Have you ever opened a letter about a class action settlement and wondered if it was worth your time?

This latest one may actually be worth a closer look. A recent settlement worth more than $1.36 million means thousands of Americans could qualify for checks as high as $5,000.

With a deadline already set, the clock is ticking to make sure you don’t miss your chance.


In April 2023, Morris Hospital—a trusted medical center in Morris, Illinois, serving over 100,000 patients a year—fell victim to a data breach.

Sensitive patient information was compromised, and while the hospital hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing, they’ve agreed to a $1,361,571 settlement to resolve the claims.

If you were a patient or had your information stored with Morris Hospital around the time of the breach, you could be eligible for a payout

And this isn’t just a token gesture: depending on your circumstances, you could receive up to $5,000.

Who qualifies, and what can you claim?​

Let’s get to the heart of the matter:

1. Direct Losses: If you experienced fraud or identity theft or had to pay for credit monitoring, communication charges, or other expenses because of the breach, you can claim up to $5,000. You’ll need to provide documentation—think bank statements, credit reports, receipts, or any paperwork that shows your out-of-pocket costs.
2. Lost Time: Even if you didn’t lose money but spent time dealing with the fallout (like calling your bank, freezing your credit, or sorting out paperwork), you can be reimbursed for your time.
3. No Loss? No Problem: If you didn’t experience any direct losses, you’re still eligible for a $100 payment just for being part of the class.

And there’s more: all class members will receive free credit and medical monitoring services, designed to help protect against future identity theft and assist with fraud resolution. In today’s world, that peace of mind is worth its weight in gold.


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How do you claim your share?​

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Check Your Mail: If you’re a class member, you should have received a notice—either by mail or email. Didn’t get one? Don’t panic. You can still check your eligibility by contacting the settlement administrator or visiting the official settlement website (details are usually available through the hospital or legal notices online).
2. Gather Your Documents: If you’re claiming losses, collect your bank statements, credit card bills, receipts, or any other proof of expenses related to the breach.
3. Submit Your Claim: You have until October 28, 2025, to file your claim. Don’t wait until the last minute—these things have a way of sneaking up on us!
4. Wait for Your Check: Once claims are processed and approved, payments will be distributed. The exact amount you receive may depend on how many people file claims, but the maximum is $5,000 for documented losses, or $100 if you had no losses.

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Morris Hospital isn’t alone. Just recently, Evolve Bank and Trust in Arkansas settled a similar lawsuit for $3.75 million after a data breach in July 2024.

Their customers are eligible for up to $3,000 in reimbursement for fraud, identity theft, and related expenses. Even those who didn’t suffer losses can claim a $20 payout.

It’s a sign of the times: as our lives become more digital, data breaches are becoming more common—and so are the settlements that follow.

Read next: You could be owed up to $5,000 from this data breach settlement—here’s how to find out
Have you ever been part of a class action settlement? Did you receive a payout, or was it more trouble than it was worth? Do you have tips for keeping your information safe online?