Americans affected by the March 2024 data breach at Panera Bread are running out of time to file a claim for compensation. The company has agreed to pay out a total of $2.5 million to settle a class action lawsuit that alleges Panera did not do enough to protect sensitive personal data.
The settlement allows those impacted by the breach to claim up to $6,500 in compensation, but the deadline to submit claims is fast approaching. If you’ve been notified by Panera Bread that your data may have been exposed, here’s everything you need to know about the settlement and how to claim.
What Happened in the Panera Bread Data Breach?
The incident at Panera Bread occurred on March 23, 2024, when sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers, was exposed. The data leak led to a class action lawsuit filed against the company. Plaintiffs argued that Panera Bread failed to implement sufficient security measures to prevent the breach.
Although Panera has not admitted any wrongdoing, they agreed to settle the lawsuit and establish a $2.5 million fund to compensate those affected.
The settlement is only available to individuals who have received a direct notification from Panera Bread, informing them that their personal data was compromised. If you were notified, you may be eligible for financial compensation based on the losses you’ve incurred due to the breach.
How Much Can You Claim?
The amount of compensation available to each claimant depends on the type of losses they experienced. For those who suffered ordinary losses, such as expenses for credit monitoring or credit report fees, compensation can be up to $500.
However, if you’ve experienced extraordinary losses, such as identity theft or fraudulent tax returns, you could be eligible to claim up to $6,500. This includes reimbursement for time spent investigating fraudulent activity.
Claimants who spent time addressing the consequences of identity theft can also claim up to $2,500 for the hours spent investigating and resolving issues, at a rate of $25 per hour. While this reimbursement is included in the $6,500 cap, it provides additional compensation for those who incurred substantial time and effort in handling the breach’s aftermath.
As reported by The US Sun, this additional compensation ensures that those impacted by the breach are reimbursed for both financial and personal costs.
Extra Payment for California Residents
In addition to the standard settlement payout, class members in California can claim an extra $100 statutory payment. This payment is required by law and applies to situations such as sick leave or paternity/maternity leave, though it is not an additional sum on top of the $6,500 limit. The total payout for California residents remains capped at $6,500, but the additional $100 payment provides some extra financial relief.
If there are any remaining funds in the settlement pot, those funds will be distributed on a pro-rata basis. This means the amount of money available will be divided among claimants, with each individual potentially receiving up to $250, depending on the number of successful claims filed.
The Deadline to Submit a Claim
The deadline to submit a claim is November 11, 2025. If you miss this deadline, you will not be eligible for any compensation from the settlement, so it is crucial to act before time runs out. To file your claim, you’ll need to provide proof of the financial losses you’ve suffered due to the breach, such as bank or credit card statements showing credit monitoring fees or other relevant expenses.
It’s also important to note that submitting a fraudulent claim could harm those who are genuinely eligible for compensation. If you knowingly provide false information, you could hurt the settlement process and the affected individuals who are entitled to compensation.
Final Hearing and Important Dates
The final hearing for the settlement is scheduled for January 29, 2026. This hearing will review the settlement and determine if it will be approved. However, the claim submission deadline is still set for November 11, 2025, meaning all claims must be submitted well before the final hearing.
If you have been affected by the Panera Bread data breach, don’t miss your chance to claim your share of the $2.5 million settlement. Gather your documentation now and submit your claim before the deadline. This is your opportunity to recover some of the financial losses caused by the breach and the subsequent issues with identity theft or fraudulent activity.
