When your personal data gets exposed in a breach, the damage can go beyond simple inconvenience. Identity theft, financial fraud, and emotional stress are all real risks. If a company’s failure to protect your information caused you harm, you may have the right to take legal action.
The value of a data breach claim varies depending on the facts and circumstances of your situation. Some people may only be eligible for a small payout, while others could claim thousands. Knowing how these claims are calculated can help you determine what to expect and whether it’s worth pursuing a case.
What Kinds of Compensation Can You Recover After a Data Breach?
If your personal data was compromised, you may be entitled to different types of compensation. These typically fall into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages refer to the money you’ve actually spent or lost because of the breach. This can include fraudulent charges on your credit card, money stolen from your bank account, or costs related to freezing your credit. Those expenses may also be covered if you had to pay for identity theft protection or legal help.
Non-economic damages can include emotional distress, anxiety, or the time and effort you spent fixing the problem. While harder to calculate, these types of harm can still factor into your total claim.
If a large group of people was affected, you may be part of a class action lawsuit. In these cases, individual payouts are usually smaller but easier to access. If you suffered unique or more serious harm, you may have grounds for filing a separate lawsuit to pursue a larger recovery.
How Much Money Can I Claim?
There’s no fixed amount for data breach claims. The value of your case will depend on several key factors, such as:
- Type of data exposed: If only your name and email were leaked, the potential payout may be limited. However, if Social Security numbers, credit card details, or medical records were involved, the claim could be worth much more.
- Proof of financial harm: Courts are more likely to award damages if you can show specific losses, such as unauthorized transactions, loan denials, or out-of-pocket costs related to identity theft.
- Whether you’ve already recovered losses: If your bank or credit card company reimbursed you for fraud, you may not be able to recover that money again through a lawsuit.
In some class action settlements, individuals receive a more modest sum in the tens or hundreds of dollars at most. However, in more serious cases, claims have resulted in payouts reaching several thousand dollars or more.
What Should I Do After Being a Victim of a Data Breach?
If you’ve been affected by a data breach, the first thing to do is stay alert. Change your passwords, monitor your accounts, and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your files. Keep copies of any unusual activity or expenses you’ve had to cover.
Next, find out if there’s an open investigation or class action related to the breach. You may be eligible to join a lawsuit or receive a settlement without needing to go to court. If your situation is more severe, contact an attorney who handles data breach claims. They can help you build a case and explain what kind of recovery may be possible.
Contact the Metairie Personal Injury Attorneys at Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Even one leak of personal data can lead to serious consequences. If you’ve been affected, it’s worth exploring your legal options. With the right help, you may be able to recover the money you lost and hold the responsible company accountable for failing to protect your information.
If you’ve been injured by a data breach, Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Schedule a free consultation with our Metairie personal injury lawyers today to get started.
We proudly serve Louisiana and it’s surrounding areas, including Metairie, Gretna and Kenner.
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Metairie, LA 70002
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