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Consumers who previously received a notice stating the South Western Communications Inc. data breach impacted their personal information in December 2023 may qualify to claim a cash payment and credit monitoring from a class action settlement.
South Western Communications Inc. agreed to pay $436,670 to resolve a class action lawsuit alleging a ransomware attack in December 2023 led to unauthorized access to the personal information of thousands of individuals, including employees and their dependents.
Who are the class members?
The class includes those who previously received written notification from South Western Communications Inc. indicating the December 2023 data breach may have compromised their personally identifiable information. The class is estimated to include approximately 4,386 individuals.
How much can class members receive?
Eligible class members may claim a combination of the following. However, there is an individual cap of $6,000 for combined out-of-pocket losses and attested time.
- Reimbursement for out-of-pocket losses:
- Up to $500 for documented ordinary out-of-pocket losses, such as professional fees, credit repair service fees, costs to freeze or unfreeze credit, and miscellaneous expenses (e.g., notary, postage, copying, mileage, etc.) incurred between the date of the breach and seven days after the notice deadline.
- Up to $5,000 for documented extraordinary out-of-pocket losses, such as proven monetary losses due to misuse or fraud involving the class member's personal information if the data breach most likely caused the data breach, the loss occurred within the eligible time frame and it is not already covered by other categories. Class members must show they made reasonable efforts to avoid or seek reimbursement for the loss, including using any available credit monitoring insurance.
- Reimbursement for attested time: Up to five hours of time spent addressing the data breach reimbursed at $25 per hour (maximum $125)
- Pro rata cash payment: After it pays all other claims and expenses, the settlement administrator will distribute the remaining settlement fund equally among all class members.
- Credit monitoring and identity theft protection: Three years of credit monitoring and identity theft protection services, including up to $1,000,000 in identity theft insurance
How to claim a class action payout
To claim credit monitoring, reimbursement for out-of-pocket losses, or compensation for attested time, class members must submit a claim form. Class members do not need to submit a claim form to receive the pro rata cash payment.
Class members can submit 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 Dec. 24, 2025.
Settlement administrator's mailing address: South Western Communications Data Breach Action, c/o Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 25226 Santa Ana, CA 92799
What proof or documentation is required to submit a claim?
- To claim out-of-pocket losses, class members must submit receipts, bills or other records showing the expense is related to the data breach.
- To claim attested time, class members must describe the actions taken and the amount of time spent (up to five hours).
- To receive credit monitoring, class members need only select the appropriate option.
Payout options
- Paper check
- Electronic payment
The settlement administrator will send credit monitoring activation instructions by mail or email.
$436,670 settlement fund breakdown
The $436,670 settlement fund includes:
- Settlement administration costs: To be determined
- Attorneys' fees: Up to $145,542.11
- Attorneys' expenses: Up to $145,556
- Service award to class representative: Up to $5,000
- Payments to eligible class members: Remaining funds after the above expenses
If the number of claims exceeds the available funds, the settlement administrator may reduce payments on a pro rata basis.
Important dates
- Opt-out deadline: Oct. 25, 2025
- Final approval hearing: Dec. 9, 2025
- Deadline to file a claim: Dec. 24, 2025
When is the South Western Communications settlement payout date?
The settlement administrator will distribute payments to class members after it resolves any appeals and the court grants final approval of the settlement.
Why is there a class action settlement?
The class action lawsuit alleged a ransomware attack in December 2023 allowed unauthorized parties to access the personal information of South Western Communications Inc. employees and their dependents.
The company denies any wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid the cost and risk of further litigation and to provide benefits to those affected.
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