Pacific Market Research Data Breach $250K Class Action Settlement

Pacific Market Research has agreed to pay $250,000 as part of a class action settlement to resolve claims it mismanaged a 2021 data breach.

The settlement benefits individuals whose personal information was compromised as a part of the July 2021 ransomware attack on Pacific Market Research. Class members may have received notice of the data breach directly from Pacific Market Research.

Pacific Market Research is a research and consulting firm. The company provides services to high-profile clients such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Blue Cross Blue Shield, Starbucks, the University of California-Berkeley, Microsoft, and Kimberly-Clark.

In July 2021, Washington’s Department of Labor and Industries — one of Pacific Market Research’s clients — revealed over 16,000 workers had their information compromised in a data breach, according to The Seattle Times. The ransomware attack accessed Pacific Market Research’s servers to steal contact information, claim information, and dates of birth from individuals who filed workman’s compensation claims in 2019.

Two affected workers quickly filed a class action lawsuit against Pacific Market Research. According to the plaintiffs, the company failed to implement reasonable cybersecurity measures to protect consumer information. Pacific Market Research allegedly waited weeks to inform workers of the breach and related risks. 

The ransomware class action lawsuit contends the plaintiffs and other affected individuals now face the risk of identity theft and fraud. According to the plaintiffs, this risk will follow them for years.

Pacific Market Research hasn’t admitted any liability in the case but agreed to a $250,000 settlement to resolve the allegations.

Under the terms of the settlement, class members can collect reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses related to the data breach. Payments include up to $250 for ordinary expenses, such as fees, and up to three hours of lost time at a rate of $20 per hour. 

Class members can also receive up to $2,500 for extraordinary expenses, including unreimbursed monetary losses.

Non-monetary benefits from the settlement include extended credit monitoring. Class members who received a now-expired credit monitoring code from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries can now redeem the code through May 24, 2022.

To date, Pacific Market Research has spent over $32,000 on cybersecurity improvements. Under the settlement terms, the company committed to continued security benefits each year through 2024.

The deadline for exclusion and objection is May 24, 2022. 

The final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for May 27, 2022.

In order to receive a payment from the settlement, class members must submit a valid claim form by May 24, 2022.

Who’s Eligible

The settlement benefits individuals whose personal information was compromised as a part of the July 2021 ransomware attack on Pacific Market Research. Class Members may have received notice of the data breach directly from Pacific Market Research.

Potential Award

$2,750.

• Class Members can collect reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses related to the data breach. Payments include up to $250 for ordinary expenses, such as fees, and up to three hours of lost time at a rate of $20 per hour. 
• Class Members can also receive up to $2,500 for extraordinary expenses, including unreimbursed monetary losses.

Proof of Purchase

Class Members seeking reimbursement for fees, expenses, or charges, should attach a copy of a statement from the company that  charged them, or a receipt for the amount incurred.

Class Members seeking reimbursement for credit reports, credit monitoring, or another identity theft insurance product purchased between July 1, 2021, and Jan. 24, 2022, should provide a copy of a receipt or other proof of purchase for each credit report or product purchased.

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

05/24/2022

Case Name

Clopp, et al. v. Pacific Market Research LLC, et al., Case No. 21-2-08738-4 KNT in the Superior Court of the State of Washington, County of King

Final Hearing

05/27/2022

Settlement Website

DataResearchSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

Pacific Market Research Claims Administrator
c/o Postlethwaite & Netterville
PO Box 3116
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
1-833-540-2223
Info@DataResearchSettlement.com

Class Counsel

Timothy W. Emery
Patrick B. Reddy
EMERY REDDY PLLC

Defense Counsel

Paul G. Karlsgodt
James R. Morrison
Logan F. Peppin
BAKER & HOSTETLER LLP