Finance

Tampa General Hospital to Pay Millions – Check If You Qualify for $7,500!

Tampa General Hospital agreed to a $6.8 million settlement following a data breach that exposed the personal data of over 2 million individuals. Affected patients may be eligible for up to $7,500 in compensation or free credit monitoring. Learn how to check your eligibility, submit a claim, and safeguard your information from future cyber threats. Deadline to file is January 12, 2025.

By Anthony Lane
Published on

Tampa General Hospital to Pay Millions: In May 2023, Tampa General Hospital (TGH) suffered a serious data breach, exposing the sensitive personal and medical data of approximately 2.1 million individuals. Now, a $6.8 million settlement has been approved as part of a class-action lawsuit. If you received a notice from TGH, you could be eligible for up to $7,500 in compensation. Let’s break down what happened, who qualifies, how to claim your benefits, and what this means for consumers and healthcare data security.

Tampa General Hospital to Pay Millions

The Tampa General Hospital data breach settlement is a significant example of how data security failures can have real consequences—not just for hospitals but for millions of individuals. If you were impacted, don’t delay. Submit your claim and take steps to protect your identity going forward.

Tampa General Hospital to Pay Millions
Tampa General Hospital to Pay Millions
AspectDetails
Breach PeriodMay 12–30, 2023
Total Individuals AffectedApproximately 2.1 million
Data CompromisedNames, SSNs, health insurance info, dates of service, medical record numbers, and more
Settlement Fund$6.8 million
Maximum Payout per PersonUp to $7,500 (extraordinary losses)
Other Options$125 flat payment or free credit monitoring
Claim DeadlineJanuary 12, 2025
Official Websitehttps://floridahealthsettlement.com

About Tampa General Hospital

Tampa General Hospital is one of Florida’s largest and most respected medical centers. It serves thousands of patients annually and is known for its specialized care and teaching programs affiliated with the University of South Florida. Given its prominence, the breach raised significant concerns across the healthcare industry and among affected patients.

What Happened in the Data Breach?

Between May 12 and May 30, 2023, cybercriminals gained unauthorized access to TGH’s computer systems. The breach was discovered on May 31, 2023, prompting an internal investigation. The attackers reportedly accessed files containing personally identifiable information (PII) and protected health information (PHI).

According to the official settlement documents and security reports, the compromised data may include:

  • Full names
  • Home addresses and contact information
  • Social Security Numbers (SSNs)
  • Dates of birth
  • Medical record numbers
  • Patient account numbers
  • Health insurance policy information
  • Dates of service and treatment information

What Is a Class-Action Settlement?

A class-action lawsuit allows a group of people with similar claims to sue an organization collectively. In this case, the plaintiffs claimed that TGH failed to implement adequate cybersecurity measures, putting their sensitive data at risk. Though TGH did not admit wrongdoing, they agreed to settle to avoid the costs and uncertainty of litigation.

Are You Eligible for the Settlement?

You are likely eligible if you:

  • Received a notification from Tampa General Hospital about the breach
  • Were treated or had records at TGH during the time of the breach
  • Can verify your identity and connection to the impacted data

The notification letter you received will contain a Unique ID and PIN, which are required to file a claim.

Compensation Options – How Much Can You Get?

The settlement offers multiple compensation tiers:

1. Up to $1,500 – Reimbursement for Ordinary Losses

These are typical expenses you may have incurred due to the breach:

  • Bank fees or overdraft charges
  • Credit freeze or credit monitoring costs
  • Phone bills or postage for resolving fraud issues
  • Time off work (up to 4 hours at $25/hour = $100)

2. Up to $7,500 – Extraordinary Losses

If you experienced identity theft, fraudulent charges, or had to spend significant time and money to recover from the breach, you can claim up to $7,500 with proper documentation.

3. $125 Flat Payment Option

If you were affected but did not suffer measurable losses, you can claim a one-time $125 payment.

4. Free Credit Monitoring

You may opt for one year of three-bureau credit monitoring, which typically costs $100+ annually if purchased independently.

How to File a Claim As Tampa General Hospital to Pay Millions – Step-by-Step Guide

Filing is easy and can be done online. Here’s how:

  1. Go to the official settlement website: floridahealthsettlement.com
  2. Click on “Submit a Claim” and enter your Unique ID and PIN from the notification letter.
  3. Select your compensation type: reimbursement, flat payment, or credit monitoring.
  4. Upload any necessary documentation if you are claiming losses.
  5. Review and submit your claim before January 12, 2025.

How Do Data Breaches Like This Happen?

Cyberattacks in the healthcare sector are increasing. Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities like:

  • Weak passwords or outdated software
  • Phishing emails that trick employees into revealing access credentials
  • Poorly secured third-party vendor systems

Once inside, attackers can access vast amounts of patient data, which can then be sold on the dark web or used for identity theft.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?

Whether or not you were affected by this breach, here are steps to stay safe:

  • Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)
  • Regularly monitor your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com
  • Freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion for free
  • Be cautious of suspicious emails or phone calls asking for personal information
  • Enroll in identity theft protection if you’re at high risk

Expert Insight: What Does This Mean for Healthcare?

According to a 2024 report by IBM, the average cost of a healthcare data breach is now over $10 million, the highest across all industries. Healthcare providers must invest more heavily in cybersecurity infrastructure, staff training, and emergency response planning.

Cybersecurity experts advise hospitals to adopt zero-trust architectures and conduct regular penetration testing. Meanwhile, patients should demand transparency from providers about how their data is handled and protected.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What if I didn’t receive a letter but think I was affected?
You should contact the settlement administrator to verify your eligibility. Call 877-817-1030 or visit the official site.

Q2: Can I receive both the flat payment and credit monitoring?
Yes, all claimants can receive credit monitoring, regardless of which compensation option they select.

Q3: Is this a scam? How can I be sure it’s legitimate?
No, this is a legitimate class-action settlement. You can verify details at floridahealthsettlement.com or search the case on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

Q4: When will payments be made?
Payments will be issued after the court grants final approval and resolves any appeals. Monitor the settlement website for updates.

Author
Anthony Lane
I’m a finance news writer for UPExcisePortal.in, passionate about simplifying complex economic trends, market updates, and investment strategies for readers. My goal is to provide clear and actionable insights that help you stay informed and make smarter financial decisions. Thank you for reading, and I hope you find my articles valuable!

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