Tampa (Fla.) General Hospital has agreed to pay $6.8 million to settle a class-action lawsuit stemming from a data breach that compromised the personal information of about 2.1 million individuals, Top Class Action reported Jan. 3.
The breach occurred between May 12 and May 30, 2023, compromising Social Security numbers, health insurance information, medical records, and treatment data. The hospital discovered the breach on May 31, 2023.
The lawsuit alleged the hospital failed to protect patient information due to negligence. While Tampa General Hospital did not admit to any wrongdoing, it agreed to the settlement to resolve the claims.
Affected individuals can receive free credit monitoring and financial compensation. People with expenses related to the breach can be reimbursed up to $1,500 for bank fees, travel costs, and similar expenses. Those with larger losses, such as fraud or identity theft, can receive up to $7,500. Additionally, individuals can claim up to $100 for time spent addressing the breach. For those without losses, a flat payment of $125 is available.
The deadline to file a claim is Jan. 12, and the final approval hearing for the settlement is set for Feb. 3.