What is Documented Losses?

Class action glossary term

Short Definition

Out-of-pocket expenses or financial harm you can prove with documents (receipts, bank records, invoices, fraud reports, etc.).

What It Means

Many data breach settlements offer reimbursement for documented losses up to a cap. To qualify, you typically must submit supporting documentation and sometimes show the loss is reasonably related to the incident. The exact list of acceptable documents is in the settlement notice and claim form instructions.

Example

Example: Fees for credit freezes, identity theft recovery costs, or time spent—if the settlement allows it.

Why It Matters

Documented-loss payments are often higher than flat cash payments but require proof.

Related Terms

Claim form

Proof of purchase

Reimbursement

Primary Source

Federal Judicial Center – Judges’ Class Action Notice and Claims Process Checklist

Transparency

This class action term is explained for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Definitions and applications may vary by jurisdiction and case context.

To see how this term is applied in real cases, explore current and past class action settlements.