According to MARCA, Nationwide Vision has reached a settlement of $3.45 million in response to a data breach that exposed the personal information of over 710,000 individuals. This breach, which took place between April and May 2021, impacted patients, employees, and their dependents linked to Nationwide Optometry, Nationwide Vision Center, and Sightcare.
While the company has not admitted to any wrongdoing, the settlement addresses the class action lawsuit filed against them.
The lawsuit alleged that Nationwide Vision and Sightcare did not implement adequate cybersecurity measures, which resulted in the breach. As part of the settlement, eligible individuals may receive compensation, either through a cash payment or reimbursement for losses incurred due to the breach. The estimated compensation per person is approximately $50, although the final amount will depend on the number of claims filed and the court’s approval.
An official statement from the settlement reads: “A settlement has been reached with Nationwide Optometry, P.C., Nationwide Vision Center, LLC, and Sightcare, Inc. (collectively referred to as ‘Nationwide-Sightcare’) in a class action lawsuit concerning a third-party criminal cyberattack targeting USV Optical, Inc., a subsidiary of U.S. Vision, Inc. The attack compromised email and computer systems between April 20, 2021, and May 17, 2021.”
The settlement encompasses all U.S. residents who are current or former patients, customers, employees, members, or covered dependents of Nationwide-Sightcare, or any affiliated or related business entities whose personal information was accessed, stolen, or compromised as a result of the breach. Notably, U.S. Vision, Inc. and USV Optical, Inc. are excluded from this settlement, and no claims against them are being resolved.
Individuals eligible for compensation are those who incurred expenses due to the breach, such as costs for credit monitoring or financial losses. Ordinary expenses are reimbursable up to $300, with an additional $100 available for lost time. Those who suffered more significant losses could receive up to $5,400. Additionally, all claimants are eligible for two years of complimentary credit and identity theft monitoring services.
Class action lawsuits provide a mechanism for groups of individuals to collectively seek redress against companies for widespread harm. These lawsuits are often settled by companies to avoid prolonged and costly litigation, typically without admitting fault.
To benefit from this settlement, affected individuals must file their claims by September 23, 2024, with the final approval hearing set for October 15, 2024.
