In a significant development, Lansing Community College (LCC) has announced a class action settlement of $1.45 million to compensate individuals affected by a data breach that occurred between December 25, 2022, and March 15, 2023. This breach compromised the personal information of many individuals associated with the college, including students, employees, contractors, and vendors. The settlement offers compensation for both documented financial losses and alternative cash payments for all eligible parties.
As of May 2025, if you were impacted by this breach, you could be entitled to compensation of up to $2,000, depending on the damages you sustained. If you did not incur financial losses but were still affected, you may receive a smaller flat payout ranging from $25 to $100. This detailed guide outlines the essential steps to check your eligibility, file a claim, and meet all necessary deadlines.
What Led to the Lansing Community College Data Breach?
LCC’s data breach was confirmed in the winter of 2022, when unauthorized access to the college’s database exposed sensitive personal information such as names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and addresses. The breach involved malicious actors gaining access to critical student and employee records, sparking an urgent response from LCC.
After identifying the breach, LCC took several proactive measures to enhance its data security. These included the implementation of multi-factor authentication (MFA), a full reset of passwords for impacted accounts, and the introduction of advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor risks. Despite these efforts, the breach led to legal action, and a settlement was reached to resolve the matter and compensate those affected.
Who is Eligible for the LCC Data Breach Settlement?
You may be eligible for compensation from the LCC data breach settlement if:
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You received a notice from LCC regarding the breach.
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Your personal information was compromised during the breach period between December 25, 2022, and March 15, 2023.
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You were affiliated with LCC as a student, employee, contractor, or vendor.
Importantly, you do not need to show that identity theft or fraud occurred in order to qualify for compensation. If you were affected, you can still claim compensation, even without proving financial loss. Those who suffered direct financial damages may be eligible for a higher payout.
Types of Compensation Available
The settlement offers two primary forms of compensation:
1. Reimbursement for Documented Losses (Up to $2,000)
If you experienced financial or time-related expenses as a result of the data breach, you can file a claim to be reimbursed. Eligible expenses include:
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Fraudulent charges that were not covered by your bank or credit card provider.
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Costs for credit monitoring, credit freezes, or identity theft protection services.
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Fees associated with replacing IDs, driver’s licenses, or other personal documents.
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Administrative costs like mailing, notary fees, or travel expenses related to the breach.
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Up to four hours of your time (valued at $25 per hour) spent dealing with the breach.
To receive this compensation, you will need to provide documentation, such as receipts, invoices, or statements.
2. Flat Cash Payment (Estimated Between $25–$100)
If you did not incur any direct financial losses but were still affected by the breach, you can apply for a flat cash payout. The amount you receive will vary based on the number of claimants, but it provides a straightforward way for those impacted to receive compensation without having to submit extensive documentation.
How to File Your Claim
Submitting your claim is a straightforward process that can be completed online. Follow these simple steps to ensure you file correctly:
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Visit the Official Settlement Website: Go to www.lansingsettlement.com to access claim forms, FAQs, and other legal documentation.
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Choose Your Claim Type: Select whether you are applying for reimbursement for documented losses or the flat cash payment.
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Fill Out the Online Form: Enter your contact details and any information requested on the form. The process should take under 10 minutes.
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Submit Supporting Documents: Upload any relevant documentation, such as bank statements or invoices, if claiming reimbursement.
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Submit Your Claim Before the Deadline: Ensure your claim is submitted by January 20, 2025, to avoid forfeiting your eligibility for compensation.
If you prefer to mail your claim, send it to: In re Lansing Community College Data Breach Litigation
c/o Kroll Settlement Administration
PO Box 225391
New York, NY 10150-5391
Important Dates to Remember
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Claim Filing Deadline: January 20, 2025
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Opt-Out/Objection Deadline: January 3, 2025
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Final Approval Hearing: January 21, 2025
It’s essential to meet these deadlines to ensure that you do not miss out on your compensation.
When Will You Receive Your Payment?
Payments will be issued once the settlement receives final court approval. If any appeals are filed, payments may be delayed, with the possibility of an additional notice of appeal being filed on February 7, 2025. However, once all legal processes are finalized, payments will be distributed either via check or electronic transfer, depending on your preference during the claim submission.
Can You Opt Out or Object to the Settlement?
Yes, you have the right to either opt out of or object to the settlement:
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Opting Out: You can exclude yourself from the settlement by submitting a written request by January 3, 2025. Opting out preserves your right to pursue separate legal action against LCC.
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Objecting: If you disagree with the settlement terms, you can file a written objection by the same deadline.
Both requests should be mailed to the addresses provided on the settlement website.
Conclusion
If you were impacted by the Lansing Community College data breach, you have the opportunity to claim compensation through the $1.45 million settlement. The process is simple and offers substantial financial relief for those who experienced losses due to the breach. Ensure that you file your claim by the deadlines provided to secure your compensation and protect your rights.
FAQ
How can I find out if I was impacted by the LCC data breach?
You should have received a notification from Lansing Community College about the breach. If you were affiliated with LCC during the breach period and your personal information was exposed, you are likely eligible for compensation.
How do I know which compensation I qualify for?
If you incurred financial losses due to the breach, you may qualify for up to $2,000 in reimbursement. If you did not experience financial damages but were affected, you may receive a smaller payout ranging from $25 to $100.
What if I missed the claim filing deadline?
If you miss the claim deadline of January 20, 2025, you will forfeit your right to compensation. Be sure to submit your claim on time.
Can I appeal the settlement?
Yes, you can file an objection by January 3, 2025, if you disagree with the terms of the settlement.
Will I receive my payment by check or electronically?
Once the settlement is approved, you will receive payment through the method you selected during your claim submission process.
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