Stephen Schultz | December 3, 2025 | Personal Injury
Disclaimer: Our law firm does not handle data breach cases. This article is for informational purposes only. Information found in the article does not constitute formal legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship.
When your private information is exposed in a data breach, such as your Social Security number, credit card information, or medical records, you may wonder: how much can you claim?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people get only a small payment, others receive thousands or more if they suffered real harm. This article explains what affects your potential claim, how different cases work, and what you should do if you suffer from a data breach.
Factors That Determine the Value of a Data Breach Claim
Exposing sensitive data often increases the risk of fraud or identity theft.
If the breach exposed highly sensitive data, your claim is likely to be worth more. For example, a breach case in which Social Security numbers, bank or credit card information, medical records, or other personal identifiers were exposed can be worth more than if only email addresses or general contact information were exposed.
Here are some examples of factors that can affect how much a data breach case might be worth:
Whether You Suffered Actual Harm or Loss
Compensation depends heavily on whether you experienced real harm. Real harm might include fraudulent charges on your account, identity theft, bank fees, damaged credit, or other out-of-pocket costs related to the breach. If there is no measurable harm beyond the exposure itself, settlements usually result in modest payouts.
Company Negligence and Legal Basis
If the company failed to take reasonable precautions to protect your data or failed to notify you promptly after the breach, that can strengthen your legal claim. Courts or settlement agreements may award higher compensation when there is clear negligence.
Whether the Claim Is Part of a Class Action or an Individual Lawsuit
Most data breaches end up in class action lawsuits, where many people affected are combined in a single case. In those situations, payouts per person tend to be lower (because the settlement fund is divided among many victims). If you file an individual lawsuit, especially with serious damages, you could potentially recover more if the case goes well.
Legal Options for Seeking Compensation
If your personal information was exposed in a data breach, you may be able to seek financial compensation through a mix of federal and state laws. Many state laws allow individuals to take legal action against companies that fail to protect personal data.
On the federal level, several laws could also offer protection:
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA): Protects medical records and personal health information
- Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA): Requires banks and other financial institutions to secure sensitive financial information
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Ensures the accuracy, privacy, and proper handling of information by credit reporting agencies
An experienced attorney can help identify the best legal approach for your situation. Depending on your case, you may be able to pursue claims under state law, federal law, or both. Selecting the right legal path can have a major impact on the amount of compensation you may be entitled to.
Contact Our St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyers at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Data breach settlements vary significantly. It all depends on the sensitivity of the compromised data, whether misuse occurred, the number of people involved, and the extent of the documentation.
If your private data was exposed or misused in a breach, you have the right to explore legal remedies. The amount you might receive depends on many factors, including the nature of the breach, your losses, and the strength of your evidence. Call our St. Louis personal injury lawyers at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
Personal injury accidents can change your life in an instant. If you’ve suffered a personal injury, call Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers now to schedule a free consultation with a St. Louis Personal Injury attorney. We’ll review your case for free and help you take the next steps toward justice and recovery.
Contact the attorneys at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation, we proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County and Boone County and we have offices in St. Louis, Ladue, Columbia, Creve Coeur.
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
319 N 4th Street, Suite 835, St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 444-4444
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Columbia Office
28 N 8th St # 502, Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 702-3285
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Ladue Office
9807 S 40 Dr, St. Louis, MO 63124
(314) 912-3302
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
999 Executive Pkwy Dr #205, Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 350-4021
