Waste Management's Data Breach Settlement: A Cleanup Operation for Compromised Data

SETTLEMENT:               Varies; up to $3,750

DEADLINE:                    3/14/2024

PROOF REQUIRED:       N/A

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If you've ever tossed a piece of paper into a Waste Management bin, you might not expect that your personal information could end up in a more perilous pile. But here we are, with Waste Management having agreed to a settlement that might just make checking your mail a bit more interesting. They're doling out funds to the tune of an undisclosed sum to settle a class action lawsuit that's as messy as a spilled garbage can.

Who's in for the payout?

This isn't a free-for-all rummage sale. The settlement targets a specific group of individuals affected by a data breach, turning a spotlight on those whose personal info might have been left unattended on the curb. Here's who can step up to claim their piece of the pie:

Ordinary Data Breach Losses: Eligible class members affected by the data breach can claim up to $750 for ordinary losses, which encompass expenses for credit monitoring, communication charges, and up to three hours spent managing the breach's aftermath, compensated at $20 per hour. 

This compensation covers a range of out-of-pocket expenses, including accessing, freezing, or unfreezing credit reports, as well as notary fees, fax, postage, copying, mileage, and long-distance telephone costs. It also accounts for unpaid time off work directly related to addressing the breach, reimbursed at your actual hourly wage.

Extraordinary Expense Reimbursement: For those who faced identity theft or fraud as a direct result of the breach, there's provision for extraordinary expense reimbursement. To qualify, you must have experienced identity theft or fraud closely linked to the breach and pursued reasonable measures to mitigate or recover these costs. 

Eligibility requires showing that the identity theft or fraud was a direct consequence of the breach and making attempts to utilize available credit monitoring and identity theft insurance. Extraordinary expenses include unreimbursed costs stemming from identity theft, fraud, or falsified tax returns, aiming to provide relief for significant financial impacts.

Two Years of Free Credit Monitoring: All valid claimants get two years of complimentary Equifax credit monitoring and identity theft protection services at no charge.

To claim any reimbursement, you'll need to provide official documentation like bank statements, travel records, invoices, and tax documents. Self-prepared documents alone won't suffice as proof.

A closer look at the Waste Management data breach class action lawsuit

The class action lawsuit took Waste Management to task, not for mishandling waste, but for letting personal data leak out, potentially leading to identity theft and other digital disasters. Despite not admitting to any wrongdoing, Waste Management is ready to clean up the mess with a settlement that aims to put this unpleasantness in the rearview mirror.

Who’s eligible?

Got a notice about the January 2021 data breach from Waste Management? Then you're potentially in line for compensation. This settlement targets those directly impacted by the breach, providing a financial cushion and measures to protect against future data disasters.

The settlement specifics

Waste Management maintains its stance of no wrongdoing yet is prepared to settle the lawsuit with an undisclosed sum to move beyond this chapter.

• Important dates: Circle March 14, 2024, on your calendar to submit a claim form, and don't forget about the final approval hearing set for March 15, 2024.

• Enhanced security promises: Waste Management commits to beefing up data security, including encrypting personal information and annual cybersecurity check-ups.

To learn more, you can check out the settlement website at: 

WMDataBreachSettlement.com

Below are the key details and dates related to the Waste Management Data Breach settlement:

Settlement at a glance

• Settlement Amount: Undisclosed
• Exclusion Deadline (Opt-Out): January 29, 2024
• Final Approval Hearing: March 15, 2024
• Claim Form Deadline: March 14, 2024
• Proof of Purchase: Along with your claim form, you will need to include official documentation such as bank statements, travel records, invoices, account statements, requests for time off, and tax documents. Remember, documents you've prepared yourself won't be considered adequate proof on their own.

Claim form

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A CLAIM.

Stay informed

Settlement Website: WMDataBreachSettlement.com

Claims Administrator:

In re: Waste Management Data Breach Litigation

Settlement Administrator

PO Box 2078

Portland, OR 97208-2078

877-79 3-4157

Legal representation

• Case Name: In re: Waste Management Data Breach Litigation, Case No. 1:21-cv-06199-DLC, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

• Class Counsel:

• Gayle M. Blatt of GERRY SCHENK FRANCAVILLA BLATT & PENFIELD LLP
• Rachele R. Byrd of WOLF HALDENSTEIN ADLER FREEMAN & HERZ LLP
• Michael Anderson Berry of ARNOLD LAW FIRM
• Terence Richard Coates of MARKOVITS STOCK & DEMARCO LLC

• Defense Counsel:

• Michelle A. Reed, Elizabeth D. Scott, and Stephanie Lindemuth of AKIN GUMP STRAUSS HAUER & FELD LLP

Remember, it's important to verify your eligibility before counting on a settlement share. Filing a claim inaccurately can harm the outcome for others who are eligible. Check the details carefully and consider reaching out to the claims administrator with any questions. Injury Claims is not a settlement administrator.