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Scripps Health Hit by Apparent Ransomware Attack

Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm in
NOTICE: If you are a Scripps Health patient or received a NOTICE OF DATA BREACH, contact the Arnold Law Firm at (916) 777-7777
fingertip attempting to touch a digital keyLate on May 1, 2021, Scripps Health detected an apparent ransomware attack on their computer network that significantly disrupted patient care. The San Diego-based healthcare provider was forced to stop patient access to its online portal, postpone upcoming appointments, and divert trauma patients to other hospitals. Access to electronic medical records and other resources such as medical imaging and telemetry was also affected. Reportedly, the information systems of at least two Scripps Health hospitals were infected, including backup servers in Arizona. Scripps Health claims to have notified law enforcement and is working around the clock to resolve the security incident. The healthcare provider has not yet specified the type of cyber attack or further details, such as whether patient records have been compromised. However, IT security experts believe that the incident is a result of ransomware and likely compromised confidential personal records. Ransomware typically uses malicious software embedded in an email. The software infects the network, encrypts data, and disables critical digital records. A demand for cash payment is then made in exchange for unlocking resources, often accompanied by threats to sell the stolen data on the dark web. Hospitals are considered “soft” targets for ransomware attacks, and medical information is more valuable than other types of stolen personal information. Hackers view hospital systems as relatively easy to breach and healthcare providers are highly motivated to pay a quick ransom. Healthcare systems also tend to be highly connected, so if a breach impacts one part of the system, it has the potential to impact the whole system. According to Scripps Health, they are still assessing the extent of the attack and will be reaching out to affected patients. Scripps Health is a $3.2 billion nonprofit integrated health system in San Diego with over 16,000 employees. The healthcare provider treats more than 700,000 patients annually with 5 acute-care hospitals, home health services, 30 outpatient centers, 14 walk-in clinics, 4 emergency rooms, 3 urgent care centers and hundreds of physician offices. The Arnold Law Firm is currently investigating the Scripps Health data breach and will continue to provide updates regarding the incident.

NOTICE: If you are a Scripps Health patient or received a NOTICE OF DATA BREACH, contact the Arnold Law Firm at (916) 777-7777 to discuss your situation and possibly developing legal options.

Settlement - $3,767,000

Truck Accident

A 20-year-old man who had been married for just 12 days left home on his way to work. He was driving on Pleasant Grove Road in Sutter County in the early morning when he came upon a slow-moving truck. As he pulled out to pass the truck, the truck driver turned left in front of him. The young man attempted to steer back into his lane but his vehicle struck an un-flagged piece of metal extending from the back of the truck. He died in the resulting crash.

Expert witnesses brought in by the Arnold Law Firm proved that the truck, owned and operated by a hauling firm, should never have been on the highway that morning. Specifically, the rear and side turn signals did not work and the rear-view mirror was in a poor state of adjustment at the time of the collision. As a result, the driver, who had failed to properly inspect the vehicle before setting out that morning, couldn’t see the young man’s vehicle as it attempted to pass.

The poor condition of the truck, its lack of maintenance and the manner in which it was operated were found to be substantial factors in causing the collision that killed the young man. The testimony also established that the man had been making a lawful pass at the lawful speed limit and acted reasonably when he attempted to avoid the collision.

The man’s 20-year-old widow was awarded $3,767,000.77, his parents were awarded $185,131 and the family was reimbursed $11,899 in funeral expenses. Though money is a poor substitute for a young man’s life, this verdict demonstrates that drivers who endanger the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions.