teiss – News – Pierce County Library System settles lawsuit over data breach affecting 340,000

The Pierce County Library System has reached a settlement in a class action lawsuit arising from a 2025 cybersecurity breach that compromised the personal data of over 340,000 people.

In April 2025, the Pierce County Library System experienced a significant data breach that exposed the personal information of more than 340,000 individuals. The incident prompted an investigation into the unauthorised access to the library’s systems and raised concerns about the security of sensitive customer and employee data.

Following the cyberattack, a class action lawsuit was filed against PCLS in the Superior Court of the State of Washington, County of Pierce. The lawsuit alleges that the library system failed to implement reasonable data security measures and adequately protect the personal information entrusted to it. According to the complaint, these alleged security deficiencies contributed to the breach and the unauthorised exposure of sensitive personal data.

While PCLS denies any wrongdoing or liability, the parties agreed to resolve the litigation through a settlement to avoid the uncertainty, expense, and time associated with continued legal proceedings, while providing eligible class members with benefits under the proposed agreement.

Under the proposed settlement, eligible class members may receive compensation for ordinary and extraordinary losses, reimbursement for attested lost time, an alternative cash payment, and credit monitoring and identity restoration services. Claims for monetary losses, lost time, and the alternative cash payment are subject to a combined $385,000 cap and may be reduced on a pro rata basis if approved claims exceed that amount. Court-approved attorneys’ fees, service awards, notice and administration costs, and credit monitoring services are excluded from the cap.

The proposed settlement has been granted preliminary approval by the court but has not yet become final. A final approval hearing is scheduled for October 9, when the court will decide whether to approve the settlement.