Frequently Asked Questions

BASIC INFORMATION

1. Why was the Notice issued?

A state court authorized the Notice because you have a right to know about the proposed Settlement of this class action lawsuit and about all of your options before the Court decides whether to grant final approval of the Settlement. The Notice explains the lawsuit, your legal rights, what benefits are available, and who can receive them.

The lawsuit is captioned Collins et al. v. Washington College, Case No. C-02-CV-24-001728 (Cir. Ct. Anne Arundel Cty.). The people that filed this lawsuit are called the “Plaintiffs” and the entity they sued, Washington College, is called the “Defendant.”

To view a copy of the Notice, click here.

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2. What is this lawsuit about?

This lawsuit alleges that personal information was impacted by the data security incident that affected Washington College in or around February 2023 (“Security Incident”).

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3. What is a class action?

In a class action, one or more individuals sue on behalf of other people with similar claims. These individuals who sue are known as “Class Representatives” or “Plaintiffs.” Together, the people included in the class action are called a “class” or “class members.” One court resolves the lawsuit for all settlement class members, except for those who exclude themselves (sometimes called, “opting out”) from a settlement. In this Settlement, the Class Representatives are between Abigail Collins, Taylor Breshanan, Caitlyn Creasy, and Vincent Pacheco.

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4. Why is there a settlement?

The Court did not decide in favor of the Plaintiffs or the Defendant. The Defendant denies all claims and contends that it has not violated any laws. Plaintiffs and the Defendant agreed to a Settlement to avoid the costs and risks of a trial, and through the Settlement, Settlement Class Members are eligible to claim payments and other benefits. The Plaintiffs and their attorneys, who also represent the Settlement Class Members, think the Settlement is best for all Settlement Class Members.

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WHO IS IN THE SETTLEMENT?

5. Who is included in the Settlement?

The Settlement Class consists of all individuals who reside in the United States who previously received notice of the February 2023 cybersecurity incident affecting Washington College.

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6. Are there exceptions to being included?

Yes. Excluded from the Settlement Class are (i) Defendant, its officers and directors; (ii) all Settlement Class Members who timely and validly request exclusion from the Settlement Class; (iii) any judges assigned to this case and their staff and family; and (iv) any other person found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be guilty under criminal law of initiating, causing, aiding or abetting the criminal activity occurrence of the Security Incident or who pleads nolo contendere to any such charge.

If you are not sure whether you are included in the Settlement Class, you can ask for free help by calling, emailing or writing to the Settlement Administrator at:

Washington Data Settlement
c/o Settlement Administrator
PO Box 25043
Santa Ana, CA 92799
info@WashingtonDataSettlement.com
(866) 675-2609

You may also view the Settlement Agreement and Release (“Settlement Agreement”) here.

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THE SETTLEMENT BENEFITS

7. What does the Settlement provide?

Under the Settlement, Washington College will pay valid and timely claims for Credit Monitoring, Ordinary Losses, Lost Time, Extraordinary Losses, or an Alternative Cash Payment.

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8. How much will my payment be?

Payments and other benefits will vary - Settlement Class Members may submit a claim using the Claim Form for: (1) 3 years of credit monitoring; (2) Ordinary Losses up to a total of $500 per claimant; (3) Lost Time - $25 per hour for up to 3 hours (for a total of $75, subject to the $500 cap on Ordinary Loss Claims); (4) Extraordinary Losses up to a total of $5,000 per claimant; or (5) an Alternative Cash Payment of $50. The aggregate cap on claims for Lost Time and Alternative Cash Payment is $100,000. Should the total approved claims for Lost Time and Alternative Cash Payment be greater than $100,000.00, each claim shall be reduced pro rata.

Credit Monitoring Services. All Settlement Class Members shall have the ability to make a claim for 3 years of one-credit bureau credit monitoring services and identity protection services with $1 million in identity theft insurance by choosing this benefit on the Claim Form. Even if Settlement Class Members previously accepted the Defendant’s offer of complimentary credit monitoring services, they may still claim this benefit.

Ordinary Losses up to a total of $500 per claimant, upon submission of a valid claim with supporting documentation for out-of-pocket losses incurred or spent between February 11, 2023, and the Claim Deadline, including: (1) Out of pocket expenses incurred as a result of the Security Incident, including unreimbursed bank fees, long distance phone and cell phone charges (only if charged by the minute), data charges (only if charged based on the amount of data used), postage or gasoline for local travel; and (ii) Fees for credit reports, credit monitoring, or other identity theft insurance products purchased as a result of the Security Incident.

Lost Time Claims for reimbursement of $25 per hour up to 3 hours (for a total of $75) with an attestation on the Claim Form that the activities performed were related to the Security Incident. Claims for Lost Time are subject to the $500 cap for Ordinary Losses (discussed above).

