Lee Enterprises Data Breach Class Action Settlement
People whose private information was compromised in the February 2025 Lee Enterprises data security incident.
Who’s Eligible
You may be eligible for the Lee Enterprises settlement if you:
- Were identified as a person impacted by the February 2025 Lee Enterprises data security incident
- Were sent a notice of the data security incident by Lee Enterprises
Eligible States
Quick Eligibility Check
Claim Deadline
What You Need to Do to Get Paid
To get paid from the Lee Enterprises settlement:
Claim Online
- Visit the official settlement claim site and log in using the Unique ID and PIN from your notice.
- If you can’t locate your ID and PIN, contact the settlement administrator by email to request them.
- Select your benefit option: the no-documentation Alternative Cash Payment (estimated $35), Ordinary Loss reimbursement (up to $1,000), Lost Time compensation (up to $80), or Extraordinary Loss reimbursement (up to $3,000).
- Attach supporting documentation if you’re claiming ordinary or extraordinary losses.
- Submit your claim by May 26, 2026.
Claim by Mail
- Download the claim form from the settlement website.
- Complete and sign the form, and include any required supporting documentation.
- Mail your completed claim form to the Settlement Administrator (Simpluris) so it is postmarked no later than May 26, 2026.
Option A (Ordinary Losses up to $1,000): Requires documented proof like receipts; notes alone insufficient. Lost time (up to 4 hours at $20/hr) requires signed attestation. Option B (Extraordinary Losses up to $3,000): Requires proof of identity theft/fraud and documentation showing loss amount. Alternative Cash Payment ($35): No proof required.
Settlement Payout
Lee Enterprises settlement payments are between $35 and $3,000, depending on which option you choose. Class members who prefer a simple, no-documentation payment can claim the Alternative Cash Payment, estimated at $35. Those with documented out-of-pocket expenses related to the breach can claim up to $1,000 under Option A, plus up to $80 for lost time (up to 4 hours at $20/hour). Class members who suffered identity theft or fraud tied to the incident can seek up to $3,000 under Option B with supporting documentation. Payments will be distributed after the court grants final approval at the June 30, 2026 hearing and after any appeals are resolved. Payment options include PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, a virtual prepaid card, or a physical check.
Settlement Documents
Background of the Lawsuit
In February 2025, Lee Enterprises experienced a cybersecurity incident in which certain files containing private information may have been accessed. Those files potentially included names, Social Security numbers, and medical information belonging to affected individuals.
Plaintiffs Sarah Fetes, Anthony Bangert, Declan Lawson, Nicole Church, Douglas Arp, and Briar Napier filed a class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, alleging that Lee Enterprises failed to adequately protect their personal data. The case is captioned Fetes, et al. v. Lee Enterprises, Inc., Case No. 3:25-cv-00067-SMR-SBJ.
Lee Enterprises denies any wrongdoing. The court has not decided who is right. Both sides agreed to settle to avoid the costs and uncertainty of continued litigation. For more information, visit the official settlement website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Lee Enterprises data breach settlement?
How much can I get from the Lee Enterprises settlement?
What is the deadline to file a claim in the Lee Enterprises settlement?
Do I need receipts or documentation to file a claim in the Lee Enterprises settlement?
What personal information was exposed in the Lee Enterprises data breach?
How do I file a claim in the Lee Enterprises data breach settlement?
When will Lee Enterprises settlement payments be sent out?
What happens if I do nothing in the Lee Enterprises settlement?
Settlement Administrator
Lee Enterprises Data Security Incident Settlement
c/o Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 25226
Santa Ana, CA 92799
Case Details
Listing Information
No news articles related to this settlement yet
Discussion
Disclaimer
The information on this website is free to access and provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. We summarise settlement information from official notices, court documents, settlement websites, administrators, and other primary sources where available.
Settlement details and deadlines may change. Always refer to the official settlement website or consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Every listing is reviewed by our research team. Found an error? Let us know. Learn more about how we verify our information.
