Holding Companies Accountable For Data Breaches

Data privacy is a major concern in the digital era. Companies have a legal duty to safeguard your personal information. When a data breach occurs, jeopardizing your privacy and financial well-being, you may have grounds to pursue legal action.

At The Finley Firm, P.C., our lawyers can help you hold companies accountable. They have led multiple large-scale data breach cases against some of the largest companies in the country. They draw on a wealth of commercial litigation experience to take a powerful stand against Fortune 500 companies. Our team is committed to enforcing the rights of consumers across the country who have been victims of data breaches.

Your Data Privacy Rights

As a consumer, you have important data privacy rights under laws such as the following:

• The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which protects your medical information
• The Privacy Act of 1974, which protects sensitive information, such as your Social Security number
• The Fair Credit Reporting Act, which safeguards your financial information and sets limits on what information consumer credit reporting agencies can collect and retain
• The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA), which protects children from unauthorized collection of information
• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act, which gives the FTC authority over data breaches, identity theft and more

Companies have a legal obligation to take adequate steps to protect the privacy of your data, including cybersecurity measures. They must also notify those affected by data breaches. When they fail to do so, they can be held accountable.

Was Your Personal Data Compromised?

Our attorneys have been involved in some of the largest data breaches in the country. They have represented the interests of millions of people across the country. We are located in Georgia, a hotbed for data breach litigation.

While our lawyers have overseen large-scale class-action cases, they have also represented individuals who have suffered significant financial blows or invasions of their privacy because their private data was breached. From our attorneys’ work in those big, consolidated cases, they know what questions to ask and what evidence to seek in holding corporations and financial services companies accountable for allowing personal data to be stolen or compromised.

Having your data hacked is a big deal. You might find yourself on the hook for things you never bought, or you may be threatened with collections or legal actions. When someone assumes your identity, it can cause all manner of problems, including your ability to travel, rent an apartment or buy a home. It can also affect your credit history, hampering your ability to take out loans or qualify for credit cards.

How Do You Know If Your Data Has Been Affected?

When a known data breach has occurred, the company that suffered the hack is required by law to notify all customers who have been affected. They will tell you when the hack occurred and what personal data may have been compromised. The company should also provide services to help you monitor your account and report any unauthorized activity that resulted from the breach.

How Do You Tell If An Email Or Mail Notice Is Legitimate?

Unfortunately, there are many scams that prey on people’s fear of data breaches. They tap into that fear to trick you into providing financial information or other identifying information. Beware of an official-sounding letter or email that sends you to a third-party link or asks you to provide account numbers or security codes.

The safest approach is to contact the company directly or go to its website. If it is legitimate, there should be a hotline or a prominent notice on the website describing the data breach and what you can do.

What Should You Do After A Data Breach?

By the time you are notified of a breach, your personal data may have already been stolen or compromised. But you can take action to “stop the bleeding” by doing the following:

• Change your passwords immediately: Choose a robust password that cannot be easily guessed.
• Contact your bank or credit card company: It may lock your account, issue a new card or simply monitor your account for suspicious activity.
• Monitor your credit report: Take advantage of a free credit report. Contest anything that is wrong. You can also freeze your credit report so that no one can create new accounts in your name.
• Contact a lawyer. Take this step if you know or suspect that your personal identifying information was stolen and the company responsible is not offering to cover your losses.

Your Allies In Pursuing Compensation For Data Breaches

Depending on the nature of the data breach, you may have an individual claim or a class-action claim. You can rely on our attorneys for guidance regarding your options. They have a proven record of success in complex cases such as these. Based in Georgia, with offices in Columbus and Atlanta, they provide representation to clients with data breach cases nationwide.

To learn more, please contact us through our website or call us at 706-940-4037.