If you were affected by the Columbus Regional Health System (CRHS) data breach, you might be eligible for a cash payment of up to $5,000. This settlement comes after a class action lawsuit following a cyberattack that compromised thousands of individuals’ private information. If you’re wondering how to claim your share, keep reading for all the details.
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The Cyberattack
Between May 19 and 21, 2023, hackers targeted CRHS, exposing the personal data of around 132,800 individuals. This breach included sensitive information like Social Security numbers, addresses, birth dates, and health insurance details. While CRHS denies any wrongdoing, affected individuals argued that the healthcare system did not have strong enough cybersecurity protections in place to prevent the attack.
Settlement Details
Following the lawsuit, CRHS agreed to a $1.17 million settlement to compensate victims. If you were impacted by the breach, you could qualify for one of two types of payments:
1. Reimbursement
Individuals who experienced financial losses due to the data breach may receive up to $5,000. This includes costs related to:
- Fraud or identity theft
- Legal and professional fees (such as attorney or credit repair services)
- Credit monitoring expenses
- Fees for freezing or unfreezing credit reports
- Other miscellaneous costs, such as postage and mileage
2. Cash Payment
Even if you didn’t suffer direct financial losses, you can still apply for a pro-rata cash payment from the settlement fund. The estimated amount for each claimant is around $50, but this could change based on the total number of claims submitted.
How to claim your payment
If you were affected by this breach, you must submit a valid claim form to receive compensation. The deadline for submitting your claim is April 2, 2025. You can complete the process online or send your form by mail.
The final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for April 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. ET. If everything proceeds as planned, payments will likely be distributed after this date.
If you suspect your information was part of this breach, don’t wait—file your claim before the deadline to secure your compensation.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the settlement?
Anyone affected by the CRHS data breach may be eligible for compensation.
How much can I receive?
You can receive up to $5,000 for losses or around $50 in cash payment.
What is the claim deadline?
You must submit your claim by April 2, 2025.
How do I file a claim?
You can file a claim online or by mailing a completed form.
When will payments be issued?
Payments will be distributed after the final hearing on April 9, 2025.
