In December 2023, Hapy Bear Surgery Center (HBSC) experienced a serious data breach that exposed the sensitive information of thousands of people. If your data was affected, you may be eligible to receive part of a class-action settlement. Depending on your losses, you could claim up to $7,500 for identity theft-related expenses and an additional $500 for regular costs. California residents may also get $50 extra.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about the settlement in simple terms so you don’t miss out on this opportunity.
What Happened in the HBSC Data Breach?
On December 27, 2023, Hapy Bear Surgery Center discovered that hackers accessed their system and stole personal and medical information. This included:
- Full names
- Social Security numbers (SSN)
- Medical records
- Bank or credit card details
- Email addresses, phone numbers, and home addresses
- Insurance information
Because of this breach, many people faced identity theft, fraud, and financial losses. That’s why a legal settlement was put in place to compensate victims.
Who Qualifies for the Settlement?
You’re eligible to file a claim if:
- You received a notice from HBSC informing you that your data was exposed in the breach.
- You experienced identity theft, fraud, or any financial losses tied to the breach.
- You can provide proof of your losses (like receipts, invoices, bank statements, or police reports).
How Much Can You Claim?
There are three types of compensation available:
1. Up to $7,500 for Extraordinary Expenses
This is for people who had serious, unreimbursed financial losses due to the data breach. You can claim if you had:
- Unauthorized bank or credit card charges
- Lost wages because you were handling fraud issues
- Payments for legal services or credit repair
- Identity theft recovery services
2. Up to $500 for Ordinary Expenses
Even if you didn’t suffer major losses, you can still claim small expenses like:
- Bank overdraft fees
- Credit monitoring services
- Document replacement fees
- Up to 4 hours of time spent dealing with the breach ($25/hour)
3. Extra $50 for California Residents
Due to strict privacy laws in California, residents of the state are eligible for an additional $50 payment.
How to File Your Claim Before the Deadline
You must submit your claim by February 4, 2025. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Download the claim form from hbscdatasettlement.com
Step 2: Fill in your personal details and HBSC account info
Step 3: Collect supporting documents based on what you’re claiming
Step 4: Submit the form either:
Online through the official website, or
By mail to the Settlement Administrator
After reviewing your claim, the settlement team will send the payment if approved.
Documents You May Need
For extraordinary expenses (up to $7,500):
Police reports, invoices, identity theft letters, proof of credit repair, or bank statements showing fraud
For ordinary expenses (up to $500):
Receipts, credit monitoring bills, or written time logs for the hours you spent
Extra Benefits in the Settlement
Everyone who qualifies will also receive:
Two years of free credit monitoring
$50 extra if you live in California
These added protections are meant to help you stay safe from future fraud.
How to Protect Yourself from Future Breaches
Data breaches are becoming more common. Here’s how you can stay safer:
- Freeze your credit reports to stop new accounts from being opened in your name
- Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication
- Regularly check your bank and credit card statements
- Be cautious of suspicious emails or texts asking for your details
- Use a reputable identity theft protection service, especially if it’s free
The Hapy Bear Surgery Center data breach caused serious harm to many people, but this settlement offers a chance to recover lost money and take steps toward protection. Whether your losses were big or small, it’s worth checking if you qualify. Don’t miss the February 4, 2025 deadline. Act now to secure what you’re owed and keep your information safe moving forward.
FAQ’s
Who qualifies for the Hapy Bear Surgery Center data breach settlement?
Anyone who received a data breach notice from HBSC and experienced financial losses due to identity theft or fraud, with proper documentation, is eligible.
What is the maximum amount I can claim?
You can claim up to $7,500 for extraordinary losses and up to $500 for ordinary expenses. California residents may receive an extra $50.
What is the deadline to file a claim?
All claims must be submitted online or postmarked by February 4, 2025. Late claims will not be accepted.
Do I need documents to support my claim?
Yes, you need to provide receipts, bank statements, police reports, or other documents that prove financial loss or fraud related to the breach.
Where can I file my claim for the HBSC settlement?
You can file your claim online at hbscdatasettlement.com or by mailing the completed form and documents to the address listed on the site.
