Patient sues California hospital network over ransomware attack

Whittier, Calif.-based PIH Health is facing a lawsuit over a ransomware attack that hit the health system on Dec. 1, Pasadena Star-News reported Jan. 5.

Advertisement

Ferdinand Rivera has filed a lawsuit against PIH Health, accusing the health system of negligence, invasion of privacy and other violations following the ransomware attack. 

The cyberattack crippled information technology systems and phone lines across three hospitals — PIH Health Downey Hospital, PIH Health Whittier Hospital and PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles — as well as urgent care centers, physicians’ offices, and home health and hospice services.

Mr. Rivera’s lawsuit, the first among more than a dozen filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, seeks unspecified damages, according to the Daily Journal.

PIH Health has not addressed the specific allegations in Mr. Rivera’s lawsuit but confirmed that phone services at its hospitals have been restored.

“We are safely bringing communications, clinical applications and technologies back online,” Amanda Enriquez, PIH spokesperson, said in an emailed statement to Pasadena Star-News.

At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Advertisement

Next Up in Legal & Regulatory Issues

Advertisement

Comments are closed.