The Zalkin Law Firm PC, a San Diego-based entity specializing in representing sexual assault plaintiffs, has agreed to a substantial settlement of nearly $300,000 to conclude a class-action lawsuit stemming from a significant cyberattack. The breach exposed sensitive information and case files of 523 clients, including Social Security numbers and detailed accounts of sexual abuse cases, which were subsequently shared on the dark web by a cybercriminal group. This compromised data included highly sensitive details, such as images and notes, further intensifying the gravity of the breach.
The proposed settlement, put forth by the plaintiffs’ counsel, Scott E. Cole of Cole & Van Note, outlines a $285,000 non-reversionary settlement fund aimed at compensating the affected individuals. In addition to this fund, the counsel is seeking $99,750 in attorneys’ fees and reimbursement costs, with the named plaintiff requesting a service award of $3,500. The settlement is currently awaiting approval from U.S. District Judge M. James Lorenz, scheduled for March 18. This development follows the discovery of the data breach by the Zalkin Law Firm on April 6, 2023. Despite the firm’s subsequent notice to clients on September 6, detailing the security incident and assurance of network security restoration, the lawsuit alleges a delayed client notification on September 8, accusing the firm of inadequate and untimely breach response.
