If you received a notice from Panera Bread about a data security incident in March 2026, you may be eligible to receive up to $7,350 through the Panera Bread data breach class action settlement.
Panera LLC agreed to pay $2.5 million to settle a class action lawsuit that claimed the company failed to protect sensitive information. The lawsuit alleged negligence, invasion of privacy, breach of implied contract, unjust enrichment, and violations of California’s Consumer Privacy Act.
The data breach affected a small number of Panera employees, contractors, customers, and other individuals, exposing personal information such as:
- Names
- Social Security numbers
Who is Eligible for Panera Settlement?
You can file a claim if you:
Calculate Your 2026 COLA Increase →- Live in the United States
- Received a notice from Panera stating that your personal information may have been compromised in the March 2026 incident
How Much Can You Claim?
Class members can claim one or more of the following:
- Ordinary Out-of-Pocket Losses: Up to $500 for documented expenses like credit monitoring, credit report fees, notary fees, postage, copying, or mileage.
- Extraordinary Losses and Time Spent: Up to $6,500 for documented losses caused by identity theft, fraud, or falsified tax returns. You can also claim up to $250 for up to 10 hours spent addressing issues related to the breach ($25 per hour).
- California Statutory Payment: Up to $100 for class members who lived in California at the time of the incident.
- Residual Cash Payment: Up to $250 for all approved claims. Amount depends on the number of claims and remaining funds after other payments. Payments may be reduced proportionally if total claims exceed the settlement fund.
How to File a Panera Settlement Claim
To claim your settlement, submit a claim online or by mail using the PDF form.
Mailing address:
In re Panera Data Security Litigation
c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC
P.O. Box 5324
New York, NY 10150-5324
Important: All claimants must provide their Class Member ID, found in the notice letter or email from Panera.
Documentation required:
- Receipts, bank statements, credit card statements, or official records for losses
- Correspondence with financial institutions
- Handwritten or self-prepared documents may be used as clarification but are not sufficient on their own
Panera Settlement Payout Options
- Electronic transfer (for online claims)
- Paper check
Settlement Fund Breakdown
The $2.5 million fund covers:
- Settlement administration costs
- 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 eligible claimants: Remaining fund balance
- Any leftover funds will be donated to a court-approved nonprofit
Important Dates
- Deadline to Opt-Out: October 13, 2026
- Deadline to File a Claim: November 11, 2026
- Final Approval Hearing: January 29, 2026
- Payouts: Approximately 90 days after final court approval and resolution of any appeals
The class action lawsuit claimed Panera failed to protect private information during the March 2026 data breach. While Panera denies wrongdoing, it agreed to settle to avoid litigation costs and potential appeals.
