How Much Can I Claim for a Data Breach?
With major companies like AT&T, Ticketmaster, PowerSchool, and UnitedHealthcare all facing recent security failures, many people are asking the same question: how much can I claim for a data breach?Â
The answer isn’t always straightforward. It depends on what kind of data was compromised, how the breach affected you, and whether legal action (such as a class action lawsuit) is available.
Data breaches can expose sensitive personal information and leave victims vulnerable to identity theft, fraud, or long-term privacy risks. Understanding what your personal injury claim might be worth starts with knowing how these cases are handled and what kinds of damages courts are willing to award.
What Counts as a Data Breach?
A data breach occurs when sensitive, confidential, or protected information is accessed, stolen, or disclosed without authorization and can affect:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver’s license or passport information
- Medical records
- Bank account and credit card numbers
- Login credentials and passwords
Hackers may use this data for identity theft, fraud, blackmail, or resale on the dark web. Even if you haven’t seen direct harm yet, your risk of future fraud increases significantly.
Can You Sue for a Data Breach?
Yes, but it depends on the circumstances. Victims can often file lawsuits against companies that fail to protect their personal data, especially if the companies were negligent or failed to follow security protocols.
In most cases, victims join a class action lawsuit, which allows a large group of affected individuals to sue the company together. If the case settles, each member of the class may receive a portion of the award.
Some recent examples include:
- AT&T data breach: Exposed data from over 70 million users. A class action is pending.
- UnitedHealthcare data breach: Affected medical records and claims. Lawsuits are already underway.
- Ticketmaster data breach: Exposed customer payment data. Multiple class actions have been filed.
This list is far from exhaustive, so the best way to stay current is to check for breaches and monitor your email for any notifications from the company.
What Can You Be Compensated For?
Compensation varies depending on how the breach affected you.Â
Common damages in data breach cases include:
- Out-of-pocket expenses: Costs for credit monitoring, identity theft protection, or replacing IDs
- Time and effort: The hours spent resolving fraud or securing your identity
- Emotional distress: Stress, anxiety, and fear of future identity theft
- Actual losses: If someone used your information to steal money or open fraudulent accounts
In some cases, plaintiffs may also receive statutory damages, which are fixed amounts set by law, even if actual harm isn’t proven. However, not every state allows for this.
How Much Is the Average Payout?
Payouts vary widely based on the breach, the number of people affected, and the type of lawsuit.Â
Some ranges of payouts you might see include:
- Minor settlements: $50 to $500 per person
- Larger settlements: $1,000 or more, especially if financial harm occurred
- Outliers: In rare cases, individual claims with major identity theft damages may exceed $10,000.
It’s important to note that class action members typically receive lower amounts than individuals who file standalone lawsuits. Still, class actions are easier to join and don’t require hiring your own attorney.
How Do You Know if You Qualify?
You’ll likely receive a notification letter or email if your data was involved in a national public data breach. You can also check official breach tracking sites or news outlets to confirm if your information was affected.
Once a class action is filed, a claims process usually follows. You’ll be asked to submit your name, contact info, and possibly proof of harm or data exposure.
Contact Our Louisville Personal Injury Attorneys at HJV Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If your personal data was exposed in a breach, you may be able to claim anywhere from $50 to several thousand dollars, depending on your losses and the outcome of any legal action. Even if the damage isn’t immediate, protecting your rights and joining a class action early can make a big difference.Â
Data breaches aren’t just technical errors; they’re legal and financial events, and you deserve accountability. If your data was affected in a breach and you want to explore your legal options, call the Louisville personal injury attorneys at HJV Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyers. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis.Â
For more information, don’t hesitate to contact HJV Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Louisville today. We have two convenient locations in Louisville and Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.
We proudly serve Jefferson County, Kenton County, and its surrounding areas:
HJV Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyers – Louisville, KY Office
600 W Main St Ste 200
Louisville, KY, 40202
(859) 578-4444
HJV Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyers – Fort Mitchell, KY Office
2380 Grandview Dr
Fort Mitchell, KY, 41017
(859) 578-4444