A class action lawsuit has been filed against the University of Michigan and other defendants related to the unlawful invasion of privacy and negligence related to the mishandling of personal and intimate information of student-athletes. The Michigan data breach lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm.
Matt Weiss, a football coach for the University of Michigan, accessed the private information of over 3,300 individuals, including athletes, without authorization. Many of these Weiss downloaded personal information and medical data, violating multiple state torts of invasion of privacy. By failing to safeguard personal data, implement safety measures, and monitor Mr. Weiss, the University of Michigan and third-party vendors caused psychological trauma, mental anguish, and anxiety to victims.
Mr. Weiss was recently indicted in federal court on multiple criminal charges. During the investigation, law enforcement officials searched his home. They found enough evidence to proceed with a criminal prosecution for unauthorized computer access and identity theft. He could track and spy on student-athletes and invade their private lives to obtain and use images of them and personal information relating to them.
If you have received a letter or email from the University of Michigan or the FBI advising that your personal information was unlawfully accessed, you can fight back and have a compensation claim. The data breach lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm are handling cases against the University of Michigan and other potential defendants.
Weiss’s Unauthorized Access Violations
Matt Weiss violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act by intentionally accessing student athletes’ private information without authorization, exceeding his authorized access as a medical sports employee at the University. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1030(g), the University of Michigan is liable for Weiss’s actions vicariously.
In addition, Mr. Weiss and the University of Michigan violated the Stored Communications Act, which prohibits unauthorized access to electronic communications and permits civil liability and damages.
Can I Sue for a Data Breach?
Yes, under federal law your privacy is protected in many ways. Data breaches often involve unauthorized access to personal information. Many data breach lawsuits are filed as class actions, where affected individuals collectively sue the responsible party. If you believe your privacy has been invaded by Matt Weiss and the negligence of the University of Michigan due to the data breach, consulting with a legal professional can help you understand your options and the best course of action.
What is Invasion of Privacy?
Invasion of privacy is a legal concept that encompasses several different types of wrongful actions. Here are the main categories:
- Intrusion upon seclusion: This occurs when someone intentionally intrudes, physically or otherwise, upon the solitude or seclusion of another person or their private affairs. Examples include unauthorized surveillance or eavesdropping.
- Appropriation of name or likeness: This involves using someone’s name or likeness for personal gain without their permission. For instance, using a person’s photo in an advertisement without consent.
- Public disclosure of private facts: This happens when someone publicly discloses private information about another person that is not of public concern and would be offensive to a reasonable person. An example is revealing someone’s medical records without their consent.
- False light: This occurs when someone publicly portrays another person in a misleading way that would be highly offensive to a reasonable person. For example, publishing an article that falsely implies someone is involved in illegal activities
The laws against the invasion of privacy help protect individuals from unwanted intrusion and embarrassment. The data breach lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm can protect you and fight back against these traumatic events and illegal practices.
Why Can I Sue the University of Michigan for Invasion of Privacy?
The University of Michigan is responsible for the actions of its employees, such as Matt Weiss. When Mr. Weiss illegally hacked and accessed students’ personal information, the University would be liable for Mr. Weiss’s actions. Data breach cases are complicated and require a thorough legal investigation. For example, experts may need to perform digital forensic examinations to analyze and preserve data to uncover evidence of the hack.
How Do I File a Lawsuit Against the University of Michigan for Data Breach?
The plaintiffs harmed by the actions of Matt Weiss, the University, and other third-party vendors are joining together to pursue a class action lawsuit. If you have received a letter from U of M or the FBI, contact the Lee Steinberg Law Firm today to protect your legal rights. These cases are complicated, with many legal hurdles.
What Compensation Can I Get for Invasion of Privacy
In a civil lawsuit for invasion of privacy, compensation can include intangible harms, such as emotional distress, humiliation, and loss of reputation. These damages are often harder to quantify but can be significant, especially if the invasion caused substantial emotional or psychological harm.
The compensation a victim can expect depends on several factors, including the type of photos, videos, and information stolen from the person, the number of such photos and videos, and the psychological trauma the hack and cyberattack had on the victim.
The amount of compensation for victims can vary greatly from person to person. Our attorneys will fight aggressively to ensure that our clients are awarded the greatest amount possible under the law.
Call the Matt Weiss Data Breach Lawyers Today
If your personal data, including videos, photos or personal information was hacked by Matt Weiss, you may be able to make a claim for money compensation. Contact the law firm with over 50 years of experience protecting injury victims. Timing will be important, so don’t hesitate to reach out today to get your claim started.
In addition, there are no attorney fees or costs unless we receive compensation for your case. You do not owe us a penny if we cannot obtain compensation.