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Nationwide Vision has reportedly agreed to a $3.45 million settlement following a data breach that compromised the personal information of over 710,000 individuals. The breach, which occurred between April and May 2021, affected patients, employees, and their dependents associated with Nationwide Optometry, Nationwide Vision Center, and Sightcare.
Nationwide Vision has not admitted any wrongdoing, but the settlement resolves the class action lawsuit filed against them. The lawsuit claimed that Nationwide Vision and Sightcare did not implement adequate cybersecurity measures, resulting in the breach. Under the settlement, eligible individuals can receive compensation, either through a cash payment or reimbursement for losses related to the breach. The estimated payout per person is approximately $50, but the final amount will depend on the total claims filed and court approval.
According to the official statement, “A Settlement has been reached with Nationwide Optometry, P.C., Nationwide Vision Center, LLC, and Sightcare, Inc. (collectively, ‘Nationwide-Sightcare’) in a class action lawsuit about a third-party criminal cyberattack targeting USV Optical, Inc.’s, a subsidiary of U.S. Vision, Inc., email and computer systems between approximately April 20, 2021, and May 17, 2021 (the ‘Data Breach’).”
“The Settlement covers all U.S. residents who are current or former patients, customers, employees, members, or covered dependents of Nationwide-Sightcare, or any of their affiliated or related business entities whose Personal Information was accessed, stolen, or compromised as a result of the Data Breach. The Settlement does not include U.S. Vision, Inc. and USV Optical, Inc., and no claims against these entities are being settled or released in this Settlement.”
Who qualifies for the payment? Class members who incurred expenses due to the breach, such as credit monitoring or financial losses, can submit claims with proof of their expenses.
Reimbursement is available for ordinary expenses up to $300, with an additional $100 for lost time. Those with more significant losses could receive up to $5,400, and all claimants are eligible for two years of free credit and identity theft monitoring.
Class action lawsuits allow groups of individuals to collectively seek redress against companies for widespread harm. Companies often settle these lawsuits to avoid lengthy and costly litigation, typically without admitting fault.
This settlement requires affected individuals to file their claims by September 23, 2024, with a final approval hearing scheduled for October 15, 2024.
