WGK Personal Injury Lawyers | October 24, 2025 | Personal Injury
A data breach can do more than just compromise your personal information—it can disrupt your life. From fraudulent charges and identity theft to the emotional toll of knowing your data is out there, the consequences can be severe and long-lasting.
If you’ve been affected by a data breach in Maryland, you may be wondering what your rights are and how much compensation you could receive. Here’s what Maryland residents need to know about pursuing a data breach claim.
What Is a Data Breach?
A data breach occurs when sensitive, protected, or confidential information is accessed or disclosed without authorization. These incidents are often the result of cyberattacks, hacking, phishing schemes, employee negligence, or failure to maintain proper cybersecurity protocols.
Examples of personal information that can be compromised include:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank and credit card information
- Login credentials
- Medical records
- Driver’s license or government ID numbers
Maryland has laws requiring companies and other entities to notify affected individuals when their personal data is exposed in a breach. However, simply receiving notice doesn’t fix the damage.
If you’ve suffered losses or emotional harm, you may have the right to pursue compensation through legal action.
Can You Sue for a Data Breach in Maryland?
You may be able to sue for a data breach in Maryland if you can show that:
- The entity responsible for safeguarding your data failed to take reasonable steps to protect it, and
- You suffered harm—financial, emotional, or otherwise—as a direct result of that breach.
While not every data breach leads to a successful lawsuit, many do—especially when there’s clear negligence involved, such as a failure to encrypt data, use firewalls, or fix known security flaws.
Some lawsuits are filed individually, particularly when a victim has experienced significant personal damage. Others may be filed as class actions, especially when the breach affects a large number of people.
Types of Compensation Available in Maryland Data Breach Cases
Victims of data breaches in Maryland may be eligible to receive compensation for both financial and emotional damages. This may include economic damages, such as:
- Unauthorized charges or bank withdrawals
- Credit card or identity theft-related expenses
- The cost of credit monitoring and fraud protection services
- Fees for replacing compromised documents
- Lost wages if you had to take time off work to deal with the aftermath
You may also be able to recover for your non-economic damages, including:
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety or fear of future misuse of your information
- Loss of privacy
- Mental anguish related to the violation of your personal data
Punitive damages may also be available in rare cases where a company’s conduct was particularly egregious or willfully negligent.
How Much Is My Maryland Data Breach Claim Worth?
The value of a data breach claim in Maryland varies widely based on:
- The type and amount of data compromised
- The level of negligence or recklessness by the company or entity
- The number of victims affected
- Whether your data was actually misused or resulted in fraud
- The cost of recovering from the breach, both financially and emotionally
Some claims may result in a few hundred dollars to cover monitoring services or minor expenses related to fraud. Others may be worth thousands—or more—if identity theft, financial loss, or long-term psychological harm is involved.
There is no fixed amount, which is why case-specific legal guidance is so important.
What To Do if You’ve Been Affected by a Data Breach
If you believe your information has been compromised in a data breach, take these steps immediately:
- Review and monitor all financial accounts
- Report suspicious or fraudulent activity
- Place a fraud alert or freeze on your credit
- Save all communication from the company or entity that experienced the breach
- Keep records of any costs or time spent resolving the issue
- Consult an attorney to explore your legal rights
Acting quickly can help minimize damage—and strengthen your case if you choose to pursue compensation.
A Maryland Data Breach Lawyer Can Help
Understanding your rights after a data breach can be confusing, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. A Maryland data breach lawyer can investigate what happened, determine whether you have a viable claim, and help you seek full and fair compensation.
Whether you’re facing financial losses, identity theft, or emotional stress, legal representation can make a difference in holding the responsible party accountable. Don’t wait—if you’ve been affected by a data breach in Maryland, reach out to WGK Personal Injury Lawyers today.
We offer a free consultation with a Maryland personal injury attorney.
For more information contact the Baltimore personal injury law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
By appointment only
(410) 970-3080
