In a recent class action complaint, Norman Fischer has filed a lawsuit against Bay Area Heart Center and Bowden Barlow Law, P.A., alleging negligence and inadequate data security measures that led to a significant data breach. The complaint was filed on May 29, 2024, in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida.

The lawsuit stems from a cyberattack on Bowden Barlow Law’s network that resulted in unauthorized access to sensitive patient information. This breach affected approximately 11,000 individuals, including Fischer and other class members. The compromised data includes names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, driver’s license numbers, passports, direct deposit bank information, medical treatment plans, and insurance information.

According to the complaint, the defendants failed to adequately safeguard this private information despite being aware of the risks associated with cyberattacks. The plaintiff alleges that the defendants’ computer systems were vulnerable due to negligent maintenance and monitoring practices. “Defendants maintained the Private Information in a negligent and/or reckless manner,” states the complaint. Furthermore, it is claimed that Bowden Barlow Law did not properly monitor its IT systems for potential breaches.