Like many industries that store sensitive information online, healthcare-related industries are vulnerable to cyberattacks and data breaches as well. According to a report issued by the HIPAA Journal, healthcare data breaches continue to increase, and more data breaches were reported in 2019 since records were first reported in October 2009. As more healthcare providers continue to move their patients’ records from paper files to electronic databases, millions of patients could be affected by a healthcare data breach.
If you suspect that your protected health information may have been compromised as a result of a data breach, contact Attorney Group to learn more. Patients who were affected by a data breach may be able to seek compensation with the help of a data breach lawsuit attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Protected Health Information Reportedly at Risk
While there are a number of benefits to electronic health records, anything stored electronically can be vulnerable to hackers and any unknown or unauthorized third parties. In addition to personal Information, such as names, dates of birth, addresses, credit card numbers, and Social Security numbers, those affected by a healthcare data breach could have their protected health information exposed as well.
Protected health information may include:
- Patient demographic data
- Medical history
- Test results
- Clinical information
- Health insurance information
- Medical billing information
Protected health information is accessed in a variety of ways. Prior to 2015, most data breaches affecting healthcare providers were caused by the loss or theft of health care records. Since 2015, most healthcare-related data incidents are the result of hacking/IT incidents and unauthorized disclosure. In some cases, protected health information is accessed through sophisticated email phishing attacks aimed at employees other healthcare provider personnel.
Individuals Affected by a Healthcare Data Breach May Be Entitled to Compensation
Under federal law, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), patients have certain rights to their protected health information, including the rights to obtaining and sharing that information. Healthcare providers are also required to notify patients in the event of a potential data breach.
Patients who are affected by healthcare data breaches can potentially face serious problems. When protected health information is wrongfully accessed, those affected could become a victim of identity fraud and may have to pay to receive a credit report to check on fraudulent charges.
If you sought or received primary healthcare services, and your protected health information was compromised as a result of a data breach, contact Attorney Group to learn about your options. Affected individuals may be entitled to compensation for their losses.
In addition, the responsible party may be liable for financial losses resulting from a data breach. Those affected are encouraged to seek legal counsel from an attorney familiar with data breaches and other security incidents to get more information about their rights and remedies.
The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
