Baer’s Furniture, a renowned furniture and mattress retailer based in Florida, recently reached a settlement regarding a data breach that occurred in August 2022. The settlement addresses claims that the company failed to adequately protect customers from the breach. While Baer’s Furniture has not admitted any wrongdoing, it has agreed to pay an undisclosed amount to resolve the data breach class action lawsuit.
The lawsuit alleged that Baer’s Furniture did not implement reasonable cybersecurity measures, which made it vulnerable to a cyberattack. As a result, the personal information of both customers and employees, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and medical details, was compromised. A letter was sent to potential victims, informing them about the breach and its potential impact on their personal information.
Under the terms of the settlement, individuals affected by the Baer’s Furniture data breach are eligible for compensation. Class members have the option to receive up to $5,000 for unreimbursed losses and time lost due to the breach. This can include expenses related to travel, bank fees, professional fees, credit costs, and damages resulting from fraud or identity theft. Additionally, affected individuals are entitled to two years of free credit monitoring services.
Alternatively, class members may choose a $50 alternative cash payment instead of the aforementioned benefits. This cash payment replaces compensation for unreimbursed losses, lost time, and credit monitoring services.
To avail themselves of the settlement benefits, class members must complete a valid claim form and submit it by December 16, 2024. It is crucial to note that the deadline for exclusion and objection is November 15, 2024. The final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for December 5, 2024.
While this settlement marks a significant step in resolving the aftermath of the Baer’s Furniture data breach, it serves as a reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in protecting sensitive personal information. Companies must continue to prioritize and invest in cybersecurity to safeguard their customers’ data, reducing the risk of such breaches in the future.
FAQ Section:
Q: What is the recent settlement regarding Baer’s Furniture?
A: The recent settlement addresses claims that Baer’s Furniture failed to adequately protect customers from a data breach that occurred in August 2022.
Q: Did Baer’s Furniture admit any wrongdoing?
A: No, Baer’s Furniture has not admitted any wrongdoing.
Q: What was compromised in the data breach?
A: The personal information of both customers and employees, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and medical details, was compromised.
Q: What are the settlement benefits for individuals affected by the breach?
A: Individuals affected by the breach are eligible for compensation of up to $5,000 for unreimbursed losses and time lost. They are also entitled to two years of free credit monitoring services.
Q: Can affected individuals choose a cash payment instead of the mentioned benefits?
A: Yes, affected individuals have the option to choose a $50 alternative cash payment instead of compensation for unreimbursed losses, lost time, and credit monitoring services.
Q: What is the deadline for submitting a claim form?
A: Class members must complete a valid claim form and submit it by December 16, 2024.
Q: What is the deadline for exclusion and objection?
A: The deadline for exclusion and objection is November 15, 2024.
Q: When is the final approval hearing for the settlement?
A: The final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for December 5, 2024.
Definitions:
Data breach: A security incident where sensitive and confidential data is accessed, copied, or stolen by unauthorized individuals or entities.
Cybersecurity measures: Measures taken to protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, data breaches, and other cyber threats.
Credit monitoring services: Services that monitor one’s credit history and notify individuals of any changes or suspicious activities that may indicate identity theft or fraudulent activity.
Class action lawsuit: A lawsuit filed by a group of individuals (the class) against a defendant, typically a company, for similar harm or damages.
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