Breach, Data Security, Network Security

Target breach settlement payout held up by lone consumer

Although Target agreed to compensate consumers affected in its 2013 data breach from a pool of $10 million, a lone consumer is halting payouts due to a dispute in how the class action suit was handled.

Texas resident Leif Olson, represented by a group critical of lawyers called the Center for Class Action Fairness, is challenging the proposed settlement in an appeal, arguing the consumers did not get a good deal since the class is slated to get $10 million while attorney and administration costs will hit $13 million, Center Attorney Melissa Holyoak told MPRNews.

"If you had some sort of loss that you could identify, you could get money under the settlement. But everyone else got nothing," Holyoak said.

Center attorneys are also arguing that the payout doesn't account for the costs of damages only incurred in the future and that the agreed upon terms don't specifically benefit injured consumers.

Critics of the Center for Class Action Fairness argue that the group masquerades as a consumer advocacy group in order to undermine class action suits but Holyoak retorted her organization only wants to ensure attorneys don't siphon money that should go to consumers in class action settlements. 

Get daily email updates

SC Media's daily must-read of the most current and pressing daily news

By clicking the Subscribe button below, you agree to SC Media Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.