Millions of people, including folks right here in Anchorage, were affected by recent breaches like the AT&T data breach, Ticketmaster data breach, UnitedHealthcare data breach, and thousands of others.
So what now? Can you sue? Should you? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on the details of your case, the type of information that was exposed, and how that exposure has impacted you personally or financially.
This article will look at liability, what kinds of compensation may be available, and why proving your losses can be both crucial and challenging. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of what to expect if you decide to pursue legal action and how to take the first steps toward protecting your rights.
What Exactly Is a Data Breach?
In plain terms, a data breach means someone got access to your personal information without your consent. That could be through a cyberattack, employee error, or even poor security practices.
Alaska takes these breaches seriously. The Alaska Personal Information Protection Act requires companies that collect your personal data to tell you if something goes wrong, and they have to do it promptly. No dragging their feet.
If your Social Security number, financial account info, driver’s license number, or health records were exposed, the company must notify you without unreasonable delay. Whether the breach came from a hacker or an internal screw-up, the obligation to inform you is the same.
The law also covers breaches involving third-party vendors and cloud services that store or handle Alaskans’ personal data.
The only time notification may be delayed is if law enforcement believes it would interfere with an active investigation. That exception is narrow and temporary. For breaches involving health information, federal HIPAA law requires notice within 60 days.
Civil Penalties for Companies That Fail to Notify
When a business fails to follow those rules, there are financial consequences.
Here’s what’s on the line:
- Up to $500 per person affected
- Up to $50,000 total per breach event
Here’s the thing: these penalties aren’t paid to the victims. They’re typically enforced by the Consumer Protection Unit under the Alaska Attorney General’s office and go to the state.
While these fines can put pressure on companies to do better, they don’t cover your personal losses. That’s where civil claims come in.
What Monetary Damages Can Alaska Residents Claim After a Data Breach?
If you’ve been affected by a data breach, you may be entitled to compensation for direct expenses and losses related to the incident.
In Alaska, victims may be able to recover:
- Costs to repair credit or resolve identity theft
- Unauthorized charges or related bank fees
- Lost wages from time spent addressing the breach
- Missed financial opportunities or damage to credit
The standard cap for individual claims is $500 in actual, provable damages. In more severe cases, especially those involving willful misconduct or significant harm, additional compensation may be available through a civil lawsuit.
If you can show that the entity responsible for safeguarding your data committed a “knowing” (intentional) violation of the law, the court can award punitive damages of at least $100 and up to $5,000 per violation. Also, if you sue and win, the law allows you to recover court costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees.
Steps You Can Take Right Now to Protect Yourself
When your personal data gets leaked, acting quickly can make a real difference in limiting the damage.
Start by freezing your credit. It’s free, and it blocks anyone—including identity thieves—from opening new accounts in your name. You can do this through Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. It takes a few minutes and gives you real protection.
Next, check if the company that leaked your data is offering free credit monitoring. Many do. It’s not perfect, but it can alert you to suspicious activity like a new credit card or loan application, so you can act fast.
One more thing: if the breach somehow connected your name to criminal activity you weren’t involved in, you can ask the court for a certificate of factual innocence. It’s a formal way to clear your name and protect your record.
Contact an Anchorage Personal Injury Lawyer at Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers Today
Whether your information was exposed by a national company or a local business here in Anchorage, you deserve to know your rights and what steps you can take next.
At Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers, we’re ready to listen, investigate, and help you understand your legal options. If you’ve been affected by a data breach, taking that first step could make all the difference in protecting your future and recovering what you’ve lost.
For more information, please contact Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We have two locations in Alaska, including Anchorage and Eagle River.
Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers – Anchorage
2525 Gambell St #410,
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 999-9999
Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers – Eagle River
13135 Old Glenn Hwy, Suite 101
Eagle River, AK 99577
(907) 802-4097