Akumin class action alleges data breach compromised protected health information

Akumin class action overview: 

• Who: A New Hampshire woman is suing Akumin Operating Corp.
• Why: The plaintiff says the company was negligent with customer data, leading to a data breach.
• Where: The Akumin class action was filed in a Florida federal court.

Akumin, a nationwide radiology and oncology services provider, has been hit with a class action lawsuit alleging its negligence led to a data breach. 

Plaintiff Gina Letizio filed the class action complaint against Akumin Operating Corp. on Dec. 27 in a Florida federal court, alleging violations of state and federal consumer laws. 

Letizio claims the company failed to implement adequate cybersecurity measures, leading to a data breach on Oct. 11, 2023.

She alleges that Akumin’s cybersecurity negligence allowed hackers to access and exfiltrate “vast amounts” of personally identifiable information and protected health information. 

Letizio says the leaked data includes names, Social Security numbers, medical records, health insurance details, and biometric information. 

Victims of data breach suffered long term harm, lawsuit claims

In a notice sent to people affected by the breach, Letizio says Akumin stated that it shut down its systems due to the incident. Letizio alleges the breach resulted from Akumin’s negligence, claiming the company failed to adopt standard data protection practices, properly train employees or adequately monitor its network for vulnerabilities.

“Defendant’s unreasonable and inadequate data security practices caused Plaintiff and Class Members to suffer numerous actual and concrete injuries and damages,” the complaint says.

Letizio claims she and others affected by the breach now face ongoing risks of identity theft and financial fraud.

Personal data stolen in such breaches often ends up on the dark web, making it permanently vulnerable, her lawsuit says, meaning victims of the Akumin breach must now monitor financial and medical accounts, change passwords, and subscribe to credit monitoring services to mitigate potential harm.

She also takes aim at Akumin’s delayed disclosure of the breach. “The exposure of one’s Private Information to cybercriminals is a bell that cannot be un-rung,” the lawsuit says. “Before this Data Breach, Plaintiff’s and the Class’s Private Information was exactly that—private. Not anymore.”

As a result, Letizio is looking to represent anyone whose data was exposed in the breach. She is suing for negligence and breaches of state consumer laws, and is seeking certification of the class action, damages, fees, costs and a jury trial, plus strengthened cybersecurity measures and credit monitoring services for affected individuals. 

In January, Akumin was hit with a similar class action lawsuit alleging it bears responsibility for the October cyberattack that compromised its network and led to a data breach.

What do you think of the allegations in this Akumin class action lawsuit? 

The plaintiff is represented by Mariya Weekes of Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC.

The Akumin class action lawsuit is Gina Letizio v. Akumin Operating Corp., Case No. 0:24-cv-62440-XXXX in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. 

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