THIS INVESTIGATION IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS.
If You Got Notice of the
Carolina Foot & Ankle Associates data breach
STATUS: This investigation is no longer accepting new clients.
We are investigating data breach class action lawsuit claims relating to the Carolina Foot & Ankle Associates data breach—an event which exposed the private data of countless individuals. If you interacted with Carolina Foot & Ankle Associates, your information was probably taken by cybercriminals. That’s serious. They can take out credit cards in your name, get your tax return, take your identity and ruin your credit. If you were notified by Carolina Foot & Ankle Associates of this data breach, contact us fast. We can help.
About Carolina Foot & Ankle Associates
Cole & Van Note is investigating a data breach involving Carolina Foot & Ankle Associates, a podiatry practice operating two offices in Hickory and Morganton, North Carolina. [2]
Carolina Foot & Ankle Associates has reported a data breach to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) Breach Portal, confirming that patient information was exposed during a cybersecurity incident. According to available disclosures, the incident involved unauthorized access to certain systems, which may have allowed an unknown actor to view or acquire sensitive personal and protected health information. [1]
Further reporting indicates that the breach occurred on or around December 8, 2025, when the practice experienced a network disruption that enabled unauthorized access to certain files. A subsequent forensic investigation determined that both personally identifiable information (PII) and protected health information (PHI) may have been compromised. While Social Security numbers and financial information were reportedly not involved, the exposed data still includes sensitive medical and identifying information that may present risks of privacy violations and medical fraud. [3]
The information potentially affected in this breach may include:
- Full name
- Address
- Phone number
- Date of birth
- Medical record number
- Health insurance information
- Diagnostic and CPT codes
- Dates of service
- Other personally identifiable information
Â
Considering the number of people impacted by this event, Cole & Van Note’s data breach attorneys will be pursuing legal action on behalf of those affected. If you have received notice of this data breach, you should contact us for immediate response.
[1] https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/breach/breach_report_hip.jsf
[3] https://www.claimdepot.com/data-breach/carolina-foot-ankle-associates-2026
Once you contact us...
- Review Your Breach Notice: Send us the Notice and then keep a copy for your records.
- Enroll in Credit Monitoring: Take advantage of any free services offered.
- Update Passwords: Change passwords and security questions for online accounts.
- Monitor Accounts: Regularly check statements and credit reports for signs of fraud.
- Request a Fraud Alert: Contact credit bureaus to add a temporary alert to your credit file.
Sign Up
Join the Case
About Carolina Foot & Ankle Associates
Carolina Foot & Ankle Associates has reported a data breach to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) Breach Portal, confirming that patient information was exposed during a cybersecurity incident. [1] Carolina Foot & Ankle Associates operates two podiatry offices in North Carolina, located in Hickory and Morganton. [2]Â
According to independent reporting, the breach occurred on December 8, 2025, when the practice experienced a network disruption that enabled an unauthorized party to access certain files. A subsequent forensic investigation found that the compromised files may have included both personally identifiable information (PII) and protected health information (PHI). The data potentially exposed includes first and last names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, medical record numbers, health insurance information, diagnostic/CPT codes, and dates of service. Importantly, reports indicate that Social Security numbers and financial information were not involved. [3]Â
Considering the number of people impacted by this event, Cole & Van Note’s data breach attorneys will be pursuing legal action on behalf of those affected. If you have received notice of this data breach, you should contact us for immediate response.
[1] https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/breach/breach_report_hip.jsf
[3] https://www.claimdepot.com/data-breach/carolina-foot-ankle-associates-2026
Recent Investigations
Our Promises To You
With over 30 years of experience, our firm has represented millions of clients in data breach cases getting big settlements and protecting their personal information.
- No Fee: We don’t charge you. The other side pays us if we win.
- Aggressive Representation.
- Client-Centered Approach: We're always available to assist you.
- Privacy Assurance: The information you provide us is 100% secure.
Testimonials
How Data Breaches Occur
Data breaches happen in various ways. Common methods include:
- Phishing Attacks: Deceptive emails which trick authorized users into providing sensitive information like passwords to criminals.
- Malware: Malicious software, such as viruses or ransomware, is used to infiltrate systems and steal or encrypt data.
- Weak Passwords: Using easily guessable or outdated passwords make it easy for hackers to gain access.
- Unpatched Vulnerabilities: Failing to update software can leave known security gaps that attackers can exploit.
- Insider Threats: Employees or contractors with access to sensitive data may compromise security.
- Social Engineering: Manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information.
- Data/Device Theft: Physical theft of devices, such as laptops or external drives, which grant access.
Why Companies Need to be Held Liable
Corporations will tell you they are the “victims” in data breaches. Not so. Those who suffer after a data breach are those who have lost their privacy, their money, their peace of mind. When inadequate cybersecurity measures have led to a data breach, the law says you can sue for money damages under many theories, such as:
- Negligence;
- Breach of Implied or Express Contract;
- Breach of the Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing;
- State law claims such as the California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 56, et seq.), California Consumer Legal Remedies Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1750, et seq.), California Information Practices Act of 1977 (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1798, et seq.), California Consumer Records Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1798.80, et seq.) and California’s Unfair Competition Law (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 17200, et seq.)
- Fair Credit Reporting Act.
How Data Breaches Occur
Data breaches happen in various ways. Here’s a general overview of common methods:
- Phishing Attacks: Deceptive emails which trick authorized users into providing sensitive information like passwords to criminals.
- Malware: Malicious software, such as viruses or ransomware, is used to infiltrate systems and steal or encrypt data.
- Weak Passwords: Using easily guessable or outdated passwords make it easy for hackers to gain access.
- Unpatched Vulnerabilities: Failing to update software can leave known security gaps that attackers can exploit.
- Insider Threats: Employees or contractors with access to sensitive data may compromise security.
- Social Engineering: Manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information.
- Data/Device Theft: Physical theft of devices, such as laptops or external drives, which grant access.
Why Companies Need To Be Held Liable
Corporations will tell you they are the “victims” in data breaches. Not so. Those who suffer after a data breach are those who have lost their privacy, their money, their peace of mind. When inadequate cybersecurity measures have led to a data breach, the law says you can sue for money damages under many theories, such as:
- Negligence;
- Breach of Implied or Express Contract;
- Breach of the Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing;
- State law claims such as the California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 56, et seq.), California Consumer Legal Remedies Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1750, et seq.), California Information Practices Act of 1977 (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1798, et seq.), California Consumer Records Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1798.80, et seq.) and California’s Unfair Competition Law (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 17200, et seq.)
- Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Final Thoughts
People don’t take data breaches as seriously as they should. But you should. As such, for more details and updates about data breaches, visit our Data Breach Law page. But please don’t wait until your information is sold or used to get informed or to call us.
Thereafter, check out additional resources such as our Hacker Checker, the HIPAA Journal and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. If you’re still interested, let us direct you to the information you need.
Finally, don’t forget about us if you experience issues relating to data breaches, false advertising/consumer fraud and product liability/defective products claims. Whether you’re confident you have a claim, want fast compensation or just want some friendly advice, it is worth your time to talk with us. Our staff is approachable, knowledgeable and can work with you, free of charge, to meet your unique needs.
Final Thoughts
Finally, don’t forget about us if you experience issues relating to data breaches, false advertising or consumer fraud and product liability/defective products claims. Whether you’re confident you have a claim, want fast compensation or just want some friendly advice, it is worth your time to talk with us. Our staff is approachable, knowledgeable and can work with you, free of charge, to meet your unique needs.