Attention, GrayVine readers! If you were affected by a huge data breach, you could claim up to $5,100. But your payout may vary depending on where you live—are you ready to find out how much you could get?


Brightline, a mental health service provider, found itself at the center of a class action lawsuit after allegations surfaced that it failed to safeguard the sensitive personal information of its patients and employees.

The 2023 breach was a significant one, with hackers reportedly gaining access to a treasure trove of personally identifiable information, including names, insurance details, and social security numbers.

In response to the legal challenge, Brightline has agreed to a settlement to compensate those affected.


While the company has not admitted any fault, this move is a common practice to avoid the expense and uncertainty of protracted litigation.

With the settlement's final approval hearing scheduled for February 10, and the exclusion deadline already passed on January 9, time is of the essence.

If you received notification from Brightline that your information was compromised, you have until February 26, 2025, to submit your claim.

Missing this deadline means forfeiting your right to compensation and the ability to pursue future legal action related to the breach.


Eligible individuals have two compensation options:

1. Cash Payment A​

For those who can document losses directly tied to the breach, such as credit monitoring fees, bank charges, or losses from fraud or identity theft, you could receive up to $5,000.

Proof of loss will be necessary, so gather those telephone records, receipts, and bank statements.

2. Cash Payment B​

If you don't have documented losses or prefer not to claim them, you can opt for a flat rate payment of $100.

An extra boost for Californians​

Residents of California are entitled to an additional statutory award of $100, regardless of which compensation option they choose.


The settlement doesn't just offer financial compensation; it also provides crucial support to mitigate the risks posed by the breach.

All claimants are entitled to three years of free credit monitoring, which includes:

• Three-bureau credit file monitoring
• Dark web scanning
• Public record monitoring
• Medical identity monitoring
• Identity theft insurance
• Access to fraud resolution agents

If you've already accepted two years of free monitoring from Brightline, you can claim an additional year as part of the settlement.


To make your claim, visit the settlement website and follow the instructions provided.

Ensure your claim is valid and submitted before the deadline to secure your compensation.

Class action lawsuits allow individuals to band together and seek justice against entities that have wronged them.

When a company settles a class action, it offers payment to the affected group members, who, in turn, typically waive their right to further legal action.

This is a strategic move for companies to avoid the costs and uncertainties of ongoing litigation.

Remember, in the digital age, staying vigilant about our personal information is more crucial than ever.

Don't let this chance slip by—secure your share of the Brightline settlement and take a stand for your digital privacy and security.
Have you been affected by the Brightline data breach, or do you know someone who has? Are you planning to file a claim, or have you already done so? Share your experiences and any tips you might have for navigating the claims process with our community.