If you have been notified of a data breach involving Entertainment Partners, you may be eligible for financial compensation and protective services. A class action settlement has been reached to resolve claims following a cybersecurity incident that occurred in mid-2023. This settlement provides affected individuals with several options for relief, including cash payments and credit monitoring services.
Understanding the Entertainment Partners Data Breach
In June 2023, Entertainment Partners (EP), a major provider of payroll and production management services for the entertainment industry, experienced a cybersecurity attack. This incident involved unauthorized access to certain computer systems, potentially exposing the personal information of thousands of individuals. The information involved varied by person but generally included sensitive data used for payroll and employment purposes.
The lawsuit, known as Geoff Hasbrook v. EP Global Production Solutions, LLC, alleged that the company failed to adequately protect this personal data. While the company denies any wrongdoing, both parties agreed to a settlement to avoid the costs and risks associated with a lengthy trial. This agreement ensures that those affected can receive benefits now rather than waiting for a court decision that could take years.
Who Is Eligible for the Settlement?
You are considered a member of the settlement class if you were residing in the United States and received a notice from Entertainment Partners stating that your personal information may have been compromised during the data security incident on or about June 30, 2023.
Most eligible individuals should have received a notice via mail or email containing a Unique ID. This ID is essential for filing your claim online and tracking your status. If you believe you are affected but did not receive a notice, you can contact the settlement administrator to verify your status.
Available Benefits and Compensation
The settlement offers several types of benefits designed to address different levels of impact. Class members can choose the options that best fit their situation. It is important to review these carefully, as some choices may prevent you from claiming others.
1. Credit Monitoring and Identity Theft Protection
All class members are eligible to enroll in three years of comprehensive credit monitoring services. This typically includes credit reports, real-time alerts for changes to your credit file, and identity restoration services if you become a victim of fraud. This is a proactive step to ensure your financial health remains secure in the future.
2. Reimbursement for Out-of-Pocket Expenses
If you spent money or lost time dealing with the aftermath of the data breach, you can claim reimbursement for these “Ordinary Losses.” You can claim up to $5,000 for documented expenses, which may include:
- Bank fees, including overdraft charges or ATM fees.
- Costs for credit reports or credit freezes.
- Postage and long-distance phone charges.
- Professional fees, such as accountant or attorney costs related to the breach.
- Up to 4 hours of lost time, compensated at $25 per hour, if you spent time addressing the incident.
3. Extraordinary Loss Reimbursement
For those who suffered significant financial harm, such as actual identity theft or fraud that is directly traceable to the EP data breach, the settlement provides for “Extraordinary Loss” claims. These claims are also capped at $5,000 but require more rigorous documentation to prove the loss was a direct result of the June 2023 incident.
4. Alternative Cash Payments
In some cases, class members may opt for a flat cash payment instead of seeking reimbursement for specific expenses. The amount of this payment is subject to “pro-rata” adjustments, meaning it may increase or decrease depending on how many people file valid claims against the total settlement fund.
How to File a Claim Step-by-Step
Filing a claim is the only way to receive a cash payment or credit monitoring. The process is designed to be straightforward for all users. Follow these steps to ensure your claim is processed correctly:
- Locate Your Notice: Find the paper or email notice you received. It contains your Unique ID, which simplifies the online filing process.
- Visit the Official Portal: Access the official settlement website to use the online claim form. This is the fastest way to submit your information.
- Enter Your Information: Provide your current contact details and your Unique ID. If you do not have an ID, you may be able to download a paper form to mail in.
- Select Your Benefits: Choose whether you want credit monitoring, expense reimbursement, or the alternative cash payment.
- Provide Documentation: If you are claiming expenses or lost time, you must upload or attach receipts, bank statements, or other proof. For lost time, a brief description of what you did is usually required.
- Submit and Save: After submitting, save your confirmation number. This will allow you to check the status of your claim later.
Important Deadlines to Remember
To participate in the settlement, you must act within specific timeframes. Missing these deadlines will result in a loss of your right to claim benefits or sue the company individually in the future.
- Claim Filing Deadline: This is the most critical date. Ensure your claim is submitted online or postmarked by the date listed on the official settlement website.
- Opt-Out Deadline: If you wish to keep your right to sue Entertainment Partners privately, you must formally exclude yourself from the settlement by this date.
- Objection Deadline: If you disagree with the terms of the settlement, you must file a written objection with the court before this deadline.
- Final Approval Hearing: The court will hold a hearing to decide if the settlement is fair and reasonable. You do not need to attend this hearing to receive benefits.
Checking Your Claim Status
After you have submitted your claim, the settlement administrator will review it for validity. This process can take several months, especially as the administrator waits for the final approval hearing to conclude. You can check the status of your claim by visiting the “Look Up” or “Status” section of the official settlement website using your Unique ID and last name.
If your claim is deficient (meaning it is missing information or documentation), the administrator will typically contact you to request the necessary details. Be sure to respond promptly to these requests to avoid having your claim denied.
Contacting the Settlement Administrator
If you have questions about the forms, the deadlines, or whether you are included in the class, you should reach out to the Settlement Administrator. They are responsible for managing the claims process and distributing payments.
You can contact them via the toll-free phone number provided in your notice or through the contact form on the official settlement website. They can provide guidance on how to fill out the form but cannot provide legal advice regarding your specific situation.
Conclusion
The Entertainment Partners data settlement provides a vital opportunity for affected individuals to protect their identities and recover financial losses. Whether you choose the credit monitoring services or seek cash reimbursement for your time and expenses, it is important to file your claim as soon as possible. Taking these steps helps ensure that your personal information is monitored and that you are fairly compensated for the inconvenience caused by the data breach.
For more information on protecting your digital identity or navigating other legal settlements, explore our other helpful guides on consumer rights and online security.