Published: August 14, 2025
Panera LLC has agreed to a $2.5 million settlement to resolve a class action lawsuit related to a data breach that occurred in March 2024. Individuals who received a notification letter from Panera about the incident may be eligible to receive compensation of up to $7,350.
The lawsuit alleged that an unauthorized third party accessed sensitive personal information, including names and Social Security numbers, belonging to current and former employees, along with a limited number of customers, contractors, and other individuals. Claims included negligence, invasion of privacy, breach of implied contract, unjust enrichment, and violations of the California Consumer Privacy Act.
Who Is Eligible to File a Claim
To qualify, individuals must meet both of the following conditions:
- Reside in the United States
- Have received a notice from Panera stating that their private information may have been compromised in the March 2024 incident
Settlement Benefits
Class members may be eligible for one or more of the following payments:
Ordinary Out-of-Pocket Losses
Up to $500 for documented expenses such as credit monitoring services, credit report freezes or unfreezes, notary fees, postage, copying, and mileage.
Extraordinary Losses and Time Compensation
Up to $6,500 for documented losses resulting from the breach, including identity theft, fraud, or issues related to falsified tax returns.
Includes up to $250 for up to 10 hours of time spent addressing issues related to the incident, compensated at $25 per hour.
California Statutory Payment
Up to $100 for class members who lived in California at the time of the breach.
Residual Cash Payment
Up to $250 for all class members with an approved claim. The actual amount will depend on the number of claims and remaining funds after other payments are made.
If total approved claims exceed the $2.5 million fund, individual payments will be reduced proportionally.
How to Submit a Claim
Class members may file an online claim form or download and complete the PDF version, which must be mailed to the settlement administrator.
Mailing Address:
In re Panera Data Security Litigation
c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC
P.O. Box 5324
New York, NY 10150-5324
Documentation Required
Claimants must provide their class member ID, which can be found on the notice received by mail or email.
To claim compensation for out-of-pocket or extraordinary losses, claimants must submit documentation such as:
- Receipts
- Account statements
- Correspondence with financial institutions
- Official records
Handwritten receipts and self-prepared documents alone are not sufficient but may be submitted as supporting materials.
Payment Options
- Electronic transfer (available only for online claims)
- Paper check
Settlement Fund Allocation
The $2.5 million settlement fund will be used as follows:
- Administrative costs: To be determined
- Attorneys’ fees: Up to $833,333.33
- Attorneys’ expenses: Up to $50,000
- Service awards to class representatives: Up to $2,000 each
- Payments to approved class members: Remainder of the fund
If any money remains after all payments are made, the remaining amount will be donated to a court-approved nonprofit organization.
Key Dates
- Deadline to opt out: October 13, 2025
- Deadline to submit a claim: November 11, 2025
- Final approval hearing: January 29, 2026
Payment Timeline
Payments will be distributed approximately 90 days after the court grants final approval of the settlement and all appeals are resolved.
Background of the Case
The lawsuit alleged that Panera failed to adequately protect private data, resulting in unauthorized access to personal information during a data breach in March 2024. The claims involved negligence, failure to implement appropriate data safeguards, and violations of privacy laws.
Panera denied all allegations and liability but agreed to settle the case to avoid further litigation costs and uncertainties.
Sources
- Class notice
- Settlement agreement
- Claim form
- Frequently asked questions
Estimated Payment: Up to $7,350
Claim Deadline: November 11, 2025
