In just the first month of 2025, over 2.7 million people had their personal information exposed in major healthcare data breaches. One of the largest was at Frederick Health Medical Group. A ransomware attack compromised nearly one million patient records, including names, Social Security numbers, and medical histories.
If you’ve been notified that your information was part of a breach, you’re not alone. These attacks are increasing. They are not limited to hospitals. From banks and schools to retailers and law firms, cybercriminals are targeting the data that matters most to your identity and financial security.
If your personal details were compromised, here’s what industries are most at risk, what your rights are, and when it makes sense to contact a lawyer about a potential data breach lawsuit.
Industries Most Likely to Expose Your Data
Some organizations hold the kind of personal data that criminals can sell or use for fraud. These are the most targeted industries and why your data may be at risk.
Healthcare
Medical providers are one of the most frequent targets. They store names, birthdates, diagnoses, and billing records. A healthcare data breach can lead to medical identity theft, where someone uses your information to get treatment or prescriptions, or to commit insurance fraud.
Hospitals and clinics in Alabama and Tennessee have been hit with attacks that disrupted operations and exposed thousands of patients. If you received a notice about a healthcare data breach, your privacy and financial safety could be at risk.
Financial Institutions
Your bank, mortgage lender, or credit union stores enough information for someone to open accounts or take out loans in your name. In one Alabama case, a phishing email gave hackers access to a credit union’s network. Over $500,000 was stolen.
A financial data breach can impact your credit, drain your accounts, and take months to resolve. If you notice unfamiliar charges or new credit activity, it may be tied to a breach.
Education
School districts and colleges often use outdated systems. Yet they store detailed records for students, families, and faculty. In 2022, a ransomware attack on Shelby County Schools in Tennessee shut down access to grades, contact information, and schedules.
If your family’s school was affected, personal details like Social Security numbers, addresses, and emergency contacts may have been exposed.
Retail
Retailers collect your payment information and personal details with every purchase. A single breach can affect millions. The 2013 Target breach, one of the largest on record, cost over $200 million in damages. That attack started when hackers used stolen login credentials from a vendor.
If you’ve been told your payment information was involved in a breach, keep an eye on your accounts. You may also want to freeze your credit if you see suspicious activity.
Law Firms
Law firms often handle sensitive case files, personal data, and financial records. Many small and mid-sized firms in Alabama and Tennessee lack advanced cybersecurity protections.
If you’ve worked with a lawyer and their firm was breached, your private information could be exposed. That includes contracts, account numbers, or even details about your legal case.
What Laws Protect You When Your Data is Compromised?
You have legal rights when your personal data is mishandled. These laws exist to hold companies accountable and to give you a chance to respond.
In Alabama
The Alabama Data Breach Notification Act of 2018 requires businesses and government agencies to notify you and the Attorney General within 45 days if your sensitive data was involved in a breach. This includes any personal data linked with Social Security numbers, medical information, or account credentials.
If a company fails to notify you in time or failed to secure your information properly, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit.
In Tennessee
Tennessee law also requires that companies notify individuals within 45 days of discovering that unencrypted personal data was accessed. Delayed notification can violate the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, which allows for penalties and legal action.
Federal Protections
- HIPAA: Medical providers must inform you when protected health information is breached.
- GLBA and the Safeguards Rule: Financial institutions must maintain data security and report breaches.
- FERPA: Schools must protect student records. Breach notification varies by state.
These rules are not just administrative. If your rights are ignored or your information was mishandled, you may be able to take legal action.
What Happens After a Breach Affects You?
The consequences of a data breach can last months or even years. Victims commonly face:
Financial Loss
Stolen data is often used to make fraudulent purchases, file tax returns, or open new lines of credit. Once your identity is used, it may take time to correct records and rebuild your credit.
Stress and Time Lost
Cleaning up after a data breach is stressful. You may spend hours filing reports, making phone calls, and disputing charges. You may also worry about long-term effects on your finances.
Legal Action
When a company failed to protect your data or notify you promptly, you may have legal standing to sue. Data breach lawsuits have been filed successfully across Alabama and Tennessee.
In one 2023 case, Alabama plaintiffs filed suit against Cardiovascular Associates for not encrypting patient data. They also claimed delayed notification worsened their risk of harm.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you’ve been notified that your data was part of a breach, or even if you suspect it, take these steps as soon as possible. Time matters. The faster you act, the better chance you have at minimizing damage.
1. Change Your Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Update your passwords for any account tied to the breached organization. That includes online portals, bank logins, email addresses, or medical platforms.
Use strong, unique passwords for each account. Do not reuse the same one across platforms. If available, turn on two-factor authentication for added protection.
2. Check Your Credit Reports and Bank Accounts Closely
Review your credit reports for unfamiliar accounts, hard inquiries, or changes to existing lines of credit. You’re entitled to a free report from each of the three major bureaus, Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, at AnnualCreditReport.com. Also check your bank statements, credit card activity, and digital payment apps weekly for any unauthorized charges.
3. Place a Fraud Alert
Contact any one of the major credit bureaus and ask them to place a fraud alert on your file. That alert tells creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts. It lasts one year and is free. When you contact one bureau, they are required to notify the others.
- Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
- Experian: 1-888-397-3742
- TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
4. Freeze Your Credit
A credit freeze prevents lenders from accessing your credit report entirely, which blocks new credit accounts from being opened in your name. You’ll need to contact all three bureaus separately. Freezing your credit does not affect your score and can be lifted at any time. This is especially helpful if your Social Security number was involved.
5. Save All Documents and Communications
Keep every breach notification email, letter, or text. Also save any related documents from your bank, credit card provider, or health insurer. These records may help support your claim if you later decide to file a lawsuit. Create a folder and keep everything organized in case you need it for legal review.
6. Watch for Phishing Attempts
After a breach, scammers often send fake emails pretending to be from the affected company or related institutions. Do not click on links or download attachments from unexpected sources. When in doubt, contact the company directly using verified contact information.
7. File a Report if You Notice Fraud
If someone is using your identity or account, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. You can also file a police report in your local jurisdiction. Keep copies of all reports for your records.
8. Talk to a Lawyer
If your data was exposed, and the breach caused financial loss, emotional distress, or disruption to your life, speak with a data breach attorney. A lawyer can explain whether you have a case, help you understand your rights under Alabama or Tennessee law, and determine if you’re eligible to join an existing class action or file an individual claim.
Talk to Cory Watson Attorneys
If your personal information was exposed in a data breach, you do not have to deal with it alone. Cory Watson Attorneys has helped thousands of clients across Alabama and Tennessee recover damages from companies that failed to protect their data.
We’ve recovered more than $4 billion for our clients and have experience handling complex cases, including data breach lawsuits. Our attorneys can explain your rights and help you decide what to do next.
Call now for a free consultation. There is no obligation to move forward. Just answers, support, and a clear plan.