UPDATED:    February 28, 2025

Carolina Arthritis Associates Data Breach Lawsuit

Data Breach Summary

Carolina Arthritis Associates

Who Was Affected
Individuals associated with Carolina Arthritis Associates
Impacted Data
First and last names, addresses, dates of birth, health information, Social Security numbers, and financial account information
Date of Breach
September 27, 2024
Have you been affected by Carolina Arthritis Associates's data breach?

Carolina Arthritis Associates (Carolina Arthritis) has reported a data breach that resulted in unauthorized access to certain files containing personal and medical information. Following a thorough forensic investigation, the healthcare provider confirmed on January 21, 2025, that sensitive data from 36,961 individuals, including three Maine residents, may have been compromised. Affected individuals are advised to remain vigilant against potential phishing attempts.

Carolina Arthritis Associates Data Breach Details

Carolina Arthritis discovered a computer network disruption on September 27, 2024. Upon detecting the network disruption, Carolina Arthritis immediately secured its systems and engaged cybersecurity experts to investigate the incident. The review found that an external hacking attack may have led to the unauthorized acquisition of files on or around September 27, 2024.

A thorough programmatic and manual review of affected data confirmed that the breach involved sensitive personal and medical information for certain individuals.

On February 27, 2025, Carolina Arthritis began notifying affected individuals by USPS First Class Mail, providing guidance on protecting their information. For individuals whose Social Security number or driver’s license number was potentially exposed, the company is offering 12 months of complimentary identity protection services, including:

  • Credit monitoring
  • Identity remediation services
  • Access to a call center for 90 days to assist with questions

These services are provided by CyberScout, a TransUnion company specializing in fraud prevention and identity protection.

What Information Was Compromised?

The review determined that certain individuals’ personal information was present on the affected system, including:

  • Date of birth
  • Medical treatment or procedure details
  • Medical record number
  • Medical provider name
  • Social Security number

How to Know if You Were Affected

If you received a data breach notification from Carolina Arthritis Associates, your personal information may have been compromised. While most victims are officially notified through a “Notice of Data Breach” in the mail, the consequences—such as fraudulent transactions and identity theft—can begin long before the notice arrives.

Steps to Take if You Were Affected by the Carolina Arthritis Associates Data Breach

Stay Alert for Phishing Scams
Scammers may exploit the data breach by posing as Carolina Arthritis Associates. Be cautious of unexpected emails, texts, or calls requesting personal information. When in doubt, verify communications directly with the company through official channels.

Monitor Your Credit and Financial Accounts
Regularly check your bank statements, credit card activity, and credit reports for unauthorized transactions. Set up account alerts to detect suspicious activity early. Take advantage of free credit reports and review them carefully for unfamiliar accounts or discrepancies.

Consider Freezing Your Credit
For added security, request a credit freeze from all three major credit bureaus. This prevents new accounts from being opened in your name while still allowing you to use existing credit. You can temporarily lift the freeze when necessary if applying for credit.

Class Action U, in partnership with KO Lawyers, is assisting individuals impacted by the Carolina Arthritis Associates data breach. If your information was exposed, you may be eligible to join a class action lawsuit.

How Carolina Arthritis Associates Class Action Lawsuits Help Victims Seek Compensation

Class action lawsuits enable individuals affected by large-scale data breaches, like the Carolina Arthritis Associates incident, to pursue compensation collectively. This approach offers a more efficient and cost-effective way to hold companies accountable for failing to protect personal information.

By joining a class action lawsuit, you may seek compensation for:

  • Loss of privacy
  • Time spent addressing the breach
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Emotional distress

A successful lawsuit could also compel Carolina Arthritis Associates to strengthen their security measures and prevent future breaches. Contact Class Action U today to determine your eligibility for a data breach class action lawsuit and explore the compensation that may be available to you.

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