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Why You Should Check for a Data Breach

Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm in

Data breaches and cybersecurity are a growing concern. Today’s world brings technology into almost every aspect of our daily lives – from smart devices that run our sprinkler systems to routine credit card purchases – making us vulnerable to theft or misuse of our personal information.

Very vulnerable. A data hacking incident occurs every 39 seconds worldwide, affecting one in three Americans each year. Data breaches exposed 4.1 billion records in the first half of 2019.

Not only are the number of security breaches going up, they are increasing in severity. Many large organizations have experienced significant threats of confidential data.

In just the past few weeks, the Arnold Law Firm has reported on incidents that compromised personal information involving:

Companies that use your personal information have a duty to keep your data safe and comply with data privacy legislation, including the California Privacy Act (CCPA) for residents of California. Cybersecurity incidents expose sensitive information that can leave victims at risk for identity theft and fraud.

It is likely that you, or someone you know, has suffered a data breach, perhaps without realizing it. Yet 64 percent of Americans have never checked to see if their personal information may have been compromised.

Most people simply don’t know what steps to take in the event of a data breach or how to find out if they have been involved in one.

We suggest that you search your email folders for “notice of data breach” or “notice of security incident.” These notices are commonly screened by spam filters and may not reach your inbox. You may find a data breach notice that you did not know about!

If you are a resident of California, you can also check the California Attorney General website for an up-to-date list of data breaches. Search for vendors you have used. The organization listing will include a sample NOTICE OF DATA BREACH sent to affected individuals with details about the data breach.

If you have received a NOTICE OF DATA BREACH and are located in California, contact the Arnold Law Firm at (916) 777-7777 to discuss your situation and legal options.

Settlement - $3,767,000

Truck Accident

A 20-year-old man who had been married for just 12 days left home on his way to work. He was driving on Pleasant Grove Road in Sutter County in the early morning when he came upon a slow-moving truck. As he pulled out to pass the truck, the truck driver turned left in front of him. The young man attempted to steer back into his lane but his vehicle struck an un-flagged piece of metal extending from the back of the truck. He died in the resulting crash.

Expert witnesses brought in by the Arnold Law Firm proved that the truck, owned and operated by a hauling firm, should never have been on the highway that morning. Specifically, the rear and side turn signals did not work and the rear-view mirror was in a poor state of adjustment at the time of the collision. As a result, the driver, who had failed to properly inspect the vehicle before setting out that morning, couldn’t see the young man’s vehicle as it attempted to pass.

The poor condition of the truck, its lack of maintenance and the manner in which it was operated were found to be substantial factors in causing the collision that killed the young man. The testimony also established that the man had been making a lawful pass at the lawful speed limit and acted reasonably when he attempted to avoid the collision.

The man’s 20-year-old widow was awarded $3,767,000.77, his parents were awarded $185,131 and the family was reimbursed $11,899 in funeral expenses. Though money is a poor substitute for a young man’s life, this verdict demonstrates that drivers who endanger the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions.