December 16, 2023 – If you were a LifeLabs customer on or before December 17, 2019, and you live in Canada, you might be eligible for cash benefits from a recent class action settlement. While most things that sound like ‘free money’ are a scam, here’s what you need to know about this case and how to apply. You can read the full court documents for yourself here.
Approved Settlement Details LifeLabs has agreed to pay a total of $4.9 million, with the potential for an additional $4.9 million based on the number of claims made. Each eligible Class Member can receive up to $150, depending on the total claims and approved legal fees.
What Happened? The Class Action was initiated due to a data breach at LifeLabs in 2019. Personal information (including provincial health card numbers) was stolen, including approximately 131,957 Class members whose confidential test requisitions or test results were stolen by hackers.
Who Is Eligible? Class Members include all living persons in Canada, excluding high-ranking LifeLabs employees, whose personal information was compromised. If you fit this description, you’re eligible. It is estimated that 8.6 millions Canadians are eligible.
How to Claim Your Compensation If you qualify, submit a claim form within the 120-day claim period, starting in December 2023. The claim form requires basic information: your name, address, phone number, email, and Provincial Health Care Number.
Where to Find the Claim Form Access the online claim form here. Electronic submissions are encouraged for faster processing. Alternatively, you can download the form from the Documents page and submit it via email or mail.
Deadline for Submission Ensure your claim form is electronically submitted or postmarked by April 6, 2024, 5:00 (Pacific Time).
After Submission The Claim Administrator will review all claims received during the period from December 8, 2023, to April 6, 2024.
Payment Details Payments will occur after the claim period ends. Once your claim form is submitted correctly, no further action is needed until payments are processed.
What If You Do Nothing? If you don’t submit a claim form, you won’t receive any payment and will release LifeLabs from potential claims. Act now to benefit from the Settlement Agreement.
Need Assistance? For help or general inquiries, call the dedicated hotline at 1-833-494-0108.
Payment Amount Each eligible Class Member may receive an estimated $50 to $150. The final amount depends on the total claims filed, with deductions for legal fees, disbursements, and taxes.
As we navigate the intricacies of the LifeLabs Class Action Settlement, the earmarked $9.8 million underscores the nuanced nature of cybersecurity challenges. While the breach stemmed from a criminal hack, LifeLabs, in an effort to recover compromised information, opted to pay a ransom. The unfolding settlement signifies the evolving landscape where entities, even with proactive measures, may bear financial responsibility post-incident. This occurrence highlights the intricate balance between being a victim of cyber threats and the subsequent responsibilities faced by organizations in the aftermath.
