Eight lawsuits filed by patients impacted by July data breach at UI Health Care affiliate

Eight class-action lawsuits have been initiated against University of Iowa Health Care following a significant data breach that may have compromised sensitive information for over 200,000 patients. The breach, publicly disclosed in late August, involved unauthorized access to personal data, including Social Security numbers and medical records. Plaintiffs express outrage over the two-month delay in notification, which they argue heightened their risk of identity theft and anxiety. They allege that the university did not adhere to U. S.

Federal Trade Commission guidelines, making the breach predictable. In response to the breach, UI Health Care reassured patients that specific health care data was not affected. Lawyers representing the plaintiffs attempted to consolidate the cases, but a judge denied their motions due to the lack of official service to the university. The lawsuits claim negligence, invasion of privacy, and breach of contract, seeking monetary damages and a jury trial. The incident underscores vulnerabilities in the healthcare sector, which is increasingly targeted by cybercriminals.