Essen Medical Data Breach Settlement 2026 — $4 Million · Claims Closed June 1, 2026
By Steve Levine
Published: March 22, 2026 · Updated: July 9, 2026
Claim Deadline: June 1, 2026 (Passed)
Payout: Up to $5,000 for documented losses + up to $100 cash (no proof required for cash)
Proof Required: No proof for cash payment / Documentation required for losses
What Is This Settlement About?
If you are a patient of Essen Medical Associates or any provider in the Essen Health Care Network and you received a letter in the mail telling you that your personal information may have been exposed in a data breach, this settlement is for you.Between March 14, 2023 and March 22, 2023, an unauthorized party gained access to Essen's data environment. That means someone who should not have had access to patient records was able to get into Essen's computer systems for over a week. The breach potentially compromised personal information belonging to patients, which may have included names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, medical records, health insurance information, and other sensitive data depending on the individual.
A class action lawsuit was filed in New York Supreme Court, Bronx County, titled Rivera et al. v. Essen Medical Associates, P.C., No. 801239/2024E. The lawsuit alleged that Essen failed to protect patient data and was negligent in its data security practices.
Essen denies all allegations of wrongdoing and liability. The court has not decided whether Essen did anything wrong. Both sides agreed to settle to avoid the cost and risk of continued litigation.
Essen has agreed to establish a $4,000,000 settlement fund. After deductions for attorney fees (up to 33.3%, or approximately $1,333,333), administration costs, and service awards ($3,000 per class representative), the remaining money will be used to pay claims from settlement class members.
Who Qualifies?
You are a member of the settlement class if you are a U.S. resident who received a notification letter from Essen Medical Associates informing you that your personal information may have been compromised in the data breach that occurred between March 14 and March 22, 2023. The notification was sent by U.S. Mail.If you received that letter, you are in the class. If you did not receive a letter from Essen about the breach, this settlement does not apply to you.
How Much Can You Get?
There are two types of payments available, and you can claim both on the same claim form.The first is a pro rata cash payment of up to $100 per person. You do not need to provide documentation of any losses to receive this payment. You just need to submit a valid claim form. The actual amount may be adjusted up or down depending on how many people file claims. If fewer people file, you may get the full $100. If more people file, the amount may be reduced proportionally.
The second is reimbursement of up to $5,000 for documented losses that resulted from the breach. Documented losses can include out-of-pocket costs you incurred because of the data breach, such as costs related to identity theft or fraud, expenses for credit monitoring or identity protection services, bank fees or charges resulting from unauthorized transactions, time spent dealing with fraud or identity theft issues, and any other costs or expenses that are reasonably traceable to the breach.
To claim documented losses, you must provide documentation such as receipts, bank statements, or other records. The $5,000 documented losses payment may also be adjusted pro rata if total approved claims exceed the available fund.
How Do I File a Claim?
The claim window has closed. Claims were filed online at EHCSettlement.com or by mail to the settlement administrator. The claim form asked for your name, address, and information about any documented losses; documented-loss claims required supporting documentation.Claims had to be submitted online or postmarked by June 1, 2026. That deadline has passed, and new claims are no longer being accepted.
Important Deadlines
Claim Deadline: June 1, 2026 (passed)
Opt-Out Deadline: May 4, 2026 (passed)
Objection Deadline: May 4, 2026
Final Approval Hearing: Held July 7, 2026 in the Supreme Court of New York, Bronx County; the court's decision has not yet been announced
No payments will be made unless and until the court grants final approval and any appeals are resolved.
What Happens If I Do Nothing?
Class members who did not file a claim will not receive a payment from this settlement. Class members who did not formally opt out by the May 4, 2026 deadline are bound by the settlement and gave up the right to sue Essen or the other released parties over the claims resolved in this case.How Do I Opt Out?
If you do not want to participate in the settlement and want to keep your right to sue Essen separately, you must send a signed, written request to exclude yourself. Your request must include the case name (Rivera et al. v. Essen Medical Associates, P.C., No. 801239/2024E), your name, address, and telephone number, your physical signature, and a statement that you wish to be excluded from the settlement class. Mail it to the settlement administrator at the address below, postmarked no later than May 4, 2026. If you opt out, you will not receive any payment.Settlement Notice PDF
Download the Full Settlement Notice (PDF)Case Information
Case: Rivera et al. v. Essen Medical Associates, P.C., d/b/a Essen Health Care
Case Number: No. 801239/2024E
Court: Supreme Court of the State of New York, Bronx County
Settlement Fund: $4,000,000
Cash Payment: Up to $100 (no proof required)
Documented Losses: Up to $5,000 (proof required)
Claim Deadline: June 1, 2026 (passed)
Opt-Out Deadline: May 4, 2026 (passed)
Final Approval Hearing: Held July 7, 2026 (decision pending)
Class Counsel: Milberg PLLC, Ahdoot & Wolfson PC, Israel David LLC, Strauss Borrelli PLLC, Laukaitis Law LLC
Attorney Fees: Up to 33.3% (~$1,333,333)
Service Awards: Up to $3,000 per class representative (6 representatives)
Settlement Administrator: Epiq
Settlement Website: EHCSettlement.com
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Submit Claim| Essen Medical Data Breach Settlement Summary | |
| Status | Claims Closed — deadline passed June 1, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Settlement Fund | $4,000,000 |
| Cash Payment | Up to $100 (no proof required) |
| Documented Losses | Up to $5,000 (proof required) |
| Claim Deadline | June 1, 2026 (Passed) |
| Opt-Out Deadline | May 4, 2026 |
| Final Approval | July 7, 2026 (held — decision pending) |
| Court | NY Supreme Court, Bronx County |
| Website | EHCSettlement Official Settlement Site |