Millions of Americans may qualify for payments of up to $5,100 following a data breach at Brightline, a mental health provider accused of failing to properly secure patient and employee information.
Details of the Data Breach
In 2023, hackers infiltrated Brightline’s systems, gaining access to sensitive personal data belonging to millions of individuals. According to the lawsuit, the breach compromised names, Social Security numbers, and insurance details.
Although Brightline has not admitted fault, the company has agreed to a financial settlement to compensate those affected.
Who Can File a Claim?
Individuals who received a data breach notification from Brightline are eligible to participate in the settlement, but they must act quickly, as the deadline is approaching.
Payment Options for Eligible Claimants
There are two ways to receive compensation:
-
Option A: Reimbursement for Documented Losses (Up to $5,000)
- Covers expenses directly related to the breach, such as bank fees, fraudulent charges, credit monitoring costs, and identity theft-related expenses.
- Claimants must provide proof (such as receipts, bank statements, or phone records) to support their claim.
-
Option B: Flat Rate Payment ($100)
- For individuals who do not have proof of losses but were still affected by the breach.
- No documentation is required to claim this payment.
Additional Compensation for California Residents:
- Those living in California can receive an extra $100 statutory payment on top of their selected compensation.
Free Credit Monitoring and Identity Protection
Aside from financial payouts, affected individuals are entitled to three years of free credit monitoring as part of the settlement.
Also Read – Hurry! Last Chance to Get Up to $5K from Data Breach Settlement
- This includes:
- Three-bureau credit monitoring
- Dark web scanning
- Public record monitoring
- Medical identity protection
- Identity theft insurance
- Access to fraud resolution specialists
Individuals who previously accepted Brightline’s offer for two years of free monitoring will receive an additional year at no cost.
Deadline and Next Steps
- Claim Submission Deadline: February 26, 2025
- Final Settlement Approval Hearing: February 10, 2025
- Exclusion Deadline: Passed on January 9, 2025
Those who do not submit a claim by the deadline will forfeit their right to compensation and lose the ability to take future legal action against Brightline over this incident.
Other Settlements Available
Apple users may also be eligible for a payout from a separate $20 million settlement—check to see if you qualify.
For more details or to submit a claim, visit the official settlement website before the deadline.
