Jeanne Anne
Steffin
Attorney-At-Law
"When
deserving people need special legal help..."
Call: 626-235-1173 TOLL FREE
1-800-771-5187
Email: jsteffin@steffin.com
ID Theft Due to Negligence
Obligations of Government Agencies
Those who are treated in government facilities and who receive Government benefits depend upon the vigilance and competence of those agencies to safeguard their personal information. These data includes names, addresses, relatives, and social security information. Just as critical is medical information that can adversely affect employment, insurance, and daily activities. Such information is widely disseminated among Government agencies, both within Government computers and on the internet. The potential for breaches of such information is therefore high because of the multiple agencies and personnel who have access to it.
Negligence in safeguarding personal data
In several instances during the last few years, major breaches have been uncovered in safeguard procedures regarding sensitive personal data for veterans. In particular, large amounts of data were leaked when laptop computers under control of the VA were lost or stolen.
Consequences of breaches of privacy
In view of these events, Veterans in particular need to be vigilant in determining whether sensitive data have been leaked. If you suspect that your identity information or medical records have been disseminated improperly, you should take action. In such a situation, you may bring legal action under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to recover for monetary and other damages you sustain as a result of such breach of information.
If you believe your data have been compromised by a Government agency, we suggest that you call our office for an initial consultation without obligation. We customarily prosecute meritorious cases on a contingency basis.