Following Equifax’s announcement of the massive data security breach in September 2017, hundreds of cases were filed across the country.

On December 6, 2017, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ordered that all cases be transferred to the Northern District of Georgia and assigned to the Honorable Thomas W. Thrash. This decision comes as no surprise, as credit bureau Equifax is based out of Atlanta.

The panel said that consolidating the cases in Georgia would not only be convenient to the parties and witnesses but also “promote the just and efficient conduct” of the litigation. “Equifax is headquartered in that district, and relevant documents and witnesses thus likely will be found there,” the order said. “Selection of the district is supported by defendants and the vast majority of responding plaintiffs. Far more actions are pending in this district than in any other court in the nation.” The panel also called Thrash “an experienced transferee judge who we are confident will steer this litigation on a prudent course.”

So far this year, the Court has selected leadership for Plaintiffs’ lead counsel, Plaintiffs’ steering committee, and Plaintiffs’ liaison counsel. The Plaintiffs are currently working on filing a master consolidated complaint in the consumer actions.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY INFORMATION HAS BEEN COMPROMISED?

Hackers use stolen personal information in a variety of ways. These may be indicators that your information has been compromised:

  • Unauthorized charges to a credit card or bank account
  • Mail for an unknown credit card or store charge account
  • Collection notices or calls for a debt that you don’t owe
  • Errors on your credit report, including inquires from businesses you don’t recognize
  • Being denied for credit, even though you have good credit
  • Your electronically filed tax return is rejected
  • You are required to prove your identity to the IRS in person to complete the submission of your income tax return

What should I do if I’ve been affected by the Equifax Data Breach?

The Hannon Law Firm, LLC has significant expertise in prosecuting class actions for recovering damages for harm caused to large numbers of persons. We have successfully certified, and taken to trial or settled class actions in across the country.

If you believe you’ve been affected by the Equifax data breach, we are here to help. You can call our office at 303-861-8800 or fill out the form below.