.png)
Heywood Medical Group Data Breach Lawsuit Investigation
Shamis & Gentile P.A., one of the nation's premier class action law firms specializing in data breach cases, is investigating the Heywood Medical Group data breach.
If you were affected by the data breach, your sensitive personally identifiable information may have been exposed, and you may be eligible for compensation.
About Heywood Medical Group
Heywood Medical Group is a non-profit, multi-specialty physician services organization that operates in north central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. It is affiliated with Heywood Hospital and is part of the broader Heywood Healthcare system, which also includes Athol Hospital.
The healthcare organization provides a range of primary care and specialty services through a network of more than 75 physicians and advanced practice providers. Founded in 1907, Heywood Medical Group offers services in pediatrics, family medicine, behavioral health, orthopedics, cardiology and more.
What happened?
Beginning on October 12, 2025, Heywood Medical Group, along with Heywood Hospital and Athol Hospital, experienced a significant network outage that was later determined to be the result of a cyberattack. The breach required organization to activate its response protocols and take systems offline in order to protect its network and patients.
The cybersecurity incident continued over multiple days and caused email and phone communication outages, ambulance diversions, and major disruptions in radiology and laboratory systems. The investigation into the nature and scope of the incident is ongoing.
Possible exposed information
- Name
- Contact information
- Date of birth
- Social Security incident
- Driver's license or state ID copy
- Health insurance information
- Medical information, including diagnosis and treatment details
- Medical records
- Payment information
Heywood Medical Group published multiple updates about the ongoing cyberattack on its hospital Facebook pages.
Your Rights and Next Steps
If you were a patient or had an appointment with Heywood Medical Group, Heywood Hospital or Athol Hospital around the time of the breach, your information may have been impacted. Even if you have not yet received a direct notification, it is important for current and former patients to stay alert.
Steps you can take:
- Communication and credit monitoring services: Review and save any notification letters you receive. Enroll in free credit monitoring and identity protection services, if offered.
- Monitor your accounts carefully: Check your financial statements regularly for suspicious activity or unauthorized transactions. If you notice anything unusual, contact your financial institution immediately.
- Fraud alert and credit reports: A fraud alert informs creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. Consumers are also entitled to one free credit report annually from each credit bureau. You can request a fraud alert or a credit report by contacting any one of the three major credit bureaus.
- Seek legal help: Lawyers are ready to help you understand your rights and pursue compensation.
You May Be Entitled to Compensation
If your personal and protected health information was exposed in the Heywood Medical Group data breach, you may be entitled to compensation, which could include reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses, time spent addressing the breach, or payment for emotional distress. Lawyers are investigating the incident and are prepared to assist affected individuals in joining a class action lawsuit.
To find out if you qualify to pursue a claim, complete the form below to join the lawsuit investigation.
.svg)