How much are data breach lawsuits worth?

Asked by: Bella Feil  |  Last update: January 14, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (71 votes)

Thus far, 2024 has been a banner year, featuring the first, second, and sixth largest data breach related securities class action settlements of all time, totaling $560 million. These cases involved alleged failures to disclose data breaches or material aspects relating to how customer data is secured.

How much can I sue for a data breach?

Penalties. Individuals harmed by a data breach can start a civil action to recover any incurred damages, with the exemption of individuals affected under the medical information-specific statute in California. The maximum amount awarded for a single event cannot go over $250,000.

How much will each person get from Equifax settlement?

In 2022, Equifax offered affected Americans $125 or 10 years of free credit monitoring, although some customers reported receiving less than their share.

How much do companies pay for data breaches?

The cost of a data breach continues to rise every year as new attack methods, new vulnerabilities, and new risks appear. According to IBM's Cost of a Data Breach Report 2023, the average cost of a data breach in 2023 was USD $4.45 million, a 2.3% increase from 2022's cost of $4.35 million.

Can you get money for a data breach?

Anyone, whose personal information was compromised, leaked, or mis-used as a result of a data breach incident. You can make a data breach claim for compensation even if you haven't suffered any loss (e.g. out of pocket expenses or emotional distress).

How Much Does a Data Breach Really Cost - The Real Cost of Data Breaches and Cyber Attacks

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What is the biggest data breach settlement?

Meta's $1.4 billion settlement with the Texas Attorney General for unlawful collection of biometric data in violation of the Texas Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act and The Deceptive Trade Practices Act (largest ever privacy settlement in the U.S.).

How long does a data breach settlement take?

A claim for data breach compensation could take anywhere from a few months to a few years to resolve. If the surrounding circumstances are relatively clear cut and the organisation accepts a settlement, you can expect the process to proceed much faster.

What is the maximum amount you can be fined for a data breach?

The EU GDPR sets a maximum fine of €20 million (about £18 million) or 4% of annual global turnover – whichever is greater – for infringements. However, not all GDPR infringements lead to data protection fines.

How is cost of data breach calculated?

To determine the impact of a data breach we have to figure out the cost per record. In future steps we can multiply the average cost per record against the size of the data breach. Furthermore, because we will simulate the data breaches as data breaches with random sizes.

Has anyone received money from Equifax settlement 2024?

Important Settlement Update

The settlement administrator has been sending out payments for out-of-pocket losses, time spent claims, and other cash benefits. In November 2024, the settlement administrator will be sending prepaid cards with additional payments to those who previously received a payment.

Has anyone received money from Equifax breach?

Status of financial reimbursement

Cash reimbursements have been sent to people who submitted requests for payment. Under the Equifax Data Breach Order, leftover funds are used to reimburse people who have valid claims. If you submitted a valid claim, you could receive an extra payment.

When should I expect my Equifax settlement check?

When and how will I receive the benefits I claim from the Settlement? Credit Monitoring Services claimed by Settlement Class Members during the Initial Claims Period will begin, and payments for valid claims will be made, after January 11, 2022 (the Settlement Effective Date).

What are the most common types of claims in data breach litigation?

Most data breach lawsuits are filed by breach victims and involve causes of action for negligence, breach of contract, breach of warranty, breach of fiduciary duty, false advertising, and unfair or deceptive trade practices.

How much is the Equifax breach settlement?

These final payments are being drawn from the restitution fund of up to $425M that was agreed to by the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 50 U.S. states and territories, the attorneys representing the consumer class action plaintiffs, and Equifax.

How much money can you sue for breach of contract?

In a breach of contract case, damages typically cannot exceed four times the actual losses. However, the exact amount depends on the specifics of your case. Consult with a lawyer to determine the potential damages you may recover.

How much can I get paid for a data breach?

How much compensation can I get for a data breach? It depends on many factors and typically ranges from $100 to $750 per person (in some severe cases it can go up to $5,000). California and few other states allow claims for emotional distress without any economic harm.

How much is a data breach claim?

You can get from £3,000 to £8,600 if your financial information is breached, depending on the complications of the breach. You can get from £8,600 to £25,700 for the more serious data protection breach cases that have led to serious consequences.

Is data breach a felony?

Hackers and cybercriminals can face criminal charges like computer fraud, identity theft, and wrongful disclosure, which may lead to jail sentences. Depending on the nature of the crime and the jurisdiction, the hacking itself may be classified as a misdemeanor (less serious) or a felony (more serious).

How much is Cash App settlement 2024 per person?

Those who have used Cash App to transfer money in the last six years may be eligible for up to $2,500 as part of a class-action settlement. The deadline to file a claim is Nov. 18, 2024, at 10:59:59 p.m. PT.

How much will each person get from T-Mobile settlement?

Under the settlement, T-Mobile has agreed to pay an amount equal to about $4.60 per person affected by the data breach. California residents may receive $100 (though the actual amount will likely be significantly less), unless they can provide documentation showing other losses.

What settlements are out right now?

Open Class Action Settlements
  • $150M Chevy Bolt battery defect class action settlement. Settlement. ...
  • $2.5M Professional Finance Co. data breach class action settlement. ...
  • $1.6M Nonstop Administration and Insurance Services data breach class action settlement. Settlement. ...
  • Subaru windshield defect class action settlement.

How much is the Bank of America settlement?

Bank of America hasn't admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to pay $21 million to resolve the bank fee class action lawsuit. Under the terms of the Bank of America settlement, class members can receive a proportional share of the settlement fund based on the amount they paid in wire transfer fees.

How many people were affected by the Equifax data breach?

On Sept. 7, 2017, the Equifax credit bureau publicly revealed its computer networks had suffered a data leak that exposed the personal information of 143 million consumers, a number later raised to 147 million.

Can I sue for a data breach?

Anyone who has been affected by a data breach may have the right to file a lawsuit, including individuals, businesses, or organizations that have suffered harm due to the breach.