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Arthur J. Gallagher Co. Data Breach Class Action Overview:
- Who: A class action lawsuit was filed against global insurance brokerage and risk management services firm Arthur J. Gallagher Co. on behalf of thousands of customers who may have been affected by a 2020 data breach
- Why: The class action lawsuit was filed in response to the data breach, claiming that Arthur J. Gallagher Co. failed to safeguard personally identifiable information, allowing it to be stolen in the data breach
- Where: The class action lawsuit was filed in Illinois, representing a nationwide class of Gallagher customers whose personally identifiable information was compromised in the breach
Insurance broker Arthur J. Gallagher Co. has put thousands of its customers at risk by failing to safeguard their personally identifiable information and allowing it to be stolen in a 2020 data breach, a new class action lawsuit alleges.
The Arthur J. Gallagher Co. class action lawsuit was filed in Illinois by lead Plaintiffs Jason Myers and John Parsons who allege that the company violated state and federal laws by failing to implement adequate security systems or meet minimum industry data security standards, and by not telling consumers or employees that their personal information had been exposed in a timely manner, Law360 reports.
Parsons, who worked for Gallagher from 1996 to 1999, says in the claim that while he was employed with the company, he was required to give the company his personal information.
Although the breach — which occurred between June and September 2020 — happened more than 20 years after Parsons left the company, he still had his data caught up in it.
According to the Arthur J. Gallagher Co. data breach claim, Gallagher waited several months to report the breach to local leaders after learning about it in September, and the company didn’t take measures to notify class members until June.
Myers received notice of the breach on July 2 informing him that his name and his medical claim information had been exposed, the claim alleges.
“As a result of this delayed response, plaintiffs and class members had no idea their PII had been compromised, and that they were, and continue to be, at significant risk of identity theft and various other forms of personal, social, and financial harm. The risk will remain for their respective lifetimes,” Myers and Parsons say in the claim.
Because of Gallagher’s negligence, hackers have now accessed personal data from thousands of consumers, employees, and others, including Social Security numbers, credit card information, and electronic signatures, the claim alleges.
The consumers allege that Gallagher’s failings constitute an unfair act or practice prohibited by the Federal Trade Commission Act.
“Defendants were at all times fully aware of their obligation to protect the PII of customers, prospective customers and employees,” Parsons and Myers allege. “Defendants were also aware of the significant repercussions that would result from their failure to do so.”
The pair are seeking to represent a nationwide class of Gallagher customers whose personally identifiable information was compromised in the breach. They are suing for negligence, breach of implied contract, unjust enrichment, and violations of various Louisiana and California consumer protection laws.
They also want a declaration that Gallagher must implement and maintain reasonable security measures, including engaging third-party auditors and running regular security checks, and must pay for credit monitoring services for nationwide class members for 10 years, Law360 reports.
Have you ever used Gallagher’s services? Tell us if this class action lawsuit affects you in the comments section!
The consumers are represented by Carl V. Malmstrom and Rachele R. Byrd of Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP and Clayeo C. Arnold, M. Anderson Berry and Gregory Haroutunian of Arnold Law Firm.
The Gallagher Consumer Data Breach Class Action Lawsuit is Myers et al. v. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. et al., Case No. 1:21-cv-04056, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
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89 thoughts onInsurance Broker Arthur J. Gallagher’s Negligence Put Consumers at Risk of Identity Theft, Class Action Claims
Gallagher Basset covered a Workers’ Comp claim for me on behalf of my employer about 8 years ago. That is the only contact with them of which I am aware, and I have no idea what information of mine may have been involved. I received a notice of the data breach in a letter dated August 10, 2021; I was shocked to learn that the data breach actually occurred over a year ago. It says that they will provide an identity monitoring service at no cost for 2 years. I have not decided whether or not I will enroll. Please add me to the class action.
I have received a letter today October 8, 2021 informing of breach of information. ( 1 year and 5 months later). Please send information on securing my information and lawsuit information. Thank you.
I just learned of this on 10/7/2021.
Count me in
I received the same letter from Gallagher dated September 29, 2021. I had to Google them to even get a clue that it might relate to my health insurance, but truly have no way of knowing. This was a legal weasel letter, pro forma, with no intention to provide useful information. Count me in.
I just received a letter from Gallagher about this data breach and I have no idea who they are and why they have my information to begin with. I would think they would at least tell you that. Add me to the class action!!!
I just received a letter from Gallagher also saying that my information was affected by the breach that occurred over a year ago!!!! Why am I just now finding out about this breach? I want to know how to join this class action lawsuit.
I received a letter yesterday in referenced to the data breach and I am trying to see how to go about having my name and my son’s name placed on the class action lawsuit.
my identity was stolen because of a New York State Workers Comp claim that was filed with Gallagher and Bassett representing workers comp. My workers comp claim was filed July 2020, and Gallagher and Bassett was next to impossible to deal with! Workers Comp covered my claim. I received a letter dated 6/21/21 from Gallagher and Bassett, signed by Ann Dziadula (case manager) and cc to Katrina Vinovrski-Hickey(resolution manager) that my case was closed. It came in a strange handwritten envelope postmarked June 21, 2021 with a return address of CMS, 1110 Satellite BLVD, NW, STe 306 Suwanee, GA 30024.
I was fired from my job on August 17, 2021 and applied for NYS unemployment on August 18, 2021. The NYS Dept. of Labor informed me that my identity had been stolen and that I need to file a fraud claim, which I did. I also enrolled in ID me to prove who I am. I have yet to collect unemployment due to this identity theft caused by Gallagher and Bassett.
During this time I received a letter from Gallagher and Bassett, RE: Notice of Data Breach. I knew why NYS unemployment was delaying my benefits. I then received a letter dated September 7, 2021 from Gallagher and Bassett Resolution Manager Katrina Vinovrski_Hickey, (cc to Smith, Sovik, Kendrick & Sugnet Syracuse New York) stating I was a candidate for a lump sum tax free settlement, suggesting I contact an attorney. This has been a nightmare in more ways that one! I would willingly be named as a disgruntled consumer in any class action against Gallagher and Bassett
Yes, I was affected by this data breach. I have been dealing with them since 1999 and still do. I have rec’d a letter to sign up for 2 years of credit monitoring but I had to put all of my personal information on line including my SS#. I do not put certain information on line and there was no number for me to call. I contacted you and you sent me a number to call. I just called them and they claim someone will get back to me to sign me up. I reminded her of the expiration to do so which is the 10th of this month. I asked what proof would I have that I called if no one returns my call. She said to call back on the 9th if no one returns my call. Not to promising to me and what if the 9th I have a busy or hectic day. Will I remember to call before they close? Please add me to your contact list concerning this event.
Yes, I was also effected by this data breach. I just received notification of the data breach today, October 2, 2021. I’m very upset that it took them a year to contact me. Also, the credit reporting offer information website is NOT WORKING! It will not let me sign up for the free 2 year credit monitor service they offered!
We have dealt with G & B for many many years now. Please add us to the law suit. Wondering why we didn’t receive a letter. Sounds about right. The way they do business!!!!