Lee Enterprises Data Security Incident Settlement
Last verified July 13, 2026Source: claimdepotHow ClaimWatch verifies cases
This settlement is closed to new claims — the deadline was May 26, 2026. You can still see what it was about and follow the case in court below. Looking for money you can still claim? Browse open settlements →
What happened
Lee Enterprises experienced a data security incident in February 2025 where certain files containing private information may have been accessed. These files may have contained personal information such as names, Social Security numbers, and medical information.
Do you qualify?
Anyone whose private information was compromised in the February 2025 Lee Enterprises data security incident and had files containing personal information such as names, Social Security numbers, and medical information that may have been accessed.
What you can claim
Read from the official settlement notice. Confirm the terms that apply to you on the administrator's site before filing.
Compensation for Ordinary Losses
$1,000 eachReimbursement for actual, documented out-of-pocket expenses due to the Data Security Incident, including fees for credit reports, bank fees, phone charges, postage, gasoline, and up to 4 hours of lost time at $20/hour. Expenses must have occurred between June 1, 2025, and May 26, 2026, and proof is required.
Compensation for Lost Time
$80 eachClass members who spent time responding to the Data Security Incident may claim up to four hours at $20.00 per hour for a maximum of $80.00, with a signed attestation required.
Compensation for Extraordinary Losses
$3,000 eachReimbursement for losses from identity theft or fraud up to $3,000.00, if the theft or fraud was probably caused by the Data Security Incident, not covered by Ordinary Losses, and the claimant attempted to prevent or recover the loss. Losses must have occurred between June 1, 2025, and May 26, 2026, and proof is required.
Alternative Cash Payment
$35 eachA one-time pro rata cash payment that is expected to be $35.00, available in lieu of Compensation for Ordinary Losses or Extraordinary Losses. No proof or explanation is required to claim this payment.
Who is in the class
All persons identified as being among those individuals impacted by the Data Security Incident, including all who were sent a notice of the Data Security Incident.
Quoted from the settlement notice.
How to file
Submit a valid Claim Form by the deadline of May 26, 2026. You can submit online at the settlement website, download and mail the Claim Form to the Settlement Administrator, or call/email the Settlement Administrator to request a paper copy.
Common questions
- What is the claim deadline for the Lee Enterprises Data Security Incident Settlement?
- This settlement is closed to new claims — the deadline was May 26, 2026. Once a claim deadline passes you generally forfeit your share, even if you qualified.
- Do I need proof of purchase for the Lee Enterprises Data Security Incident Settlement?
- No. You can file without a receipt or proof of purchase. You attest that you qualify and submit basic details, though claims are still subject to review and submitting a false claim is a crime.
- Is the Lee Enterprises Data Security Incident Settlement notice real, or a scam?
- Simpluris is the settlement administrator for this case. Claims are filed at leeenterprisessettlement.com. Filing a class action claim is always free — no legitimate settlement charges you to claim, and no administrator will ask for payment, a gift card, or your full Social Security number by email or text. If a notice asks for any of those, it is not from the administrator. When in doubt, ignore the link you were sent and go to the official settlement website directly.
- When will payments from the Lee Enterprises Data Security Incident Settlement be sent?
- Class action payouts typically take 12 to 24 months after the claim deadline, and longer if the settlement is appealed. The final approval hearing for this case is set for June 30, 2026; no payments can be issued before a settlement receives final approval.
Who's involved
Plaintiffs
- Brian Napier
- Douglas Arp
- Nicole Church
- Declan Lawson
- Anthony Bangert
- Sarah Fetes
Defendants
- Lee Enterprises Incorporated
Counsel for plaintiffs
- John HeenanHEENAN & COOK, PLLC
- Brittany N. ReschSTRAUSS BORRELLI PLLC
- Lori Ann BullockBULLOCK LAW PLLC
- Leigh Skye MontgomeryEKSM, LLP
- Joshua Lloyd ChristensenRSH LEGAL
- Gary M. KlingerMILBERG PLLC
- Jeff OstrowKOPELOWITZ OSTROW P.A.
- Brian O. MartySHINDLER, ANDERSON, GOPLERUD & WEESE P.C.
- Leanna Alexis LoginovSHAMIS & GENTILE, P.A.
- J. Barton GoplerudSHINDLER, ANDERSON, GOPLERUD & WEESE P.C.
Parties and counsel from the public court docket. Listing an attorney here isn't an endorsement, and ClaimWatch isn't affiliated with any of them.
In the news
- The Tulsa World and Lee Enterprises deadly police chase investigationTulsa World · November 12, 2024
- Problems With Abuse, Neglect and Cover-Ups at Choate Extend to Other Developmental Centers in IllinoisProPublica · July 11, 2023
- Illinois to Relocate at Least Half of Residents in Facility Plagued by Abuse and Cover-UpsProPublica · March 8, 2023
- “I Don’t Know Where I’m Going to Go”: HUD Displaces Even More Residents in This Small CityProPublica · November 23, 2022
Headlines via NewsAPI. ClaimWatch isn't affiliated with these publications.
New to class actions?
This summary was generated from public settlement documents and may contain errors. Confirm eligibility, deadlines, and payment terms on the official settlement website before filing. ClaimWatch is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Filing a claim is free.
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