Data security is a pressing issue right now; millions of people have been affected by data breaches, resulting in billions of dollars in losses and compensation for those impacted. If you are one of those affected, you may be able to join a class action lawsuit to secure fair compensation for the losses you personally suffered due to the data breach.
A data breach attorney can help you find the appropriate class action for your case and represent your interests against powerful corporations. Many of these law firms, like ours, represent class members across the country. These are the steps you need to take to secure a class action settlement.
Start by submitting a claim
Joining an existing data breach class action lawsuit is pretty simple: Submit a claim. Most current class action suits have specific instructions for those who wish to file a claim, which typically include submitting personal information and proof of losses you incurred due to the data breach.
It’s also important to check with a local data breach attorney if you receive a notice of your eligibility out of the blue. There’s a chance it could be a scammer trying to obtain your personal information. Data breach attorneys typically stay updated on pending suits and data breach incidents and can advise you whether it’s a valid class.
The class action lawsuit process
A class action lawsuit is a civil claim in which many people who were injured in the same manner by the same entity (like a corporation, bank, or healthcare facility) file a suit seeking collective damages based on their data breach rights. Their respective lawyers pool their resources, experience, and evidence, resulting in a much stronger case against the defendant than the litigants could build individually.
Many class action suits are settled before a trial starts, with the participants, referred to as the “class,” receiving a portion of the award. The final settlement is calculated to account for the out-of-pocket losses for victims of the data breach, and usually includes an additional amount of non-material compensation.
Joining a class action after a settlement has been reached
In some cases, potential plaintiffs are notified about the class; the defendant may have a list of people who were affected by the breach. As part of settlement negotiations, the defendant may have a “compensation pool” available for those affected. You may be able to claim a portion of that settlement. If you received notice of your eligibility to join a class, look for the options open to you and the steps you need to take to join the class.
Pay close attention to your deadline for filing; if you miss the window, you may become ineligible for compensation.
Compensation is available for data breach victims
You may be eligible to be compensated for your personal losses, including any losses that resulted from the data breach that exposed you to identity theft and fraud. Your settlement money should cover the cost of regular credit monitoring of your credit report to ensure that your identity is secure, as well as identity and credit restoration services to protect your money and identity.
If the class is already established, you really don’t have anything to lose and potentially a lot to gain. You can also secure the means to resolve any credit issues that may have arisen due to the data breach you suffered.
Have you suffered personal losses as a result of a data breach? Contact Mason LLP today at (202) 429-2290 to learn about which suits may be open to you and how to join a data breach class action lawsuit.