final settlement approval hearing is set for December 12, 2024. This hearing will finalize the settlement terms and determine if claims can be processed and paid. Until this date, claimants should keep track of any communications regarding the settlement and ensure they have submitted complete and accurate claims.

FAQs: