In today’s digital world, data breaches happen more often than we think. When someone steals or leaks your personal information—like your Social Security number, bank account details, or health records—it can cause serious problems.
You might deal with identity theft, credit issues, or emotional distress. If you’ve been hurt by a data breach, you may be able to claim compensation under the law. If you’re wondering how much you can claim after a data breach in Utah, the answer depends on a few things.
In this article, our personal injury attorney will explain what affects the value of your claim, what kinds of damages you can ask for, and how a lawyer can help.
What Is a Data Breach?
A data breach happens when private or sensitive information is exposed without permission. This can occur because of cyberattacks, lost files, employee mistakes, or poor security systems. Hackers may break into a company’s database, or someone may accidentally send your private information to the wrong person.
No matter how it happens, a breach of your personal information can lead to real harm. Once your data is exposed, it can be used to steal your money, ruin your credit, or even impersonate you. These problems can follow you for years.
Can You Sue for a Data Breach in Utah?
Yes, you can sue for a data breach in Utah if the company that held your information failed to protect it. Under Utah law and federal laws like HIPAA or the Fair Credit Reporting Act, businesses have a duty to keep your information safe. If they are careless or don’t follow the law, you may be able to file a lawsuit.
However, to win your case, you’ll need to show that the breach caused you harm. Just knowing your information was exposed may not be enough—you must prove that you suffered real damages like financial loss or emotional distress.
What Types of Damages Can You Claim?
When it comes to a data breach claim, there are two main types of damages: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages are the monetary losses you can measure. These might include:
- Money stolen from your bank account
- Costs to repair your credit or identity
- Lost wages if you missed work dealing with the breach
Non-economic damages are more personal and harder to measure in dollars. These may include:
- Stress, anxiety, or emotional distress
- Loss of privacy or peace of mind
- Damage to your reputation
In some cases, a judge may also award punitive damages if the company was especially careless or acted in bad faith. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and stop others from making the same mistake.
Your claim’s value depends on how badly the breach affected your life. A minor inconvenience might not be worth much, but if you’ve suffered serious harm, your claim could be worth thousands—or even more.
Factors That Affect How Much You Can Claim
Each data breach case is different, and many factors go into deciding how much compensation you can get. These include:
- Type of information exposed: If sensitive data like Social Security numbers or medical records were leaked, the claim might be worth more.
- Extent of harm: The more harm you suffer, the higher the value of your claim. If you lost money or had your identity stolen, this increases your potential payout.
- Company negligence: If the company ignored warning signs or failed to follow safety rules, this strengthens your case.
- Time and cost of recovery: If you’ve spent months repairing your credit, working with banks, or feeling unsafe, these experiences add to your damages.
A personal injury lawyer who understands data breach cases can help gather evidence and figure out the right value for your situation.
Protecting Your Future After a Breach
Data breaches are more than just technical problems—they can turn your life upside down. Whether you’ve lost money, dealt with stress, or faced serious privacy issues, you may have the right to claim compensation. The amount you can claim depends on your personal experience, the type of data exposed, and how the company handled your information.
For help pursuing compensation after you are injured by a reckless driver, contact your nearest McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in Austin, TX, and Salt Lake City, UT.
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers – Austin, TX Office
502 W 14th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-0222
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers – Salt Lake City, UT Office
650 S 500 W Suite 290, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
(385) 462-7630
