In the Circuit Court of the Fourth Judicial Circuit, Effingham County, Illinois, a class action lawsuit has been filed by Robert Thompson against Banner Life Insurance Company. The case ID is 2023 LA32 and was filed on October 30, 2023. The plaintiff alleges that the defendant violated the Illinois Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA).
The plaintiff claims that Banner Life Insurance Company required its customers to undergo a physical exam during which genetic information in the form of their family medical history was requested. This information was then allegedly used for underwriting purposes including assessing an individual's eligibility for insurance coverage, a practice that contravenes GIPA regulations.
Thompson alleges that his and other putative class members' statutory right to genetic privacy has been violated by this requirement. He further asserts that despite existing laws promoting voluntary and confidential use of genetic testing information, many individuals are deterred from seeking genetic testing due to fear of unauthorized disclosure or discriminatory use.
Thompson seeks an injunction requiring Banner Life Insurance Company to comply with GIPA as well as an award of statutory damages to class members along with costs and reasonable attorneys' fees.