If you received a Notice, you are eligible to receive a payment from a proposed $436,670.00 class action settlement. To be eligible to make a claim, your information must have been impacted in the criminal ransomware attack against South Western Communications, Inc.’s network (“South Western” or “Defendant”), that occurred on or around December 21, 2023 (the “Data Breach”).
The class action lawsuit concerns the Data Breach in which the personally identifiable information of representative plaintiffs and Settlement Class Members may have been accessed by an unauthorized third party.
South Western denies any wrongdoing whatsoever and denies that it has any liability but has agreed to settle the lawsuit on a class-wide basis.
Settlement Class Members under the Settlement Agreement will be eligible to receive:
Credit monitoring services – identity theft insurance, which covers certain identity theft related expenses incurred by Settlement Class Members up to a limit of $1,000,000.00, if selected as part of a claim;
Reimbursement for any out-of-pocket losses and/or attested time as a result of the Data Breach; AND
Pro rata cash payment – no claim form is required for this benefit.
Summary of Legal Rights | Deadline(s) | |
Submit a Claim Form | The only way to receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket losses, attested time and/or credit monitoring services from the Settlement. | Submitted or postmarked on or before December 24, 2025 |
Exclude Yourself by Opting Out of the Class | Receive no benefit from the Settlement. This is the only option that allows you to keep your right to bring any other lawsuit against South Western relating to the Data Breach. | Mailed and postmarked on or before October 25, 2025 |
Object to the Settlement and/or Attend the Final Approval Hearing | You can write the Court about why you agree or disagree with the Settlement. The Court cannot order a different Settlement. You can also ask to speak at the final approval hearing on December 9, 2025, about the fairness of the Settlement, with or without your own attorney. | Mailed and postmarked on or before October 25, 2025 |
Do Nothing | You may still receive a pro rata cash payment from the settlement, but you give up any right to bring any other lawsuit against South Western relating to the Data Breach. | N/A |
Your rights and options as a Settlement Class Member – and the deadlines to exercise your rights – are explained in the Notice and FAQs.
The Court still will have to decide whether to approve the Settlement. Payments to Settlement Class Members will be made only if the Court approves the Settlement and after any possible appeals are resolved.
Upcoming Important Dates
Notification Mailing
9/25/2025
Objection Deadline
10/25/2025
Opt Out Deadline
10/25/2025
Final Approval Hearing
12/9/2025 at 2:00 p.m. CT
Claim Deadline
12/24/2025