How Much Can I Claim for a Data Breach in New York?

When you share personal information with a business, hospital, or financial institution, you expect it to be kept safe. Unfortunately, data breaches have become increasingly common in New York and across the United States. 

Hackers and negligent companies can expose sensitive details like Social Security numbers, bank account information, or medical records. If your data has been compromised, you may be wondering: How much compensation can I claim for a data breach in New York? 

The answer depends on several factors, including the type of information exposed, the harm you suffered, and the laws that apply to your case.

What Is a Data Breach?

A data breach occurs when personal information (PI) or protected health information (PHI) is accessed, shared, or stolen without permission. This information may include: 

• Name, address, phone number, and email address
• Birth date
• Social Security number, driver’s license number, and/or passport number
• Financial information, including bank account numbers, debit or credit card information, security codes, and PINs
• Medical information, including insurance policy numbers, medical history, and details about someone’s health or condition
• Online account credentials
• Other unique identifying information, like biometric information, IP addresses, and tax ID numbers

The exposure of this information can lead to serious consequences like identity theft, financial loss, or damage to your credit score. Even if criminals haven’t yet used your information, you may still face ongoing stress, costs for credit monitoring, and the risk of future fraud. 

A civil lawsuit or class-action lawsuit allows you to pursue compensation for the harm you have suffered. 

Examples of Recent High-Profile Data Breaches

Data breaches are increasingly common. Examples of recent high-profile data breach settlements include: 

• Equifax: $380.5 million (147 million affected consumers)
• Yahoo: $117.5 million (194 million affected)
• Anthem: $115 million (79 million affected)
• Marriott: $52 million (131 million affected)
• Experian: $22 million (15 million affected)
• Banner Health: $8.93 million (2.9 million affected)
• Quest Diagnostics: $195,000 (34,000 claimants)
• AT&T: $177 million (73 million in one breach and 109 million in a second breach)

In 2024, the average cost of a data breach reached $4.88 million. 

How Much Compensation Could You Receive?

The amount you can claim for a data breach in New York varies widely. Generally, your compensation will depend on:

• The sensitivity of the data exposed: For example, Social Security numbers and medical records are considered more valuable than email addresses alone.
• Whether your information was misused: If criminals used your data to steal money, open credit accounts, or commit identity fraud, your claim could be worth more.
• Out-of-pocket expenses: Costs for credit monitoring, identity theft protection, postage, or legal fees are often included in a claim.
• Lost time and income: Victims who had to take time off work to address the breach may recover compensation for lost wages. Time you spent monitoring your accounts or credit, or otherwise addressing the impact of the breach, is also considered. 
• The emotional impact: Anxiety, stress, and disruption to your daily life can also factor into the compensation amount

When a breach results in identity theft, victims face the greatest financial and emotional toll. On average, identity theft victims spend ten hours and $202 out of pocket to resolve fraud. In 2023, identity theft cost consumers $43 billion. 

Class Action Settlements for Data Breaches

When a data breach results in a consumer class action settlement, consumers are often grouped into tiers or classes. This creates a tiered compensation system with payouts that are based on the nature of the harm. 

For instance, in 2025, AT&T reached a $177 settlement related to two separate data breaches. In 2019, more than 65 million former customers and 7.6 million current customers had sensitive data like Social Security numbers and birth dates exposed. 

A 2024 breach occurred when a hacker accessed the company’s cloud storage provider, accessing text and call records for more than 109 million U.S. customers. Consumers who can submit documented proof that they suffered damages resulting from the data breach qualify for the highest, prioritized payouts. 

These claimants can receive up to $5,000 for the 2019 breach and up to $2,500 for the 2024 breach. The remainder of the settlement fund will be distributed equally to the remaining claimants. 

Types of Damages Available

Victims of a data breach in New York may be eligible for both economic damages and non-economic damages. You may generally seek compensation for losses such as: 

• Unauthorized charges and financial losses
• Costs of restoring your identity or credit
• Expenses for fraud alerts, credit freezes, or monitoring services
• Out-of-pocket costs for legal expenses, postage, and more
• Legal expenses
• Lost income if the breach interfered with your ability to work
• Unpaid time spent addressing fraud and identity theft
• Emotional distress, anxiety, and ongoing stress
• Damage to your reputation or peace of mind

A data breach can turn your life upside down, leaving you to deal with financial losses, damaged credit, and constant worry about identity theft. While compensation can’t undo the harm, it can help cover expenses and provide some measure of justice.

Contact a Utica Personal Injury Lawyer at Passalacqua & Associates, LLC for Help Understanding the Value of Your Settlement

The exact amount you can claim for a data breach in New York depends on the circumstances of your case. Settlements may range from a few dollars in large-scale breaches if you did not suffer actual damages to thousands if you experienced financial losses and emotional harm.

If you’re recovering from a car accident in Utica, don’t rely on online averages to decide what’s fair. Every injury is different, and so is every claim.

The most reliable way to protect your interests is by working with an experienced Utica personal injury attorney at Passalacqua & Associates, LLC who understands New York’s rules, local jury tendencies, and the tactics insurers use to shortchange victims. You don’t need to chase a number—you need to build a case that commands respect. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Passalacqua & Associates, LLC
7 Hopper St, Utica, NY 13501
Open 24/7
(315) 500-6425

Passalacqua & Associates, LLC
499 S Warren St #220, Syracuse, NY 13202
Open 24/7
(315) 500-6425