Millions could qualify for $6,000 in compensation for data breach.
People affected by the data breach at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. have little time to claim their share. Find out about the actions you can take to avoid missing this opportunity.
Millions of Americans could be eligible to receive up to $6,000 due to a major settlement over a data breach. However, they must act quickly, as the deadline is this Monday. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., a global insurance brokerage and risk management firm, has agreed to a $21 million settlement after hackers stole sensitive information between June 3 and September 26, 2020. Most concerning is that the firm notified those affected nearly a year after the data breach occurred. Many affected individuals were unaware that their Social Security numbers, personal identifying information, health data, usernames, passwords, medical information, biometric data, and credit card details had been stolen.
To claim compensation, it is necessary to have been a client of the firm during the mentioned period. Additionally, claimants must prove that they suffered monetary damages as a result of the breach. Claims can be submitted on the settlement website until Monday, February 10, or sent by mail, provided the postmark is before or on the deadline date. It is crucial to include proof of identity and documentation supporting the financial losses caused by the breach, such as bank statements, identity theft protection service receipts, or bills.
Christopher E. Roberts, a class action attorney, noted that this settlement is significant for two main reasons. First, it highlights the prevalence of data breaches, which have become one of the most common types of class action cases. Second, it underscores the importance of companies implementing adequate measures to protect consumer data, as even large companies can be vulnerable to these attacks.
The maximum payout per claimant is $6,000, which includes credit monitoring services and identity theft insurance, although the final amount will depend on the number of valid claims submitted. While it may not have been the worst data breach in history, this case illustrates the ongoing threat posed by these types of attacks to the security of personal information.
