California Healthcare Firm Sending Up To $5,100 Per Person Over Data Breach Affecting 269,547 Americans

A California healthcare firm is preparing to pay more than $1.5 million to settle a class action lawsuit over a cyberattack that allegedly exposed patient data.

According to the official settlement website, Deanco Healthcare, doing business as Mission Community Hospital, has agreed to establish a $1.5 million settlement fund tied to a May 1, 2023 data security incident, which could yield victims $5,100 each.

The settlement site says a later investigation determined that a threat actor compromised certain database files containing personally identifying information.

The potentially exposed data includes addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, financial account information, health insurance plan member IDs, claims data and clinical information about care with Mission Community Hospital.

According to ComplianceHome, which tracks industry regulations, the breach was submitted to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights as affecting 269,547 individuals.

The report says two class action lawsuits filed in Los Angeles County were later consolidated into a single action. Under the settlement, class members may claim up to $5,000 for documented losses tied to the incident.

Eligible California residents may also claim a $100 statutory payment, bringing potential benefits to $5,100 per person. The settlement also provides two years of medical monitoring services for class members who elect to receive it, along with possible residual cash payments from the settlement fund.

Deanco denies wrongdoing and liability, according to ComplianceHome.

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