Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers | September 21, 2025 | Personal Injury
Data breaches are becoming more common in today’s digital world. From large companies to small medical offices, no one is completely safe from hackers. If your personal information has been exposed in a data breach, you might wonder if you can take legal action and how much you could possibly claim.
If you live in Waldorf, Maryland, this article can help you understand your rights, what compensation might be available, and how to move forward after a data breach.
What Is a Data Breach?
A data breach happens when sensitive, personal, or confidential information is accessed or stolen by someone without permission. This can include your name, address, Social Security number, bank account information, credit card numbers, or even private medical records. Once this information is out in the open, it can be used for identity theft, financial fraud, or even online scams.
Data breaches can occur for many reasons. Sometimes, it’s because a company didn’t have strong cybersecurity systems in place. Other times, it’s because of human error, like an employee clicking a link in a phishing email. If your private data was exposed and it caused you harm, you may have the right to file a legal claim for compensation.
Can You Sue for a Data Breach in Maryland?
Generally, yes. Maryland law allows victims of data breaches to take legal action. If a company or organization fails to protect your information and it leads to a breach, they could be held responsible. This legal action typically falls under personal injury or consumer protection law.
In Waldorf and across Maryland, companies are required by law to keep your personal information safe. They also must notify you if there is a breach that could put your identity or finances at risk.
If a company was careless with your data, you may be able to sue them for negligence. That means they didn’t do enough to protect your information, and now you’re suffering because of it. Legal claims can also be filed under Maryland’s data breach notification laws or federal privacy laws.
Types of Damages You Can Typically Claim
When you file a lawsuit for a data breach, you may be able to claim several types of damages. Damages are the losses or harm you suffer because of the breach. These may include:
Financial Losses
If someone used your information to steal money, open credit cards, or make purchases in your name, you may be able to get that money back through your claim. Even if your bank covers the fraud, the stress and time it takes to fix the problem may still be part of your case.
Emotional Distress
Being a victim of a data breach can be stressful and frightening. You may constantly worry about identity theft, credit damage, or the safety of your family. This mental and emotional impact can be considered in your claim.
Time and Effort
Many victims of data breaches spend hours, if not longer, dealing with the fallout. You may have had to freeze your credit, talk to your bank, file reports, or change passwords. This time and hassle may be something you can recover in your claim.
Future Risk
Even if nothing bad happens immediately, the risk of identity theft may follow you for years. This ongoing threat can sometimes be factored into a data breach claim.
Each case is different. The value of your claim depends on the type of information exposed, how much harm you suffered, and how the breach happened.
Call Our Waldorf Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Protecting Your Future After a Data Breach
Being a victim of a data breach can feel like a violation of your privacy and your trust. You may feel helpless, angry, or anxious about what comes next. But you have rights under Maryland law and don’t have to face it alone.
If you have suffered a data breach, call a Waldorf personal injury attorney at Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. They can explain your legal options, help you understand what your case is worth, and guide you through the process.
For more information, please contact Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a confidential consultation with a personal injury lawyer. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, Waldorf, Annapolis, and Lexington Park, Maryland.
We proudly serve Charles County, Prince George County its surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers – Waldorf Office
8 Post Office Rd Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 932-9997
Available 24/7
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Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers – Lanham Office
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste #200 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 936-0011
Available 24/7