Essen Medical Associates $4M Data Breach Settlement

Individuals who received a mailed notice stating the Essen Medical Associates data breach may have compromised their personal information could be eligible to claim up to $5,000 plus a pro rata payment from a class action settlement.

Essen Medical Associates PC agreed to pay $4 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging an unauthorized access incident occurred March 14-22, 2023. The plaintiffs claimed Essen Medical failed to adequately protect personal information, resulting in negligence, breach of implied contract, breach of fiduciary duty, violations of New York General Business Law § 349 and unjust enrichment.

Who can file a claim?

The settlement considers Individuals members of the class if they meet all of the following criteria:

• They are natural persons residing in the United States.
• The Essen Medical data breach that occurred between March 14-22, 2023, potentially compromised their personal information.
• They received a notice via U.S. Mail from Essen Medical stating the incident may have compromised their personal information.

Additional details

• Individuals who did not receive a notice but believe they qualify may still file a claim but must provide documentation showing how the breach impacted them.
• Parents or guardians may submit claims on behalf of minors who received a breach notification but must file a separate claim form for each individual.

How much can class members get?

Settlement class members who submit valid claims may be eligible for one or both of the following payments:

• Reimbursement for documented losses: Up to $5,000 for out-of-pocket expenses or losses that are most likely related to the data breach and not reimbursed by insurance. Examples include unreimbursed fraud losses, professional fees for identity theft recovery, lost interest from delayed tax refunds, credit freeze costs and other reasonable expenses
• Cash fund payment: A pro rata payment up to $100 and depending on the number of approved claims

If the total value of all approved claims exceeds the available settlement fund, the settlement administrator will reduce the total amount it pays to each claimant.

How to claim a data breach payment

Class members can file the online claim form or download, print, complete and mail the PDF claim form to the settlement administrator. The deadline to submit a claim is June 1, 2026.

Settlement administrator's mailing address: Essen Medical Data Breach Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 2020, Portland, OR 97208-2020

After submitting a claim, class members will receive an email to select their preferred payment method.

What proof or documentation is required to submit a claim?

• To file an online claim, class members must provide the the unique ID and PIN printed on the postcard notice they received in the mail. Those who did not receive a postcard notice or who lost theirs should contact the settlement administrator at 1-888-976-6880 for assistance.
• To file a documented losses claim, class members must provide reasonable documentation showing the breach most likely caused the loss and insurance did not reimburse it.
• To file a cash fund payment claim, class members must select the appropriate option.

Payout options

• Digital payment (selected via email after claim approval)
• Physical check (sent to the class member's mailing address if they do not provide an email or select a digital payment)

$4 million settlement fund breakdown

The $4,000,000 settlement fund includes:

• Settlement administration costs: $423,842.48
• Attorneys' fees: Up to $1,333,333.33
• Attorneys' costs: To be determined
• Service awards to class representatives: Up to $3,000 each for six representatives (up to $18,000)
• Payments to eligible class members: Remainder of the fund

If any funds remain after the settlement administrator pays all claims and/or due to uncashed checks, it will distribute the remainder to a nonprofit organization. No funds will return to Essen Medical.

Important dates

• Deadline for exclusion: May 4, 2026
• Deadline to file a claim: June 1, 2026
• Final approval hearing: July 7, 2026

When is the Essen Medical data breach settlement payout date?

The settlement administrator will issue payments after the court resolves any appeals and grants final approval of the settlement.

Why did this class action settlement happen?

The class action lawsuit claimed Essen Medical Associates PC experienced a data breach in March 2023 that exposed the personal information of patients and consumers. The plaintiffs alleged Essen Medical was legally responsible for the breach due to negligence and other violations.

Essen Medical denies all allegations but agreed to settle to avoid the cost and risk of continued litigation.

Sources

1. Class notice
2. Claim form
3. Settlement agreement
4. Settlement FAQ