Thousands of Americans are now eligible for compensation following a significant data breach involving a major eye care provider. The Retina Group of Washington (RGW) has agreed to a $3.6 million class action lawsuit settlement after a March 2023 data breach exposed sensitive personal information of patients in Maryland and Virginia.
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If you were affected by this breach, you could be entitled to cash payments of up to $5,300, and the process to file your claim requires just one piece of documentation.
What Happened?
On March 26, 2023, RGW experienced a cybersecurity breach that potentially exposed the personal data of thousands of patients. The compromised data included:
- Social Security Numbers
- Health insurance details
- Driver’s license numbers
Affected patients alleged that RGW failed to implement proper security measures to prevent the breach, resulting in legal action. While RGW has not admitted to any wrongdoing, it has agreed to settle the lawsuit to resolve the claims.
Cash App Settlement 2025: When Will You Get Paid & How to Check Your Payout Status?
Who Qualifies for the Settlement?
Anyone whose personal information may have been accessed during the RGW data breach is considered part of the class action settlement and may be eligible for compensation.
How Much Can You Get?
The settlement offers multiple tiers of compensation depending on the type and severity of loss experienced:
Ordinary Expense Claims – Up to $300
- Includes reimbursement for minor costs such as:
- Bank fees
- Phone or internet charges
- Gas or postage
- Credit report fees
- Covers up to 4 hours of lost time valued at $25 per hour ($100 max)
Extraordinary Loss Claims – Up to $5,000
- Available for individuals who experienced identity theft or fraud directly linked to the breach
- Requires supporting documentation of financial losses
Alternative Cash Payment – Approx. $100
- For class members who did not experience any financial loss
- Cannot be combined with credit monitoring
Free Identity Protection Services – 2 Years
- Includes credit monitoring and identity theft protection
- Available as an alternative to the $100 cash payment
What Documentation Do You Need?
To file a valid claim, affected individuals must provide proof of unreimbursed expenses, such as:
- Receipts or invoices
- Bank or credit card statements
- Correspondence related to identity theft issues
Only one document is needed to initiate a claim in most cases.
Important Deadlines
- Final Claim Deadline: June 23, 2025
- Final Settlement Hearing: June 9, 2025
If you believe you were affected by the breach and meet the eligibility criteria, you must submit your claim by the June 23 deadline to receive compensation.
How to File a Claim
The claims process is simple and can be completed online or by mail. A claims portal is available through the official settlement website (search: RGW data breach settlement).
Other Ongoing Settlements
This payout follows a growing trend of class action settlements related to data breaches and corporate mishandling of sensitive information. Other recent settlements include:
- $9.95 million after a student data breach at a Virginia-based company
- $100 million Walgreens settlement over inflated prescription drug charges (available to customers who purchased prescriptions between 2007 and November 2024)
Final Notes
This is a major opportunity for those affected by RGW’s breach to receive financial compensation or valuable credit protection services. With a relatively simple application process and a one-document requirement, class members are encouraged to act promptly.
Don’t miss out—June 23 is your deadline to claim your share of the $3.6 million settlement.