CohnReznick data breach class action settlement

CohnReznick LLP agreed to a class action lawsuit settlement to resolve claims its negligence caused a 2021 data breach.

The settlement benefits all consumers who received a notice of the CohnReznick data breach on behalf of Genesis Corp. This includes a subclass of the same consumers from California. 

CohnReznick is an advisory, assurance and tax firm that provides insight into market forces to help their clients make informed decisions. The firm reportedly operates at 25 locations and retains nearly 4,000 global team members to help clients. 

In June 2021, CohnReznick began informing Genesis Corp. clients their information may have been compromised in a data breach between Feb. 26 and March 5, 2021. CohnReznick provides tax preparation services for Genesis Corp., meaning it has access to thousands of client customers’ personal information, including names and Social Security numbers. This information was allegedly compromised in the data breach.

According to a class action lawsuit against the firm, CohnReznick negligently failed to protect consumer information in the data breach. Plaintiffs argue the data breach could have been avoided if the firm implemented reasonable cybersecurity measures. 

CohnReznick hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to a class action settlement to resolve these claims. 

The settlement fund amount isn’t specified in the settlement agreement.

Under the terms of the settlement, class members can receive a cash payment for out-of-pocket expenses, lost time and, for some class members, California statutory damages. 

Class members can receive up to $750 for expenses such as unreimbursed fraudulent charges, professional fees, credit-monitoring costs and miscellaneous expenses. Within this $750 payment, class members can also claim up to four hours of lost time at a rate of $20 per hour. 

The settlement provides additional benefits for California subclass members. California residents can receive statutory damages of $100 as a part of their $750 payments.

All class members are eligible for further benefits in the form of one year of credit-monitoring services through myTrueIdentty services from TransUnion.

CohnReznick also agreed to remedial cybersecurity measures as a part of the settlement. Each year, CohnReznick will spend an estimated $170,000 to assess cybersecurity, implement any necessary measures, train employees and run regular compliance and vulnerability checks.

The deadline for exclusion and objection passed on July 5, 2022. 

The final approval hearing for the CohnReznick data breach lawsuit settlement is scheduled for Sept. 7, 2022. 

In order to receive settlement payments, class members must submit a valid claim form by Sept. 5, 2022.

Who’s Eligible

The settlement benefits all consumers who received a notice of the CohnReznick data breach on behalf of Genesis Corp. This includes a subclass of the same consumers from California.

Potential Award

Cash award and one year of credit-monitoring services

Proof of Purchase

Supporting documentation must be provided for claiming out-of-pocket expenses.

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

09/05/2022

Case Name

Davonna James, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. CohnReznick LLP, Case No. 1:21-cv-06544, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

Final Hearing

09/07/2022

Settlement Website

CohnReznickSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

CohnReznick Data Incident Claims Administrator
P.O. Box 3553
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
info@cohnreznicksettlement.com
844-573-0047

Class Counsel

David K Lietz
MILBERG COLEMAN BRYSON PHILLIPS GROSSMAN PLLC

M Anderson Berry
CLAYEO C ARNOLD A PROFESSIONAL LAW CORP

Defense Counsel

Joseph Salvo
John T Mills
GORDON REES SCULLY MANSUKHANI LLP