Documented loss
A documented loss is money you lost or spent because of the issue in a case, backed up by records such as receipts or statements.
Also called: documented losses, documented out-of-pocket expenses, documented damages
A documented loss is money you lost or spent because of the issue in a case, backed up by records such as receipts or statements.
What it means
A documented loss is a financial loss you can back up with records. In a class action settlement it usually means money you spent or lost because of the problem in the case. You back it up with a document, such as a bank statement, a receipt, an invoice, a bill or a letter from your card company.
Settlements often pay documented losses in addition to, or instead of, a flat payment. For example, a data breach settlement might cover fraud charges you were not repaid for, bank fees or the cost of a new card, up to a cap. The notice lists which kinds of losses count, the dates covered and the maximum.
Documented losses are paid based on what you can show, not on an estimate. The administrator can reduce or deny an item that is not tied to the case, or whose record does not show the amount or date.
What it means for you
A documented-loss claim can pay more than a flat payment, but only if your records match what the settlement covers. Before you gather paperwork, read what counts, the loss period and the cap. Keep statements that show each charge, and add a short note explaining how it connects to the issue. Leave out money a bank or card company already refunded, since many settlements cover only losses you were not repaid for. If you are unsure an item counts, ask the administrator before you file.
Example
Say a data breach settlement reimburses documented losses up to $500 per person. After the breach you paid $35 in bank fees for a new card and lost $120 to a fraudulent charge your bank never reversed. You attach the statement showing both, plus a note saying the charges came after the breach notice. Your claim is for $155, which is under the cap.
FAQ
It varies by settlement, but common examples are unreimbursed fraud charges, bank or card replacement fees and other costs caused by the breach. The notice lists the covered items, the dates and the maximum payment.
You need records that show the loss and its date. A bank or card statement can work when the receipt is gone. A note you wrote yourself usually is not enough on its own for a documented loss.
Related terms
- Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23 and committee notes (Cornell LII)
- Federal Judicial Center, Judges' Class Action Notice and Claims Process Checklist and Plain Language Guide (2010)
- FTC, Equifax Data Breach Settlement page (example of out-of-pocket and time-spent payments)
Updated Oct 18, 2026. Plain-English definitions for general information — not legal or tax advice.