1 day Ago By Juliana Cruz Lima
AMERICANS who got slammed with annoying robocalls from a healthcare giant could soon cash in – without lifting more than a finger.UnitedHealthcare has agreed to cough up $3.49million to settle a class action lawsuit.
GettyAmericans have just weeks left to get checks from a $3.4m settlement[/caption]GettyAnyone who received robocalls between October 12, 2019, and February 10, 2025 can file a claim[/caption]The company was accused of breaking federal rules by dialling up customers using an artificial voice.The lawsuit claimed that UnitedHealthcare violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) by making pre-recorded calls about its Optum HouseCalls program to people who weren’t even members or planholders.
The pre-recorded calls allegedly directed recipients to a number unrelated to any UnitedHealthcare account.Plaintiffs say they were contacted between October 12, 2019, and February 10, 2025, with calls arranging for healthcare workers to swing by homes for annual wellness visits – despite never signing up.While UnitedHealthcare has not admitted to any wrongdoing, it has agreed to settle the lawsuit and split up the cash among eligible Americans.
Anyone who received the calls during the timeframe mentioned can file a claim and get between $50 and $125.And no proof is required to file – all you need is to just fill out a claim form by April 25, 2025.But don’t even think about tricking the system, as claims are made under penalty of perjury.
Individuals who file false claims are subject to severe consequences.By submitting a fraudulent claim, those individuals are also disadvantaging other eligible Class Members.The deadline to exclude yourself or to object to the deal is also April 25.
A final approval hearing is set for July 10, 2025.PREVIOUS SETTLEMENTSThis isn’t the only big payout up for grabs.Americans affected by a major data breach at a famous auction house have just weeks left to claim payments of up to $10,000 – and all it takes is a single receipt.
The clock is ticking for victims of a 2024 cyberattack on Christie’s, which is giving $990,000 to settle a class action lawsuit after hackers got hold of sensitive customer information.The breach in May 2024 saw criminals swipe names, birthplaces, driver’s license numbers and even passport numbers.Some victims were completely unaware until they received a notice months later.
Last month, the District of Columbia Health Benefit Exchange Authority agreed to a $1.45 million settlement after hackers stole sensitive information from 170,000 people in a 2023 breach.Those impacted can claim up to $10,000 for fraud and identity theft expenses — or opt for an alternative cash payout.
Eligible claimants will also get one year of free credit monitoring and $1 million in identity theft insurance.Another major case involves Mulkay Cardiology Consultants, which settled a lawsuit after hackers stole Social Security numbers and insurance data from patients in September 2023.Victims could be eligible for up to $5,000 in compensation.
And senior citizens affected by a breach at Vi, a luxury senior living chain, could claim up to $6,500 — with just a bank statement as proof.What's a class-action settlement?Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or 'classes,' a way to band together in court.These suits are often brought by one or a few people who allege a company or other entity has wronged a large group of people.
When a suit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar complaints to those who filed the suit.Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue further legal action by accepting money.These payout agreements frequently include statements by the defendant denying wrongdoing.
Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.Pollution, discrimination, or false advertising are a few examples of what can land a class action on a company’s doorstep..
