Watson Clinic Patients Can Claim from $10 Million Settlement

Current and former patients of Watson Clinic LLC have the opportunity to receive a portion of a proposed $10 million settlement following a significant data breach that occurred in early 2024. This breach, which resulted in personal data being exposed on the dark web, has raised concerns about patient privacy and cybersecurity.

Details of the Data Breach

In February 2024, Watson Clinic discovered that an unauthorized third party had accessed sensitive information belonging to its patients. This data included names, addresses, birth dates, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, financial information, and even medical details such as pre- and post-operative images and medical records. The severity of this breach has compelled the clinic to settle with affected individuals to mitigate potential legal ramifications.

Watson Clinic operates a large healthcare network, employing over 1,600 staff members and more than 350 physicians across 40 diverse medical and surgical specialties. The facility caters to over one million outpatient visits annually, making the security of patient data a top priority.

Key Dates for Patients Involved

Impacted individuals should keep several important deadlines in mind regarding the settlement process:

• Submit a claim form: By Thursday, February 5, 2026
• Opt-out of the settlement: By Tuesday, January 6, 2026
• Object to the settlement: By Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Meeting these deadlines is crucial for those wishing to claim compensation or express concerns about the proposed settlement.

Eligibility Criteria for Claimants

To be eligible to file a claim, individuals must be current or former patients of Watson Clinic in the United States whose information was accessed during the February 2024 breach. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, you can reach out to Kroll Settlement Administration at (833) 630-5410 for clarification.

Filing a Claim

A dedicated website has been established for affected patients to facilitate the claims process. To submit a claim, visit the site and click on “Submit Claim” located in the top right corner. You’ll need a Class Member ID, which should have been provided in a notification letter sent to those impacted by the breach.

If further assistance is required, Kroll Settlement Administration can also be reached at (833) 890-4930. It’s important to note that by submitting a claim, you are waiving your right to litigate against Watson Clinic regarding this incident.

Potential Compensation Amounts

Compensation amounts vary based on the specific details of each breach case. Patients could receive up to $75,000 for a single claim, depending on the nature of the accessed information. Here’s the breakdown of potential cash payments:

• Full face and exposed sensitive areas: $75,000 for individuals whose images captured both their face and sensitive areas.
• Partial face and ESA: $40,000 for those depicted with part of their face and sensitive areas.
• No face and ESA: $10,000 for images without a face but including sensitive areas.
• Full face and partial clothing of sensitive areas: $10,000 for images showing the face and covered sensitive areas.
• Partial face and partial clothing: $7,500 for partial facial images along with areas covered by undergarments.
• Non-sensitive images: $100 for general images without sensitive data.

Additionally, patients may claim reimbursements for “out-of-pocket losses” up to $500, “extraordinary losses” up to $6,500, and a residual cash payment of $50 on a claims-made basis.

Timeline for Payment

Claimants should be aware that all claims must be submitted by February 5, 2026, to be considered. A court hearing scheduled for March 9, 2026, will determine if the settlement is approved, but circumstances such as appeals could delay any payments from being processed. There is no available estimate regarding when payments may be disbursed.

Rationale for the Settlement

The settlement agreement, drafted on July 17, 2025, was prompted by the data security incident, allowing Watson Clinic to avoid the costs associated with a trial while providing benefits to the affected patients. Although Watson Clinic denies any wrongdoing or liability, this settlement aims to address the risks and consequences stemming from the breach.

Those affected and wishing to claim can find more information and necessary forms through the dedicated settlement website.