In May 2023, the Columbus Regional Healthcare System (CRHS) in Whiteville, North Carolina, suffered a major cyberattack that compromised the personal and medical information of approximately 132,800 patients. After an investigation lasting until December 2023, a settlement of $1.17 million was reached. While CRHS denies any wrongdoing, affected individuals can now apply for compensation.
Below, we outline who qualifies for reimbursement, what compensation is available, and how to submit a claim before the deadline.
DAIXIN #ransomware group added Columbus Regional Healthcare System (https://t.co/iWdeHaJ20L) to their victim list. They claims to have access to 70GB of organizations data.#USA#Daixin #darkweb #databreach #cyberrisk pic.twitter.com/HxbJmG8lAc
— FalconFeeds.io (@FalconFeedsio) June 9, 2023
What Happened in the CRHS Cyberattack?
The cyberattack on CRHS targeted sensitive patient data, including medical records and personal identifying information. The breach raised concerns over inadequate cybersecurity measures, which led to legal action. While CRHS has not admitted to any failures, they agreed to settle the case rather than engage in prolonged litigation.
Compensation Details: How Much Can You Get?
The settlement offers two types of compensation: reimbursement for personal expenses and a one-time cash payment.
1. Reimbursement for Documented Losses (Up to $5,000 per person)
Patients who suffered financial losses due to the breach may be eligible for reimbursement. This includes:
- Expenses related to fraud or identity theft, such as unauthorized transactions
- Costs for legal, financial, or credit repair services
- Fees for freezing or unfreezing credit reports
- Payments for credit monitoring services from the time of the breach until the claim deadline
- Additional costs like notarization, mailing documents, and transportation
2. One-Time Cash Payment (Estimated at $50 per Person)
Even if an individual has not incurred direct financial losses, they may still receive a portion of the settlement fund. The final amount will depend on the total number of valid claims submitted.
How to File a Claim
If you are an affected CRHS patient, you must submit your claim before the April 2, 2025 deadline. The settlement offers two ways to apply:
- Online Submission: Fill out the digital claim form available on the official settlement website.
- Mail-in Application: Download, print, and complete the form, then send it to the provided address before the deadline.
Once all applications are reviewed, responses are expected by April 9, 2025.
Final Thoughts
If you were impacted by the CRHS cyberattack, it’s crucial to take action before the deadline. Whether you experienced financial loss or not, you may still qualify for compensation. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to claim your rightful settlement.
