Data Handling Policy

We collect the following categories of information when you submit the intake form:

Personal Identification Information: Full name, email address, phone number, date of birth, if provided.

Military Service Information: Branch of service, ship or unit assignment, duty dates and deployment dates, rate or rank, service number or other military identifier.

Incident Information: Which state-sponsored terrorism incident you are claiming under, your role in the incident, relationship to the incident.

Claim Information: Whether you have an existing judgment, whether you have filed a USVSST claim, preferred contact method.

Uploaded Documents: DD214, VA disability rating letter, medical records, witness statements, court judgment documents, proof of service or deployment, other claim-supporting documentation.

You submit data through:

• The secure intake form on this website

• Third-party form platforms, such as Jotform HIPAA or similar

• Email, only if specifically authorized by legal counsel

• Other methods as directed by the lead plaintiff/organizer

Use the secure form for sensitive documents.

Do not email sensitive documents unless specifically instructed by authorized legal counsel.

Your information is stored on:

• Secure, encrypted servers

• Third-party cloud storage providers contracted for security and confidentiality

• Backup systems for disaster recovery

Access is restricted to authorized personnel.

We use industry-standard encryption and security measures.

Access to your information is restricted to:

• Lead plaintiff/organizer

• Authorized intake reviewers

• Authorized administrative staff

• Potential legal counsel, if counsel joins the group

• No one else

Your information is not shared publicly or accessed by unauthorized persons.

If legal counsel joins the group to represent claimants, we will share your information and documents with that counsel.

This sharing includes:

• Your name, contact information, and submitted details

• Your uploaded documents, including DD214, VA letter, medical records, and other submitted documents

• Information about your incident and role

• Any communications you have had with the lead plaintiff/organizer

This sharing is necessary for counsel to evaluate and represent your claim.

In some cases, we may share limited information with other group members for coordination purposes.

This includes:

• Your name and ship assignment, for roster organization

• Your incident type

• Your contact preference

We will NOT share your phone number or email address with other group members without your consent.

If we receive a valid subpoena, court order, or other legal demand, we will share your information as required by law.

We will notify you of such requests if permitted by law and if doing so would not interfere with a legal investigation.

We retain your information for:

• The duration of litigation and settlement

• Legal compliance purposes after the case concludes

• Potential future claims or appeals

• Recordkeeping and preservation purposes

You cannot request deletion of information while your claim is active, as this information is necessary for litigation and preservation purposes.

You have the right to:

• Request access to the information we have about you

• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information

• Request deletion of your information, with limitations

Limitations on Deletion: You cannot request deletion of information while your claim is active, as this information is necessary for litigation, preservation, and compliance purposes.

After litigation concludes, we will retain records as required by law.

To exercise these rights, contact the lead plaintiff/organizer using the contact information provided.

We use industry-standard security measures to protect your data, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest

• Secure servers with restricted access

• Firewalls and intrusion detection

• Regular security assessments

• Confidentiality agreements with service providers

However, no digital system is 100% secure, even when reasonable security measures are used.

By submitting your information, you acknowledge this inherent risk.

If we discover a data breach or unauthorized access:

• We will investigate immediately

• We will notify affected individuals

• We will take steps to prevent future breaches

• We will comply with applicable notification laws

We may use third-party service providers for:

• Form submissions and data collection

• Document uploads and storage

• Cloud storage and backup

• Email communication

• Website hosting

• Data processing and analysis

These third-party service providers are contractually obligated to maintain confidentiality and security.

However, these service providers have their own privacy policies and terms of service. You should review the privacy policies of any third-party service providers we use.

This website uses minimal tracking and analytics:

• We do NOT use cookies for tracking or advertising

• We do NOT use advertising pixels or retargeting

• We do NOT use personal tracking or identification

• We may use basic, non-identifying analytics to understand site traffic and functionality

• We do NOT use third-party analytics, advertising, or marketing services that would identify you personally

If tracking tools, pixels, analytics, or advertising tools are later added to the website, this policy will be updated.

If you are located outside the United States, your information will be transferred to and stored in the United States.

By submitting your information, you consent to this transfer and to the application of U.S. law to your information.

This website is not intended for individuals under 18 years old.

We do not knowingly collect information from minors.

If we become aware that we have collected information from a minor, we will delete such information promptly.

For questions about data handling, requests for access or correction, or other privacy concerns, please contact:

Lead Plaintiff/Organizer: [Name and contact information to be provided]