In May 2023, Tampa General Hospital (TGH) experienced a significant data breach, compromising the personal information of approximately 2.1 million individuals. As a result, TGH has agreed to a $6.8 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit related to the incident. Affected individuals may be eligible for compensation of up to $7,500, depending on the extent of their losses. The deadline to submit a claim is January 12, 2025.
Overview of the Data Breach
- Incident Period: May 12–30, 2023
- Discovery Date: May 31, 2023
- Affected Individuals: Approximately 2.1 million
- Compromised Data: Names, Social Security numbers, health insurance details, medical record numbers, treatment information, and more
The breach involved unauthorized access to TGH’s systems, leading to the exposure of sensitive personal and medical information.
Settlement Details
TGH has agreed to a $6.8 million settlement to address claims arising from the data breach. Affected individuals may be eligible for the following compensation:
- Extraordinary Losses: Up to $7,500 for documented cases of identity theft or significant financial loss.
- Ordinary Losses: Up to $1,500 for expenses such as bank fees, credit monitoring costs, and communication charges.
- Lost Time: Up to $100 for time spent addressing issues related to the breach (calculated at $25 per hour, up to 4 hours).
- Flat Payment: $125 for individuals who did not experience measurable losses but were affected by the breach.
- Credit Monitoring: One year of free three-bureau credit monitoring services.
Eligibility Criteria
You may be eligible for compensation if:
- You received a notification from TGH indicating your information was compromised during the breach period.
- You can provide documentation supporting your claim (e.g., receipts, bank statements, credit reports).
How to File a Claim
- Visit the Official Settlement Website: floridahealthsettlement.com
- Submit a Claim: Click on “Submit a Claim” and enter your Unique ID and PIN provided in the notification letter.
- Choose Compensation Type: Select the type of compensation you’re claiming (extraordinary losses, ordinary losses, flat payment, or credit monitoring).
- Provide Documentation: Upload necessary documents to support your claim.
- Submit Before Deadline: Ensure your claim is submitted by January 12, 2025.
For assistance, contact the Settlement Administrator at 877-817-1030 or email [email protected].
Protecting Your Information
Regardless of your eligibility for compensation, consider taking the following steps to safeguard your personal information:
- Monitor Financial Accounts: Regularly check bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
- Check Credit Reports: Obtain free credit reports from the three major bureaus to identify any unusual activity.
- Enable Alerts: Set up fraud alerts with credit bureaus to receive notifications of suspicious activity.
- Use Strong Passwords: Update passwords for online accounts, ensuring they are strong and unique.
- Be Vigilant: Be cautious of phishing emails or calls requesting personal information.
Conclusion
The $6.8 million settlement by Tampa General Hospital addresses the significant data breach that compromised the personal information of approximately 2.1 million individuals. This settlement offers financial compensation and credit monitoring services to affected patients, aiming to mitigate the impact of the breach. Eligible individuals must submit their claims by January 12, 2025, to receive benefits. The final approval hearing is scheduled for February 3, 2025. For more information and to file a claim, visit FloridaHealthSettlement.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the settlement?
Individuals who received a notification from Tampa General Hospital indicating their personal information was compromised between May 12 and May 30, 2023.
What compensation options are available?
- Up to $1,500 for documented ordinary losses.
- Up to $7,500 for documented extraordinary losses.
- A flat payment of $125 for those without documented losses.
- Reimbursement for up to 4 hours of lost time at $25 per hour.
- One year of free three-bureau credit monitoring.
- Visit FloridaHealthSettlement.com, click on “Submit a Claim,” and enter your Unique ID and PIN from the notification letter.
When will I receive my payment?
Payments will be issued after the final approval hearing on February 3, 2025, pending any appeals.
Can I choose both the flat payment and credit monitoring?
Yes, all claimants are eligible for one year of free credit monitoring, regardless of the compensation option selected.
What if I didn’t receive a notification but believe I was affected?
Contact the settlement administrator at 877-817-1030 or [email protected] to verify eligibility.
Is this settlement legitimate?
Yes, it is a court-approved class-action settlement. For official information, visit FloridaHealthSettlement.com.
What documentation is required for reimbursement claims?
Receipts, bank statements, credit reports, or other evidence of losses incurred due to the data breach.
What happens if I miss the claim deadline?
You will forfeit your right to compensation and may be unable to pursue further legal action regarding this incident.
