COLUMBUS COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) – A major settlement has been reached for individuals affected by a data breach at Columbus Regional Healthcare System (CRHS) in 2023, with impacted patients now eligible for compensation. Following an extensive investigation, the healthcare provider has agreed to a $1.17 million settlement after it was revealed that sensitive personal data of nearly 132,800 patients was compromised in the breach.
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What Happened in the CRHS Data Breach?
The data breach occurred between May 19 and May 21, 2023, and involved unauthorized access to sensitive information stored by CRHS. According to the findings of the investigation, the breach exposed a wide array of personal details, including names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and medical histories. The breach also involved health insurance details, leaving thousands of patients vulnerable to identity theft and other security risks.
The breach was discovered in late December 2023, and the healthcare system took immediate steps to address the situation. Despite these efforts, the breach has caused significant distress for the affected patients, as their private information was exposed to potentially malicious actors.
Who Was Affected by the Data Breach?
The breach affected a substantial number of patients, with approximately 132,800 individuals having their private information compromised. If you were among those impacted, you may be eligible to claim compensation for losses related to the breach.
How to Claim Your Compensation
To help mitigate the financial harm caused by the data breach, CRHS has set up a settlement fund for affected individuals. The settlement allows victims to receive compensation for documented out-of-pocket losses, including expenses like credit monitoring or other related costs.
- Up to $5,000 for Unreimbursed Losses: If you can demonstrate out-of-pocket losses due to the breach, you may be entitled to reimbursement of up to $5,000. This includes any costs incurred as a result of identity theft or medical fraud stemming from the breach.
- Pro Rata Cash Payment: In addition to the reimbursement for losses, those impacted can also receive a pro rata cash payment. The current estimate is about $50 per claimant, depending on the total number of people who submit claims.
To file a claim, patients must submit their claim forms either online or by mail. The deadline for submissions is April 2, 2025, so it’s important to act soon if you believe you are affected.
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What About the Lawsuit Filed by Brandy Todd?
It’s important to note that this settlement is unrelated to the class action lawsuit filed by former CRHS patient Brandy Todd in September 2024. Todd’s complaint alleged negligence on the part of the healthcare system for its role in the data breach. However, in February 2025, a judge dismissed Todd’s lawsuit after she failed to serve the defendants (CRHS) within the required 90-day period.
While the lawsuit is no longer proceeding, the settlement provides a way for affected individuals to receive some form of compensation for the breach and its consequences.
Final Thoughts on the CRHS Data Breach Settlement
If you were affected by the 2023 CRHS data breach, it’s essential to act quickly to ensure you don’t miss out on potential compensation. With the deadline for claims set for April 2, now is the time to gather any necessary documentation and submit your claim. The settlement represents an opportunity for those affected to recover some of the financial costs associated with this significant data breach.
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