A data breach occurs when sensitive, confidential, or protected information is accessed, stolen, or disclosed without authorization. This can include personal data such as Social Security numbers, credit card details, medical records, or login credentials. Businesses, financial institutions, and government entities are all susceptible to these breaches, often leading to serious consequences for those affected.

Data breaches can cause significant harm to individuals and businesses, including:

• Unauthorized charges on credit cards
• Identity theft and credit damage
• Costs for credit monitoring and identity restoration
• Emotional distress due to the misuse of personal information

Litigation provides a pathway for victims to hold responsible parties accountable, seek compensation, and encourage better data protection practices in the future.

Data breach lawsuits often rely on one or more of the following legal claims:

Negligence: Failure to take reasonable steps to secure sensitive information.
Breach of Contract: Violation of agreements to safeguard customer or employee data.
Unfair or Deceptive Trade Practices: Misleading representations about data security measures.

Victims of data breaches may be entitled to compensation for:

• Financial losses from unauthorized transactions
• Costs associated with credit monitoring or identity restoration
• Loss of privacy or emotional distress
• Future risk of harm if the data is misused

To bring a lawsuit, plaintiffs must demonstrate that they’ve suffered an injury. While earlier court rulings often dismissed cases where no immediate harm was evident, more recent decisions have recognized the risk of future harm as sufficient grounds for litigation when concrete harm has already occurred.

For businesses, data breaches pose significant financial and reputational risks. Legal expenses, settlements, and compliance costs can quickly add up. Companies are under increasing scrutiny to implement robust data protection measures, as the risk of litigation has grown due to heightened awareness and the ease of identifying affected parties.

Some of the largest data breach settlements highlight the serious consequences for organizations:

Equifax (2019): $650 million settlement for a breach affecting over 147 million people.
T-Mobile (2022): $350 million settlement following a breach exposing sensitive customer information.
Home Depot (2014): $200 million settlement for a breach impacting millions of customers.
Capital One (2021): $190 million settlement after a breach exposed personal information of credit applicants.
Uber (2022): $148 million settlement related to a concealed breach affecting millions.

If you believe your information was compromised in a data breach, it’s essential to act promptly. At McGartland Law Firm, we are experienced in handling complex data breach litigation and will guide you through the process to protect your rights.

Contact Us: Call us at (866) 832-9300 for a free consultation. We’ll help you determine your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.