What is CyEx Privacy Shield Pro, and can I receive it along with cash?
- CyEx Privacy Shield Pro is a one-year service that checks the dark web for your personal information, alerts you if it finds information, and offers help from a case manager if fraud occurs.
- You do not need to file a claim form for this service. Class members who do not opt out will receive an activation code, but activation or enrollment may be needed before the service can be used.
- You can also seek the cash payment by filing a timely, valid claim form. The two benefits can be received together if you meet the requirements for each.
Why is there no set cash-payment amount?
- The $200,000 is the total settlement fund, not the amount each person will receive.
- Cash claimants will divide the amount left after the Court-approved attorneys’ fees and costs, notice and administration expenses, the privacy-service cost, and any approved award to the named plaintiff are paid.
- Because the number of valid claims and these deductions are not yet known, the notice does not give a dollar amount for an individual cash payment.
What payments from the fund are requested for the lawyers and named plaintiff?
- The class lawyers plan to ask the Court to approve $61,335.92 in attorneys’ fees and $15,992.25 in out-of-pocket expenses.
- They also plan to ask for a $1,500 service award for the named plaintiff’s time and effort.
- These amounts come from the settlement fund only if the Court approves them. Class members do not pay the lawyers directly and may object to the requested fees and expenses.
What happens to money left after claims are processed?
- Money left after the claims process is finished will not be divided again among class members.
- Instead, it will be donated to The Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health.
What must I send if I want to opt out?
- To leave the settlement, mail a signed exclusion letter to the Settlement Administrator. It must be postmarked by December 7, 2026.
- The letter must give the case name and number, your full name, address, telephone number, and a clear statement that you want to be excluded.
- If you opt out, you receive neither the privacy service nor a cash payment. You are not bound by the settlement’s release and may be able to bring your own lawsuit about the issues.
Can I object and still ask for a cash payment?
- You may object if you stay in the settlement. You may do so in person at the Final Fairness Hearing or by mailing an objection letter to the Settlement Administrator.
- A mailed objection must be postmarked by December 7, 2026. It must explain your reasons, say whether it concerns you alone, part of the class, or the whole class, and include the other listed information and documents.
- You may still submit a timely, valid claim form for a cash payment while objecting. You cannot object if you opt out.
What will happen at the Final Fairness Hearing, and do I have to attend?
- The Court will decide whether to approve the proposed settlement at the Final Fairness Hearing at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, December 14, 2026, in Department 001 of the Spring Street Courthouse.
- You do not have to attend. Benefits will be provided only if the Court grants final approval and the settlement becomes effective.
- The notice says the hearing date may change without further notice to class members.
What rights do I give up if I do nothing?
- If you do nothing, you remain eligible for one year of CyEx Privacy Shield Pro, although activation or enrollment may be needed to use it.
- You will not receive cash because no claim form was submitted.
- Unless you opt out, you are bound by the settlement’s release. This means you cannot start, continue, or participate in another lawsuit against USC Arcadia Hospital based on the released claims. The notice says the release does not include medical-malpractice or other bodily-injury claims.
Other Important Dates
- Exclusion deadline: 2026-12-07
- Objection deadline: 2026-12-07
- Final approval hearing: 10:30 A.M. on Monday, December 14, 2026
- Hearing location: Department 001 of the Spring Street Courthouse, Los Angeles County Superior Court
Case Details
- Total settlement fund: $200,000
- Case name: Merle v. USC Arcadia Hospital
- Case number: 23STCV01900
- Court: Superior Court of California for the County of Los Angeles
- Administrator: Simpluris, Inc.
- Official Settlement Website: https://www.USCArcadiaHospitalSettlement.com
Sources
Official Settlement Website
Claim form, FAQ, deadlines, administrator information
Visit Site →Claim form, FAQ, deadlines, administrator information
Official Settlement Notice (PDF)
Court-approved notice describing eligibility and benefits
Open PDF →Court-approved notice describing eligibility and benefits