A major data breach involving Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker and their IT partner Reliable Networks has led to a $7.25 million class action settlement. Citizens who received official notices from these entities may be eligible to claim compensation. With the claim deadline rapidly approaching on May 22, 2025, affected individuals should act promptly to ensure they don’t miss out on potential payouts of up to $5,000, depending on their losses.
Who Qualifies for the Settlement?
Eligibility for the settlement is tied directly to the cybersecurity breach on September 14, 2023, which compromised sensitive consumer data. Hackers gained unauthorized access due to inadequate security protocols, prompting legal action and this subsequent settlement.
To be considered eligible:
- You must have received a data breach notification from Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker or Reliable Networks.
- Your personal data must have been involved in the breach.
How Much Can You Claim?
Compensation depends on the type and extent of financial harm experienced due to the breach:
| Loss Type | Compensation Available | Required Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Documented Financial Loss | Up to $5,000 | Receipts, bank statements, credit reports, tax documents, etc. |
| No Financial Loss | Flat $100 payment | No documentation required, only eligibility confirmation |
| Credit Monitoring Services | Valued at $270 for 3 years | Provided to all eligible claimants |
Claiming Your Share: What You Need to Do
Filing a claim is straightforward and can be completed in just a few minutes for most applicants. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Visit the official settlement website.
- Click on “File a Claim.”
- Enter your personal information, including name and address.
- Upload necessary documents if claiming for out-of-pocket losses.
- Submit your claim by May 22, 2025.
Note: If you’re only requesting the $100 payment, no documents are needed beyond verifying your eligibility.
Important Reminder
Only legitimate claims should be submitted. Filing a false claim is illegal and harms the pool of valid claimants. It’s also wise to verify whether your data was compromised in other breaches, such as the Imagine360 data breach, to explore additional compensation options.
What Happens After You File?
Once the deadline passes, a final court approval hearing is scheduled for June 6, 2025. If the settlement is approved, payments will be processed and distributed in the months that follow. The credit monitoring services will also begin during this period.
Data Breaches on the Rise
The Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker case is one in a growing line of lawsuits resulting from preventable data breaches. Another prominent example is the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) breach, highlighting the widespread consequences of cybersecurity failures in trusted institutions.
FAQs:
Can I still file a claim if I didn’t lose money?
Yes, even if you didn’t suffer financial losses, you may qualify for a $100 payment and credit monitoring.
Is there a cost to file a claim?
No, filing a claim is completely free.
What if I miss the May 22 deadline?
Claims submitted after May 22, 2025, will likely be rejected, so act quickly.