The companies you trust with your business may be storing more information about you than you realize. In order to make transactions fast and to market their products effectively, some companies keep your name and address on file. Other organizations may have your credit card or financial information, Social Security number, or even driver’s license number and other data stored digitally. If companies fail to keep your information safe, they can be held liable and you may have a legal claim against them in Homestead or your community.
How Can I Be Impacted by a Security Breach and Class Action Lawsuit?
Security breaches occur when data or computer systems are compromised in some way. It could be that personal data is stolen from a company by an unscrupulous employee or is not protected carefully. In some cases, breaches occur due to hacks committed by criminals.
In Homestead and across South Florida, laws protect consumers. It is expected that companies who gather your personal data take reasonable precautions to keep your private information safe. This may mean working with IT professionals to keep data private or it may mean using encryption and other methods to thwart hackers. When companies fail to take action, they can be held liable for any damages their negligence causes.
Unfortunately, data breaches can have significant impact on those affected. In many breaches, the personal information of dozens or even thousands of people is compromised. This information can be stolen and sold by criminals and victims can become targeted by identity thieves. If you have been affected by a data breach, you may want to file a legal claim if you qualify or join a class action lawsuit to cover the costs you have incurred as a result of the breach.
My Identity Has Been Stolen—Now What?
You may have had your identity stolen or your personal data may have been compromised if you receive a notice from an organization or if you notice a news story of a breach at a company you do business with. In some cases, you may notice you are a victim only after your identity has been stolen and your credit score is affected. If you are affected by a data breach, there are several things you will want to do:
- Protect yourself. Check your accounts and get a copy of your credit report to look for any unauthorized or suspicious activity. If you notice anything, report it to your financial institutions and keep evidence of the wrongdoing. Place an alert on your credit score and accounts so you will be informed if someone tries to take money out of your accounts or tries to file for financing in your name.
- Contact an attorney. If you have suffered financial losses due to a data breach, contact a personal injury attorney in Homestead or your community to help lead you through your legal options for seeking compensation.
- Take steps to prevent the same problem in the future. Consider not giving personal information to companies unless you trust them. If you shop online, consider removing payment methods from your profiles so this information is not stored digitally.
If you need to speak to a Homestead personal injury attorney, contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) for a free accident consultation.