LifeLabs to pay out at least $4.9 million in proposed class-action settlement over data breach

Millions of Canadians affected by the LifeLabs cyberattack nearly four years ago could be eligible for a small piece, anywhere from $50 to $150, of a proposed class-action settlement worth at least $4.9 million if approved by a court.

Millions of Canadians affected by the LifeLabs cyberattack nearly four years ago could be eligible for a small piece — anywhere from $50 to $150 — of a proposed class-action settlement worth at least $4.9 million if approved by a court.

LifeLabs, which describes itself as Canada's largest lab provider, announced further details of the class action on Thursday, linking to a separate webpage with additional information from the firm KPMG.

Any Canadian resident who was a LifeLabs customer on or before Dec. 17, 2019 – the day the company announced it had been the target of a data breach – and whose personal information, including lab results, was accessed could receive a cash payment as part of the proposed settlement.

LifeLabs says the Ontario Superior Court of Justice will hold a hearing on Oct. 25 to potentially approve the settlement.

Under the proposal, LifeLabs would "not admit ... any allegation of unlawful conduct" or liability.

If the court approves the settlement, LifeLabs will provide a guaranteed $4.9 million in compensation and potentially up to another $4.9 million depending on the number of claims, information provided by KPMG says.

In the end, members who make a valid claim can expect to receive about $50 — potentially more or less — up to a maximum of $150.