The protection of personal data is an increasingly relevant issue in today’s society, especially when it comes to such sensitive information as Social Security numbers, driver’s licenses and bank details. Therefore, security breaches exposing this data can have serious consequences, including identity theft and fraud. For example, some Americans will have the opportunity to receive up to $6,000 in compensation for a data breach that occurred in 2020, affecting the company Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
The company has reached a $21 million settlement to resolve a class action lawsuit stemming from a security breach that occurred between June 3 and September 26, 2020. This breach compromised the personal information of employees and customers, including data such as Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, financial information, medical data, and more. However, although the company has not admitted any guilt, it has agreed to this payment to settle the claims.
How to receive the $6,000 for data breach?
According to several local media reports, if a person received a letter from Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. or Gallagher Bassett Services Inc. stating that their information may have been affected by this data breach during the aforementioned period of time, they may be eligible to receive financial compensation. Likewise, those who have experienced losses due to identity theft, fraud or costs related to the breach may receive up to $6,000, provided they can present the documentation necessary to prove the reality of the damages suffered.
On the other hand, if a person did not experience direct losses due to the security breach, they can still benefit from this agreement. All class members will be entitled to three years of monitoring of financial accounts, which can help detect any suspicious activity in their bank and credit records. Alternatively, those who prefer not to receive this service can choose to receive a proportional share of the settlement fund.
Required documentation
According to the competent bodies in this matter, if a person believes they are eligible to collect this amount due to the violation of the personal data protection law, they must submit an application before February 10, 2025 to ensure they do not miss the opportunity to receive compensation. The final hearing in the case is scheduled for February 27, 2025. Therefore, on that date it will be possible to verify and issue a judgment on which individuals are entitled to collect this amount for the violation of their data.
It is important that you only file a claim for compensation if you really meet the established requirements, as doing so fraudulently can harm other members of the class and lead to legal consequences. Therefore, this agreement is a reminder of how crucial it is to protect our personal data. In a world where data breaches are becoming more common, being informed about how to protect your information and what to do in case your data is compromised is vital.
