Ohio And National Data Privacy Lawyers Fighting For Your Privacy Through Class Action Lawsuits

Markovits, Stock & DeMarco, LLC, is Ohio’s preeminent data privacy law firm and has a national reputation for representing plaintiffs in data privacy class actions across the United States.

A specific type of data privacy lawsuit is a data breach class action. A data breach is when a person’s private information (name, date of birth, Social Security number, driver’s license information, banking and/or credit card information, medical information, etc.) is accessed by hackers. Private information is very valuable which is why hackers seek to access this type of information. Often, the hackers attempt to exploit the private information for financial gain resulting in the individual whose private information was compromised experiencing fraudulent charges on his/her accounts, opening of unauthorized accounts, filing of unauthorized tax returns or filing of unauthorized applications for employment benefits.

At Markovits, Stock & DeMarco, LLC, we seek to hold businesses accountable when they fail to protect your private information. Individuals from around the United States frequently retain our firm to assist them in prosecuting data breach class actions for the purpose of potentially recovering ample settlement benefits for our clients and members of the respective class.

What Should You Do After Receiving Notice that your Personal Information was included in a Data Breach?

We understand that being notified that your personal and private information was included in a data breach case is upsetting. Here are a few steps to take after being notified your information was potentially included in a data breach:

• Call Markovits, Stock & DeMarco, LLC, for a Free Consultation to Evaluate Your Legal Options. Over the past 5 years, we have represented thousands of individuals after they have been notified that their personal information was included in a data breach. We are also frequently appointed by courts around the United States to serve as class counsel for the class of plaintiffs who had their personal information included in a data breach. Through this extensive experience, we are able to inform our clients regarding,
  • the risk of future harm they may face based which of their sensitive data sets are potentially compromised in the data breach,
  • what their data breach notice letter means and what of their personal information may have been included in the data breach,
  • whether the individual should sign up for any credit or identity services offered by the company experiencing the data breach,
  • how to best protect their personal information as a result of the data breach,
  • whether to participate as a class representative in a data breach class action,
  • what to do if they have experienced any misuse of their personal information after the data breach, and/or,
  • the likely settlement benefits made available to all class members in data breach class actions.  
• Act quickly to review your personal information and accounts: Review your personal accounts and credit report for any unauthorized activity. If you have a major credit card, you likely can access your credit report and current credit score through the services your credit card company provides. You can also access your credit report through entities such as Credit Karma or the three major credit bureaus.

Frequently Asked Questions About Data Breach Class Actions

Below are answers to common questions our clients ask about data breaches and the legal options available to protect their rights.

What kinds of data can be stolen in a breach?

Data breaches can compromise various types of sensitive personal information that hackers find valuable for financial exploitation. Common data types stolen in breaches include Social Security numbers, which enable identity theft and unauthorized account openings. Banking and credit card information allows hackers to make fraudulent purchases or access existing accounts without authorization.

Medical records and health insurance information are particularly valuable because they contain comprehensive personal details and can be used for insurance fraud or prescription drug schemes. Driver’s license numbers and state identification information provide additional verification details that hackers use to impersonate victims.

How do I know if I was the victim of a data breach?

Most companies are required by law to notify affected individuals when their personal information has been compromised in a data breach. You will typically receive written notice by mail or email explaining what happened and what information was potentially accessed. However, you should also monitor your accounts proactively by reviewing credit reports regularly, checking bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions, and watching for unfamiliar accounts or unexpected bills from accounts you did not open.

What kind of damages are available in a data breach settlement?

Data breach settlements can include various types of compensation depending on the specific circumstances of the breach and the harm experienced by class members. Economic damages may cover out-of-pocket expenses, such as credit monitoring fees, identity restoration costs and time spent addressing fraudulent activity on your accounts.

Settlements often include free credit monitoring services for affected individuals, reimbursement for documented losses resulting from identity theft or fraud and compensation for the time spent dealing with the aftermath of the breach.

How long does it take to resolve a data breach class-action lawsuit?

Data breach class-action lawsuits typically take one to three years to resolve, depending on several factors including the complexity of the case, the number of affected individuals and whether the defendant company chooses to settle or fight the claims in court. Cases involving larger breaches or more complex legal issues may take longer to reach resolution. The timeline can also be affected by discovery disputes, motion practice and the willingness of parties to engage in settlement negotiations.

Reach Out Now For A Free Case Evaluation

If you have experienced a data breach, contact us for a free consultation. We are your partners in pursuing corporate accountability and fairness. Call our office at 844-955-3279 or send us an email to schedule a time to meet with us. Our trial lawyers are ready to hear about your case and help you secure the compensation you may be entitled to by law.