A major class action settlement valued at $13.5 million has been reached with LexisNexis Risk Solutions FL after claims that the company incorrectly reported some consumers as deceased. The issue raised serious concerns about credit reporting accuracy, credit report errors, and the broader duties imposed under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. When a consumer reporting agency labels someone as deceased by mistake, it can disrupt a credit file, impact credit score evaluations, and prevent the person from completing routine tasks like a credit application or identity verification.
LexisNexis Risk Solutions FL is one of the many credit reporting companies relied upon for credit reporting, employment screening, insurance decisions, tenant reviews, and fraud-prevention checks. Although the company did not admit wrongdoing, the false deceased indicator triggered significant consumer rights issues. The $13.5 million settlement offers compensation to two groups: Contact Members and Product Members.
Understanding the Allegations Against LexisNexis
The lawsuit claimed LexisNexis Risk Solutions FL violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act by incorrectly labeling certain consumers as deceased. The plaintiff stated her credit report reflected a false deceased status. As a result, she faced denials for a credit application and other financial opportunities.
False deceased reporting is considered one of the most severe credit report inaccuracies. These errors can also lead to:
- failed credit monitoring alerts
- credit fraud flags
- debt collection and credit reporting issues
- complications involving credit disputes
- misinformation repeated across credit bureaus and credit reporting agencies
Some consumers reported problems when their credit bureau records were pulled by lenders or employers. Others indicated that their credit file contained credit data transferred from furnishers or national credit reporting agencies that mistakenly included mortality indicators.
Although LexisNexis did not admit liability, the settlement helps address the impact of these violations by credit bureau systems and strengthens awareness surrounding fair credit reporting litigation.
Who Qualifies for the Settlement?
Two categories of claimants are included in the settlement: Contact Members and Product Members.
1. Contact Members
These individuals contacted LexisNexis after discovering a deceased label on their credit file, consumer report, or related credit reporting products. Their inquiry must have taken place on or after August 11, 2017. LexisNexis must also have a record showing that the inquiry specifically involved concerns about being listed as deceased.
Contact Members will receive payment automatically unless they opt out. They do not need to submit a claim.
2. Product Members
Product Members were incorrectly flagged as deceased during an identity verification or fraud-prevention process. This may have happened if credit reporting agencies transmitted inaccurate public records, credit data, or credit file information to LexisNexis.
These individuals must submit a valid claim form to receive settlement compensation.
Available Compensation
The $13.5 million settlement fund will provide payments to eligible class members. Each member is expected to receive at least $150, although payments may increase depending on the number of valid claims.
The settlement reflects the seriousness of fair credit reporting case concerns, especially those involving false mortality indicators. It also illustrates how Credit Reporting and Debt Collection Litigation continues to evolve as consumers push for fair and accurate reporting.
Why Incorrect “Deceased” Reporting Is So Serious
A false deceased remark can disrupt every part of a consumer’s financial life. Because credit reporting agencies and credit reporting companies share information across networks, one error can spread into multiple systems, which increases the difficulty of correcting it.
Consequences may include:
1. Credit denials
Lenders often reject applications if credit reporting systems list the applicant as deceased.
2. Identity verification failures
Errors may cause automatic fraud alerts and credit fraud flags.
3. Loss of financial access
Banks, insurers, and employers may rely on credit file information that becomes unusable due to inaccurate mortality indicators.
4. Public records disruptions
In some cases, an incorrect deceased label may trigger updates in public records, affecting tenant screening or employment checks.
5. Administrative burden
Consumers may need private consultation, repeated communications, and documented evidence to correct the errors.
Issues like this highlight the importance of protecting consumer rights and maintaining accurate credit report data.
Key Settlement Deadlines
Exclusion Deadline: March 4, 2026
Objection Deadline: March 4, 2026
Final Approval Hearing: March 16, 2026
Claim Deadline (Product Members Only): May 15, 2026
These deadlines are essential for both Contact Members and Product Members. Late filings may result in losing the opportunity to participate in the settlement.
How Consumers Can Prepare
1. Review your credit report and credit file
Check for credit report inaccuracies, outdated public records, or incorrect notations. Monitoring your credit data regularly helps detect errors early.
2. Confirm class inclusion
If you previously contacted the company or were affected during a fraud-prevention check, you may qualify for compensation.
3. Gather evidence of past issues
Emails, denial letters, and screenshots can help if you need to file a claim.
4. Monitor your credit score
A false deceased indicator may cause unexpected shifts in credit score outcomes. Regular credit monitoring helps track these changes.
5. Understand your options under the Fair Credit Reporting Act
The Fair Credit Reporting Act protects consumers from errors involving credit furnisher data, violations by credit bureau operators, and inaccurate reporting.
The Broader Impact of the Settlement
The settlement raises important questions about credit reporting practices, credit reporting companies, and how consumer data is managed. Similar issues have appeared in other fair credit reporting litigation cases and at industry events such as the FCRA Conference on Consumer Credit.
Errors in credit reporting systems highlight the need for better oversight, especially as more industries rely on automated tools for decisions involving:
- employment
- insurance
- housing
- lending
Accurate credit data is essential to prevent harm and avoid the type of violations that lead to a verdict for class members, jury verdicts, or large dollar verdict settlements.
About Ted Law Firm
At Ted Law Firm,We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg. continues to support individuals who have been affected by credit reporting issues, credit report errors, and consumer data inaccuracies. The firm offers guidance for those seeking clarity after disruptions caused by credit bureau mistakes and helps clients understand the available steps as they navigate complex situations involving their credit file or public records.Contact us today for a free consultation.
