Maria Dinzeo reports the latest development in what is probably one of the most well-known ID theft cases:
A cancer survivor who won more than $1 million from Equifax for improperly handling his identity theft report can keep the full award, a federal judge ruled.
U.S. District Judge Susan Illston rejected the credit reporting agency’s motions for a new trial or to set aside so-called “excessive” damages.
Eric Drew, who was twice referred to hospice care by hospitals that said they could not treat his cancer, had his identity stolen in 2003 by a phlebotomist working at the cancer center where he had undergone treatment.
Read more on Courthouse News, where you can also read the court’s order denying Equifax’s motion.
Note that Drew’s case is also somewhat famous for being the first criminal prosecution and conviction under HIPAA, although that was not at issue in this civil suit under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.