Data breach at law firm Thompson Coburn affects Presbyterian Healthcare patients

St. Louis-based law firm Thompson Coburn LLP, which provides legal services to Presbyterian Healthcare Services, experienced a data breach in late May 2024 that compromised protected patient information.

According to the law firm, the breach occurred between May 28 and 29 and involved sensitive details such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and health insurance information.

In an email statement, Presbyterian spokesperson Amanda Schoenberg confirmed that certain patient data had been exposed during the breach. Schoenberg emphasized that while Thompson Coburn is notifying affected individuals via letters, there is no evidence of identity theft or fraud stemming from the incident. The number of impacted patients remains undisclosed, but Presbyterian reiterated its commitment to safeguarding patient privacy.

Thompson Coburn revealed that the type of information involved varied for each individual and would be detailed in the mailed notifications. Following the discovery of the breach on May 29, the law firm initiated an investigation with third-party forensic experts. It also urged affected individuals to remain vigilant by monitoring their financial accounts and credit reports for unusual activity.

The law firm provides legal counsel to Presbyterian Healthcare Services on matters such as government billing and repayment. According to Schoenberg, the compromised information may have been relevant to specific legal cases. The firm did not comment further on the exact scope of the breach.