Data Breach Class Action Attorneys

Representation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, & Nationwide

We increasingly rely on a digital environment to store and transmit personal information. Yet regulations and safety measures meant to protect consumers don't always keep pace with the rapid evolution of technology. As a result, data breach and identity theft have become unfortunate byproducts of the modern age. In fact, it is estimated that over 740 million online records were exposed in 2013, which made it the worst year for data breaches in U.S. history.

Data Breach & Class Action Lawsuits

Our Philadelphia consumer class action attorneys are currently representing individuals who have been harmed by a data breach. For decades, we have successfully represented clients from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and across the country, recovering hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements.

If you have been the victim of a data breach due to intentional or negligent behavior, Golomb & Honik, P.C. has the experience, knowledge, and resources to hold the offending party accountable and pursue compensation for your loss. Call us at (215) 278-4449 to get your case evaluated by a member of our team.

Corporations, banks, hospitals, universities, government agencies and other entities that engage in the collection, distribution, storage or other use of individuals' personal information have an obligation to protect the security and privacy of that data. When a company fails to protect their customer’s information, those who have been affected by the data breach may be able to band together and file a class action lawsuit against the negligent corporation or business.

How Data Breaches Occur

Although states have varying laws regarding data breach and identity theft, data breach is generally considered the unlawful and/or unauthorized acquisition or transmittal of data in a manner that compromises the security and confidentiality of personal information.

A data breach can occur via numerous means, including computer theft, computer hacking, or the illicit sale or release of personal information. Some recent data breach class action lawsuits have involved the alleged sale of personal information including financial data without consumer consent. Other notable cases have focused on inadequate security measures that have left private data vulnerable to exposure.

Information Compromised in a Data Breach

Personal information obtained through a data breach may include:

  • Driver's license or state ID numbers
  • Social Security numbers
  • Financial account information
  • Credit card numbers
  • Business and personal addresses
  • Phone numbers
  • E-mail addresses
  • And more

Consumer Help After a Data Breach - Call (215) 278-4449

When your personal and confidential information is stolen, the adverse effects of a data breach can be far-reaching. Misuse of your private information can compromise your reputation and financial integrity, and may result in difficulty securing employment, housing or loans, as well as increased insurance and credit rates.

If you have been the victim of a data breach, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. An experienced Philadelphia consumer class action lawyer can help you make sense of this ordeal and protect your financial future. An investigation into the data breach may be necessary in order to prove that the merchant failed to adopt the necessary safeguards that would have prevented the data breach from occurring. This often includes working with local, state, and federal authorities, as well as the Federal Trade Commission.

During this process, it is also necessary to determine the amount of damages that you have suffered due to the data breach. It is also important that consumers take the necessary steps to prevent further identity theft or abuse of their personal information. This often includes closing credit card and banking accounts and putting a security freeze on their credit reports.

Data Breaches in a Modern World

From large corporations to small local businesses, no one is immune from cyber attacks. In the recent years, some big name companies have come under fire for serious data breaches, including:

  • Target
  • Adobe
  • Citigroup
  • Gap
  • Starbucks
  • TJX
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Neiman Marcus
  • Sony
  • Sears Holding Corp
  • University of Maryland
  • Yahoo
  • New York State Electric & Gas Company
  • Hewlett Packard

Call Our Philadelphia Consumer Class Action Lawyers for Help

If your personal and sensitive data has been compromised in a data breach, you may be able to take part in a consumer class action lawsuit. Large corporations, credit card companies, and banking institutions have a responsibility to protect your sensitive information from hackers and data thieves. When they fail to do so, they can-and should-be held responsible for the damages that have resulted.

To learn more about your legal options or to schedule a free consultation call our Philadelphia class action lawyers at Golomb & Honik, P.C. at (215) 278-4449. You can also contact us through a free and confidential online contact form.