John W. Redmann | October 2, 2025 | Personal Injury
A data breach is a serious event that can compromise your personal information, potentially leading to financial loss, identity theft, or other forms of harm.
If you’ve been a victim of a data breach, you might wonder how much you can claim in damages. The amount you can claim depends on various factors, including the type of breach, the damage it caused, and the legal options available to you.
This article will walk you through the process of understanding data breaches and what you might be able to claim for the harm they cause.
What Is a Data Breach?
A data breach occurs when sensitive, protected, or confidential information is accessed, shared, or stolen by an unauthorized person. This could involve your personal details, financial records, social security number, or health information.
A data breach can occur in various ways, including cyberattacks, poor data management, or employee errors. When these incidents happen, the exposed individuals could face identity theft, fraud, or privacy violations.
It’s important to note that not all data breaches result in immediate damage to victims. However, they do put your information at risk, and in many cases, you may suffer some form of harm.
Types of Damages You Can Claim After a Data Breach
When considering the amount you can claim for a data breach, it’s essential to understand the types of damages that may be involved. These damages can be broken down into different categories:
Financial Losses
Financial losses are among the most common types of damages resulting from a data breach. If someone uses your stolen personal information to make fraudulent purchases, access your bank account, or steal from you, you might be able to claim compensation for the money lost.
For instance, if your credit card information was exposed and fraudulent charges were made, you may be entitled to recover those amounts from the company responsible for the breach, depending on the situation. This might also apply if the breach resulted in a loss of wages or business opportunities.
Credit Monitoring and Identity Protection Costs
After a data breach, it is highly recommended to sign up for credit monitoring services. These services alert you to any changes in your credit report, helping you detect fraud early. If you incur costs for credit monitoring, you may be able to claim those expenses.
In many cases, the company responsible for the breach may offer free credit monitoring for a period. However, if they do not or if you want more extensive services, you should seek compensation for those costs.
Emotional Distress and Mental Anguish
Experiencing a data breach can be stressful, especially if it leads to significant financial loss or identity theft. While financial damages are easier to calculate, emotional distress can be more complicated to claim. You may be entitled to compensation if you can show that the breach caused you significant emotional harm, such as anxiety, stress, or sleeplessness.
Loss of Privacy
Privacy is a fundamental right, and when your personal information is exposed without your consent, it can feel like a violation. If the breach resulted in the loss of your privacy—whether it’s through a leak of sensitive health records or social security numbers—you may be able to claim damages for this violation.
Contact Our Metairie Personal Injury Lawyers at Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. for Help After a Data Breach
A data breach can be a frightening experience, but you do not have to face it alone. With the right legal advice and support, you can understand your rights, calculate your potential damages, and seek compensation for any harm caused. Taking the proper steps to protect yourself and pursue legal action may help you move forward with peace of mind. After listening to more about your situation, we can help you determine your legal options moving forward.
If you were part of a data breach in Metairie or Gretna, Louisiana, and need legal help, contact our personal injury attorneys at The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC, to schedule a free case review today.
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2901 N Causeway Blvd, STE 202, Metairie, LA, 70002
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1101 Westbank Expy, Gretna, LA, 70053
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