Extraordinary Losses up to a total of $5,000 per claimant, upon submission of a valid claim with supporting documentation, if: i. The Settlement Class Member has been the victim of actual documented identity theft and the loss is an actual, documented and unreimbursed monetary loss caused by (A) misuse of the Settlement Class Member’s Personal Information or (B) fraud associated with the Settlement Class Member’s Personal Information; ii. The loss noted in i.(A) or i.(B) was more likely than not caused by the Security Incident; iii. The loss occurred between February 11, 2023, and the Claim Deadline; and iv. The loss is not already covered by the Ordinary Loss or Lost Time categories and the Settlement Class Member made reasonable efforts to avoid, or seek reimbursement for, the loss, including but not limited to exhaustion of all of the Settlement Class Member’s credit monitoring insurance and identity theft insurance.

Alternative Cash Payment. In the alternative to a claim for Ordinary Losses and Lost Time, Extraordinary Losses, and/or Credit Monitoring, Settlement Class Members can elect a $50 Alternative Cash Payment.

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9. What claims am I releasing if I stay in the Settlement Class?

Unless you opt out of the Settlement, you cannot sue, continue to sue, or be part of any other lawsuit against the Defendant about any of the legal claims this Settlement resolves. The “Releases” section in the Settlement Agreement describes the legal claims that you give up if you remain in the Settlement Class. The Settlement Agreement can be found here.

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HOW TO GET A PAYMENT - MAKING A CLAIM

10. How do I submit a claim and get a cash payment?

Claim Forms may be submitted online by going here or downloaded and printed here and mailed to the Settlement Administrator at: Washington College Data Settlement, c/o Settlement Administrator, PO Box 25043 Santa Ana, CA 92799.

You may also contact the Settlement Administrator to request a Claim Form by telephone (866) 675-2609, by email at info@WashingtonDataSettlement.com or by U.S. mail at the address above.

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11. What is the deadline for submitting a claim?

If you submit a claim by U.S. mail, the completed and signed Claim Form must be postmarked by March 22, 2025. If submitting a Claim Form online, you must do so by March 22, 2025.

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12. When will I get my payment?

The short answer is – after the Settlement is “finally approved” and challenges, if any, to that approval are finally resolved. The Court is scheduled to hold a final approval hearing on May 21, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET, to decide whether to approve the Settlement, how much attorneys’ fees and costs to award to Settlement Class Counsel for representing the Settlement Class, and whether to award Service Awards to the Class Representatives who brought this Action on behalf of the Settlement Class.

If the Court approves the Settlement, there may be appeals. It is always uncertain whether appeals will be filed and, if so, how long it will take to resolve them. Settlement payments will be distributed as soon as possible, if and when the Court grants final approval to the Settlement and after any appeals are resolved.

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THE LAWYERS REPRESENTING YOU

13. Do I have a lawyer in the case?

Yes, the Court appointed David Lietz of Milberg, Raina Borrelli of Strauss Borrelli PLLC, and Kevin Laukaitis of Laukaitis Law to represent you and other members of the Settlement Class (“Settlement Class Counsel”). You will not be charged directly for these lawyers; instead, they will receive compensation from Washington College (subject to Court approval).

If you want to be represented by your own lawyer, you may hire one at your own expense.

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14. Should I get my own lawyer?

It is not necessary for you to hire your own lawyer because Settlement Class Counsel works for you. If you want to be represented by your own lawyer, you may hire one at your own expense.

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15. How will the lawyers be paid?

Settlement Class Counsel will file a motion for an award of attorneys’ fees and litigation costs and expenses to be paid by Washington College. Washington College has agreed not to oppose Settlement Class Counsel’s request for an award of attorneys’ fees and litigation costs not to exceed $180,000. If Settlement Class Counsel seeks more than $180,000 in attorneys’ fees and expenses, Washington College has reserved all rights to object and oppose such requests.

Settlement Class Counsel will also seek a service award payment for the Class Representatives in recognition for their contributions to this Action. Washington College has agreed not to oppose Settlement Class Counsel’s request for service awards not to exceed Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000) for each of the three Class Representatives. To the extent more than $2,000 service awards are sought for the Class Representatives, Washington College has reserved all rights to object and oppose such a request.

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EXCLUDING YOURSELF FROM THE SETTLEMENT

16. How do I opt out of the Settlement?

If you do not want to receive any benefits from the Settlement, and you want to keep your right to separately sue the Defendant about the legal issues in this case, you must take steps to exclude yourself from the Settlement Class. This is called “opting out” of the Settlement Class. The deadline for requesting exclusion from the Settlement is February 20, 2025.

To exclude yourself from the Settlement, you must submit a written request for exclusion to the Court that includes the following information:

  • the case name: Collins et al. v. Washington College, Case No. C-02-CV-24-001728 (Cir. Ct. Anne Arundel Cty.);
  • your full name;
  • current address;
  • personal signature; and
  • the words “Request for Exclusion” or a comparable statement that you do not wish to participate in the Settlement.

Your request for exclusion must be mailed to the Settlement Administrator at the address below, postmarked no later than February 20, 2025.

