Rob King & Associates, Trail Lawyers | September 12, 2025 | Personal Injury
Data breaches are on the rise across the United States, and Indiana residents are not immune. The consequences can be life-changing when a company fails to protect your sensitive information. Breaches can affect anything from Social Security numbers to bank accounts to medical records.
If you have been affected by a breach, you may be asking: How much compensation can I claim for a data breach in Indiana? The answer depends on the type of data exposed and the harm you suffered under state and federal laws.
Why Do Data Breach Claims Matter?
The damage when your private information falls into the wrong hands is often not temporary. Fraudulent activity can follow you for years, and emotional distress can linger long after the breach. You may be able to replace a stolen credit card. However, identity theft tied to a Social Security number, bank account, or medical history may take years to resolve.
Indiana law requires companies to protect sensitive consumer data. They must also promptly notify residents if a breach occurs. If a business fails to meet these responsibilities, victims may be entitled to pursue compensation.
What Damages Can Indiana Victims Recover?
You may face financial losses and emotional or reputational harm long after a breach. The law recognizes both categories, and compensation may be available for each. Victims of data breaches can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are measurable losses that can usually be proven with documentation.
Examples may include:
- Unauthorized charges and withdrawals
- Credit monitoring costs
- Account freezes and restorations
- Lost wages for time spent dealing with identity theft
Economic damages can be proven using things like bank statements, receipts, or employment records. They can also add up quickly, especially if fraud continues over months or years.
Non-economic damages recognize the emotional toll of having your personal data exposed. Courts are increasingly open to awarding non-economic damages for more personal losses.
Examples may include:
- Emotional distress from fear of ongoing fraud
- Anxiety and sleeplessness
- Reputational harm if sensitive health records or personal details are leaked
- Loss of privacy
Even if you have not directly lost money, the law recognizes the emotional weight and risk caused by a breach. Evidence of your losses can justify meaningful compensation.
Factors That Affect the Value of Your Claim
Not every data breach claim is worth the same amount. The value of your case depends on the unique facts surrounding the breach.
Indiana courts or settlement negotiators determining compensation often weigh factors such as:
- What kind of data was exposed? Social Security numbers and medical records are typically more valuable than email addresses and other data. This is because they carry greater long-term risks of identity theft.
- How did the breach affect you? Breaches that cause financial fraud and out-of-pocket expenses are valued differently from breaches where no harm has occurred.
- Did the company involved act responsibly? Quick action to notify victims and offer protection services may reduce liability. Delays or a lack of transparency may increase
- What was the scale of the breach? Larger breaches often trigger class actions, which can increase the likelihood of compensation. They may also lower individual payouts compared to a standalone claim.
- Is there evidence of harm? Documented fraud, receipts for expenses, medical records, or even testimony about stress and anxiety can significantly strengthen your claim.
Each of these elements plays a role in how much compensation you may be entitled to pursue. Working with an Indiana lawyer can help you maximize recovery.
Examples of Major Data Breach Settlements
Examining past data breach cases helps illustrate what is possible when victims take legal action.
Every case is unique, but these settlements show how courts and companies value breaches:
- Equifax: Settlement of up to $700 million, including $425 million for consumers
- AT&T: Agreed to pay $177 million to settle claims after a breach exposed the customer records of millions of people
- Ticketmaster: Proposed settlement of $20 million after a data breach affecting millions of users, offering payouts and credit monitoring
Indiana residents directly affected by these national cases were eligible to make claims.
Contact Our Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers at Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers After a Data Breach
Whether you were part of a nationwide class action or suffered harm from a smaller-scale data breach, you may have the right to recover damages. An experienced Indianapolis personal injury lawyer from Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers can evaluate your case and explain your options.
For more information, please contact Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a [PRACTICE AREA] lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana, today.
We proudly serve Marion County and its surrounding areas.
Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers – Indianapolis Office
22 E Washington St #310
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 916-0000
