Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs Time is running out for millions of Americans affected by a data breach to claim their share of a large settlement.Victims of the Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. data breach, which exposed sensitive personal information, have until February 10 to submit their claims for up to $6,000.Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., a global insurance brokerage and risk management firm, reached a $21 million settlement following the breach that compromised data from June 3 to September 26, 2020.Newsweek reached out to Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and Arnold Law Firm for comment via email on Monday.Why It MattersThe breach not only exposed sensitive data but also took the company nearly a year to notify affected customers—a delay that could have compounded the risk of identity theft and fraud. Nearly 3.5 million people were impacted by the data breach, which included Social Security numbers and credit card information.What To KnowAccording to the settlement website, information that might’ve been exposed includes “personal identifying information (‘PII’) and personal health information (‘PHI’),” including Social Security numbers, usernames and passwords, medical information, biometric information and more.Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.’s delay in disclosing the data breach has raised concerns as well. The firm waited close to a year to inform customers and employees about the exposure of their sensitive data—a delay that potentially increased the risk of identity theft and allowed the misuse of their personal information.
Gallagher office in Houston, Texas.
Gallagher office in Houston, Texas.
JHVEPhoto/Getty Images
Who Is Eligible for a Payment?Individuals affected by the Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. data breach, which occurred between June and September 2020, are eligible to file a claim. Potential claimants must prove they suffered monetary damages due to the breach to qualify for the maximum compensation available.How To File a ClaimVictims can either fill out a claim form available on the settlement website, ajgdatasettlement.com, by the Monday, February 10 deadline or mail out a completed claim form postmarked by February 10 or earlier to the following address:AJG Settlement AdministratorIn re Arthur J. Gallagher Data Breach Litigationc/o Kroll Settlement Administration, LLCPO Box 5324New York, NY 10150-5324Claimants need to provide proof of identity and any documentation that shows financial losses or expenses incurred due to the breach, such as bank statements, bills or receipts related to identity theft protection services.When Is the Deadline To File a Claim?The final date to submit a claim is February 10. This deadline is critical for ensuring eligibility for compensation, and late submissions will not be considered.How Much Are Payments Going To Be?Eligible claimants can receive compensation of up to $6,000 based on the damages verified. The amount will vary based on the number of people who submit valid claims.The settlement also includes provisions for credit monitoring and identity theft insurance to prevent future fraud.What People Are SayingChristopher E. Roberts, class action attorney at Butsch Roberts & Associates LLC, told Newsweek: “This settlement is significant for two primary reasons. First, this settlement further highlights how prevalent data breaches are and continue to be. Data breach class actions are one of the largest, if not the largest, types of class action cases that are currently being filed.Second, this settlement further highlights the importance of companies developing appropriate safeguards to safeguard consumers’ data… even large companies, even one of the world’s largest insurance brokerages, can be susceptible to data breaches.”According to the law firm of the lead counsel against Gallagher: “The Arthur J. Gallagher $21M settlement not only provides relief for the 3.5 million individuals affected but also sends a strong message about corporate accountability. In today’s digital age, companies are entrusted with vast amounts of personal data, and breaches like this demonstrate the need for rigorous security measures.For businesses, this case serves as a reminder of the legal and financial consequences of failing to protect sensitive information. For consumers, it highlights the importance of being informed about their rights in the event of a data breach and seeking legal counsel to pursue compensation when their privacy is compromised.”What Happens NextA final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for February 27, 2025. If approved, claims will be processed and payments will be issued to those whose claims are valid and approved.Any questions can be submitted on the settlement website or answered by calling (833) 739-0738.