Washington Data Settlement Administrator
ATTN: Exclusion Request
PO Box 25043
Santa Ana, CA 92799

If you exclude yourself, you are telling the Court that you do not want to be part of the Settlement. You may only exclude yourself – not any other person.

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COMMENTING ON OR OBJECTING TO THE SETTLEMENT

17. How do I tell the Court if I like or do not like the Settlement?

If you are a Settlement Class Member, you can choose (but are not required) to object to the Settlement if you do not like it or a portion of it, whether that be to the Settlement benefits, the request for attorneys’ fees or service awards, the releases provided to the Defendant, or some other aspect of the Settlement. Through an objection, you give reasons why you think the Court should not approve the Settlement.

For an objection to be considered by the Court, the objection must include i) the name of the proceedings; (ii) the Settlement Class Member’s full name and current mailing address; (iii) a statement that states with specificity the grounds for the objection, as well as any documents supporting the objection; (iv) the identity of any attorneys representing the objector; (v) a statement regarding whether the Settlement Class Member (or his/her attorney) intends to appear at the Final Approval Hearing; and (vi) the signature of the Settlement Class Member or the Settlement Class Member’s attorney.

Any Settlement Class Member who does not file a timely and adequate objection in accordance with the above paragraph waives the right to object to the Settlement at the Final Approval Hearing and shall be bound by the terms of the Settlement Agreement and by all orders and judgments in the Action.

Objections must be filed with the Court no later than February 20, 2025. The Settlement Class Member shall also send a copy of the written objection to the Settlement Administrator postmarked or emailed no later than the Objection Deadline.

Clerk of Court
Circuit Court of Anne Arundel County
8 Church Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401

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18. What is the difference between objecting and excluding?

Objecting is telling the Court that you do not like something about the Settlement. You can object to the Settlement only if you do not exclude yourself from the Settlement. Excluding yourself from the Settlement means telling the Court you do not want to be part of the Settlement. If you opt out of the Settlement, you cannot object to it because the Settlement no longer affects you.

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THE COURT’S FINAL APPROVAL HEARING

19. When is the Court’s Final Approval Hearing?

The Court is scheduled to hold a final approval hearing on May 21, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. E.T., at the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, 7 Church Cir, Annapolis, MD 21401, to decide whether to approve the Settlement, how much attorneys’ fees and costs to award to Settlement Class Counsel for representing the Settlement Class, and whether to award a service award payment to each Class Representative who brought this Action on behalf of the Settlement Class. If you are a Settlement Class Member, you or your attorney may ask permission to speak at the hearing at your own cost. If you do not like the Settlement, remember you may object to it, but you have to follow certain requirements (see Question 17). The date and time of this hearing may change without further notice. Please check back for updates.

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20. Do I have to come to the Final Approval Hearing?

No. Settlement Class Counsel will answer any questions the Court may have. You may attend at your own expense if you wish. If you file an objection, you may but you do not have to come to the Final Approval Hearing to talk about it. If you file your written objection on time and in accordance with the requirements above, the Court will consider it. You may also pay your own lawyer to attend, but such attendance is not necessary for the Court to consider an objection that was filed on time and meets the requirements above.

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IF I DO NOTHING

21. What happens if I do nothing at all?

If you are a Settlement Class Member and you do nothing, you will give up your right to start a lawsuit, continue a lawsuit, or be part of any other lawsuit against the Defendant and the Released Parties, as defined in the Settlement Agreement, about the legal issues resolved by this Settlement. In addition, you will be bound by the releases of the Released Parties in the Settlement and not be eligible to receive a payment from this Settlement.

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GETTING MORE INFORMATION

22. How do I get more information?

This website and the Notice summarize the proposed Settlement. Complete details are provided in the Settlement Agreement. The Settlement Agreement and other related documents are available here.

If you have additional questions, you may contact the Settlement Administrator by email, phone, or mail:

Washington Data Settlement
Settlement Administrator
PO Box 25043
Santa Ana, CA 92799
info@WashingtonDataSettlement.com
(866) 675-2609

Publicly filed documents can also be obtained by visiting the office of the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County or by reviewing the Court’s online docket. For those planning to visit the Court for more information, please contact the Court for its regular business hours and for any costs associated with obtaining documents maintained by the Court.

You may also contact your counsel in this matter, the Settlement Class Counsel, as follows:

David K. Lietz
MILBERG COLEMAN BRYSON
PHILLIPS GROSSMAN, LLC

5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20015-2052
Telephone: (866) 252-0878
dlietz@milberg.com

Kevin Laukaitis
LAUKAITIS LAW LLC
954 Avenida Ponce De Leon
Suite 205, #10518
San Juan, PR 00907
Telephone: (215) 789-4462
klaukaitis@laukaitislaw.com

Raina C. Borrelli
STRAUSS BORELLI PLLC
One Magnificent Mile
980 N Michigan Ave., Suite 1610
Chicago, IL 60611
Telephone: (872) 263-1100
raina@straussborrelli.com

PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE COURT OR WASHINGTON COLLEGE

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