Many Americans may qualify for cash distributions from a recent data breach settlement involving Nevada Restaurant Services, which operates numerous casinos, gambling parlors, and resorts, including Dotty's. This opportunity emerged following a class action lawsuit where the plaintiffs accused the company of inadequate cybersecurity measures that could have prevented the widespread data breach in 2021. The breach allegedly compromised personal information, such as bank account and Social Security numbers.
Although Nevada Restaurant Services admitted no wrongdoing, it agreed to an undisclosed settlement amount to resolve the claims and avoid further legal costs. Time is running out for prospective claimants to secure their share of the settlement. To benefit, individuals must meet one crucial requirement: having received a notification from the company stating their personal information might have been impacted during the January 16, 2021 breach. Those interested must file a claim form using a claim ID number provided by mail or email from the settlement administrator.
While documentation is not mandatory, submitting account statements, bills, credit reports, invoices, receipts, or other proof of losses related to the breach can significantly increase the payout amount. Qualifying claimants with proof can receive a $350 reimbursement for listed losses, including credit expenses, communication charges, bank fees, travel costs, and lost time at $35 per hour. They can also claim up to $10,000 for extraordinary losses resulting from fraud or identity theft.
Class action lawsuits allow groups of people to collectively bring a court case, often initiated by one or a few individuals alleging wrongdoing by a company affecting a large group. These suits extend to all 'class members' with similar complaints and often result in settlements where companies deny wrongdoing but agree to make payments to avoid further litigation costs. Those without proof can only claim a $50 distribution, which may be reduced on a pro-rata basis if many eligible claims are filed.
Regardless of proof, all claimants receive three years of credit monitoring and identity theft insurance. The deadline to exclude oneself or object to the settlement passed on August 19, 2024, but individuals have until September 17 to file a claim form, with a final approval hearing set for November 7. Americans should also be aware of other pending settlements, such as a bankrupt dental company's $27.5 million settlement offering $300 per eligible claimant and Bosch's $400 distribution in a home appliance settlement, which has a looming deadline of February 12 for some claimants.
