A Florida-based litigation funding firm, US Claims Capital, is facing a potential class-action lawsuit following a data breach in January that compromised the personal information of plaintiffs involved in various personal injury suits. The firm, which operates as US Claims and is headquartered in Boca Raton, allegedly failed to secure sensitive data and implement robust cybersecurity measures, leading to a cyberattack.
The complaint, filed on April 17 in the U.S. District Court in Miami, claims that the exposure of private information to cybercriminals is irreversible and has left affected individuals vulnerable. The lead plaintiff, Timothy Vactor, a Kansas resident, had previously taken great care to protect his personal data. The lawsuit seeks to represent multiple individuals who have done business with US Claims and requests compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorney fees and cost reimbursement.
US Claims, which provides funding for lawsuits related to animal bites, personal injuries, and other cases, notified affected parties through a letter dated April 11, explaining that a cyberattack on January 7 may have resulted in unauthorized access to certain information. The firm offered identity theft protection, cyber monitoring, and an insurance policy to cover potential financial losses. However, Vactor and other class members have reportedly spent time and money monitoring their credit reports and dealing with increased spam emails, texts, and phone calls.
The lawsuit describes US Claims as a national litigation funding company that provides financial assistance to plaintiffs in various types of cases before or after they settle. While the specific injury suit involving Vactor was not detailed in the complaint, the firm’s website indicates that it offers funding for cases involving animal bites, animal injuries, and other injuries, claiming to provide better deals than competing litigation funding firms by charging lower rates.
US Claims has not yet responded to the complaint. The case highlights concerns about the security practices of third-party litigation financing companies, which have become increasingly prominent in the legal landscape.
