Up to $5,000 in documented losses
Requires reasonable records for actual, unreimbursed fraud or identity-theft losses that were more likely than not caused by the incident.
Wayne Memorial Hospital Data Settlement: Who Qualifies?
Updated September 26, 2026
- Defendant
- Wayne Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Inc. d/b/a Wayne Memorial Hospital
- Status
- Open to claims
- Potential payout
- Up to $5,000 documented losses or an estimated $25 alternate cash payment, plus two years of credit monitoring
- Claim deadline
- December 7, 2026
- Proof required
- Yes (for some claims)
Overview
- Incident window
- Potential unauthorized access from May 30 to June 3, 2024
- Cash choices
- Up to $5,000 documented losses OR estimated $25 alternate cash
- Additional benefit
- Two years of monitoring plus $1 million identity-theft insurance
- Claim deadline
- December 7, 2026
Wayne Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Inc., which operates a community hospital in Jesup, Georgia, agreed to a proposed settlement over a data incident discovered June 3, 2024. The hospital determined that an unauthorized person may have accessed files between May 30 and June 3, 2024 and mailed notices to potentially affected people around August 27, 2025. The plaintiffs allege the hospital did not adequately protect private information. The hospital denies all allegations and does not admit wrongdoing. Settlement class members may file for up to $5,000 in documented, unreimbursed losses that were more likely than not caused by the incident, or choose an estimated $25 alternate cash payment without documentation. Those cash choices are alternatives. Either can be combined with two years of single-bureau credit monitoring and $1 million in identity-theft insurance. Alternate cash is subject to a $300,000 cap and possible pro rata reduction. Cash claims are due December 7, 2026. Exclusions and objections are due November 7, 2026. The Superior Court of Wayne County, Georgia, scheduled a final approval hearing for January 27, 2027. The settlement is not final, and no payment or eligibility determination is guaranteed.
Who qualifies
- Incident connection: Your private information was accessible because of the data incident Wayne Memorial Hospital discovered around June 3, 2024.
- Notice evidence: The hospital sent notices around August 27, 2025 to people it identified as potentially affected. A notice and its unique ID support filing.
- Exclusions: Hospital directors and officers, governmental entities, the judge and close court personnel, and valid opt-outs are excluded.
- Documentation: The alternate cash choice needs no loss documents. A claim for up to $5,000 needs reasonable documentation tying an unreimbursed loss to the incident.
What you could receive
Estimated $25 alternate cash
No loss documentation is required, but the payment can be reduced pro rata if valid alternate-cash claims exceed the $300,000 cap.
Two years of credit monitoring
May be combined with either cash choice and includes $1 million in identity- theft insurance. Activation begins only after the effective date.
Claimants must choose between Cash Payment A and Cash Payment B. Cash Payment A reimburses up to $5,000 of documented, actual, unreimbursed losses that were more likely than not caused by the incident and incurred on or after it. Cash Payment B is an estimated $25 payment without loss documentation. Alternate-cash awards are subject to a $300,000 aggregate cap and can be reduced pro rata. In addition to either cash choice, all class members may enroll in two years of single-bureau credit monitoring with $1 million in identity-theft insurance. The enrollment code becomes usable after the settlement's effective date.
How to file your claim
- Locate the CPT ID and passcode in the court-authorized notice. Contact the administrator if either is missing.
- Use the official online form or request a paper form. Choose either documented losses or alternate cash; do not select both cash options.
- Attach reasonable third-party records for a documented-loss claim. Personal statements can explain records but do not replace required documentation.
- Submit online or postmark the mailed claim by December 7, 2026. Keep confirmation and update the administrator if your contact information changes.
Official settlement site: Bates v. Wayne Memorial Hospital Settlement. Class Action Pulse is not the settlement administrator or a law firm — always verify eligibility, deadlines, and payout details through the official source above.
Free eligibility check
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Sources
Frequently asked questions
Who may be included?
People whose private information was accessible because of the hospital's incident discovered around June 3, 2024, minus the stated exclusions.
Can I claim both cash options?
No. The documented-loss payment and alternate cash payment are alternatives. Credit monitoring may be combined with either one.
Is the alternate payment guaranteed to be $25?
No. The notice calls $25 an estimate and applies a $300,000 aggregate cap. Valid claims can cause a proportional reduction.
Do I need to file for credit monitoring?
The notice says class members receive an enrollment code and may enroll after the effective date. A cash claim is not required to retain that benefit if you remain in the class.
Did the hospital admit negligence?
No. The hospital denies all allegations. The court has not found that it violated the law or caused a particular loss.
Is Class Action Pulse administering this settlement?
No. Class Action Pulse is not a law firm or settlement administrator and cannot guarantee eligibility or payment. CPT Group handles administration.