Nationwide Vision has agreed to a substantial $3.45 million settlement to resolve a class action lawsuit stemming from a data breach that occurred between April 20, 2021, and May 17, 2021. The lawsuit alleged that Nationwide and Sightcare, providers of eye care and vision plan services, respectively, failed to implement adequate cybersecurity measures, leading to the exposure of sensitive information belonging to patients, customers, employees, and covered dependents. The compromised data included personal details that could potentially lead to identity theft or financial fraud, prompting legal action claiming negligence and violations of state consumer protection laws.
In response to the settlement, Nationwide Vision has not admitted any wrongdoing but seeks to compensate affected individuals for the breach’s impact. Class members have several options for restitution: they can opt for pro rata cash payments, anticipated to average $50 per claimant, or seek reimbursement for documented losses, such as credit expenses, financial losses, and other related costs, with a maximum cap of $5,400 per claim. Furthermore, affected individuals may choose to enroll in two years of complimentary credit and identity theft monitoring services, providing peace of mind through real-time monitoring across major credit bureaus, identity theft insurance covering up to $1 million, and access to fraud resolution resources.
The settlement terms also stipulate a deadline of September 23, 2024, for class members to submit their claims, with a final court approval hearing scheduled for October 15, 2024. This legal resolution highlights broader concerns over cybersecurity practices in the healthcare and service sectors, underscoring the critical need for robust data protection measures in today’s digital age. Nationwide Vision’s commitment to enhancing data security moving forward is emphasized, alongside its ongoing denial of liability for the breach, aiming to restore trust and safeguard sensitive information for all stakeholders involved.
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