If you received a letter from the Retina Group of Washington (RGW) about a 2023 data breach, you may be eligible to claim up to $5,300 through a class action settlement. The breach compromised the personal and medical data of nearly 450,000 patients, and the resulting lawsuit led to a $3.6 million settlement fund. Here’s everything you need to know to find out if you qualify and how to claim your money.
What Happened in the Retina Group of Washington Data Breach?
On March 26, 2023, a cyberattack exposed sensitive patient information from the Retina Group of Washington, a leading eye care provider in Maryland and Virginia. The leaked data included:
- Social Security numbers
- Health insurance details
- Driver’s license numbers
- Medical records
After the breach, RGW patients filed a lawsuit alleging the company failed to implement adequate cybersecurity measures. While RGW denied any wrongdoing, they agreed to a $3.6 million settlement to resolve the allegations.
Who Is Eligible to Receive Up to $5,300?
Anyone who received a notification letter from RGW regarding the data breach is considered a class member and may be entitled to compensation. Eligibility is divided into different categories based on the level of loss or impact experienced.
Settlement Breakdown
| Type of Claim | Payout Amount | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Extraordinary Losses | Up to $5,000 | Must show proof of fraud or identity theft |
| Out-of-Pocket Expenses | Up to $300 | Bank fees, data charges, monitoring costs; proof required |
| Lost Time | Up to $100 | Four hours max @ $25/hour; documentation needed |
| Flat Cash Payment | Approx. $100 | No proof of loss needed; amount may vary |
| Identity Theft Protection | No cash | Daily 3-bureau credit monitoring + $1M insurance |
You can choose between a cash payout or free identity protection services, but not both.
How to File a Claim
To submit a valid claim, you’ll need:
- Your Claim ID and PIN from the settlement notice letter
- Any relevant documents (bank statements, fraud reports, etc.) if claiming losses
- Selection of your compensation option (cash vs. protection services)
All claims must be submitted by June 23, 2025. Claims submitted after this date will not be eligible for compensation.
Visit TopClassActions.com for more information and to file your claim online.
Key Dates to Remember
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Final Approval Hearing | June 9, 2025 |
| Deadline to File a Claim | June 23, 2025 |
| Deadline for Objections/Exclusions | Passed (May 27, 2025) |
If you were affected, now is the time to act. Once the deadline passes, your chance to get compensated could be gone.
The RGW data breach settlement offers real financial relief to those affected, but you must act before the June 23 deadline. Whether you suffered identity theft or just want basic compensation, this settlement offers a range of options. Review your letter, gather your documentation, and file your claim on time to make sure you’re included.
FAQs
Can I get both a cash payment and credit monitoring?
No, you must choose one or the other when filing your claim.
What if I lost more than $5,000?
The cap for extraordinary losses is $5,000. You can still claim, but that’s the maximum payout.
I didn’t lose any money — am I still eligible?
Yes. You can claim the flat cash payment (around $100) even without documented losses.