Invasion of privacy occurs when someone unlawfully intrudes upon your personal life, exposes private information, or misuses your identity without consent. If your privacy has been violated, you need an experienced invasion of privacy lawyer to fight for your rights.
At Zimmerman Law Offices, we aggressively pursue justice for individuals whose personal, financial, or digital privacy has been unlawfully breached. Our firm has successfully handled high-profile privacy violation cases, securing substantial recoveries for our clients.
Types of Invasion of Privacy Cases We Handle
Our legal team specializes in handling privacy violations such as …
Intrusion Upon Seclusion
This occurs when someone intentionally invades your private life in a way that would be highly offensive to a reasonable person. Common examples include hidden cameras, unauthorized wiretapping, and stalking behaviors. For example, a landlord who installs surveillance cameras inside a tenant’s home without consent is violating the tenant’s fundamental right to privacy.
Public Disclosure of Private Facts
This violation happens when someone makes highly sensitive personal information such as medical records, financial details, or intimate personal matters public without consent. Even if the information is true, if it is not of legitimate public concern, it may constitute an unlawful privacy violation. Imagine a hospital employee leaking a patient’s private medical history online. This could lead to severe emotional distress, and the responsible party must face legal consequences.
False Light
False light protects individuals from misleading or defamatory portrayals that distort a person’s image. This often occurs in media or online publications when someone is falsely associated with criminal activity or scandalous behavior. If a news outlet falsely implies that an innocent individual was involved in fraudulent activity, that person may have grounds to file a lawsuit under false light invasion of privacy.
Appropriation of Name or Likeness
This occurs when a person’s name, image, voice, or identity is used without their permission for commercial gain. A common example is when a brand uses someone’s photo in an advertisement without their consent. If a company profits from your likeness without authorization, you may have a strong legal claim.
Consumer Privacy Violations
Our ever-increasing reliance on digital platforms makes consumer privacy violations more common than ever. Companies that mishandle sensitive customer data, fail to protect personal information, or expose consumers to identity theft through data breaches can be held accountable. A common example of a consumer privacy violation is when a retailer fails to secure customer credit card information, leading to identity theft and financial losses.
Workplace Privacy Violations
Employees are entitled to privacy in the workplace. Employers who engage in unlawful surveillance, read private emails without authorization, or access personal employee data without consent can be sued for privacy violations. If an employer unlawfully monitors an employee’s private communications, that worker may have grounds for legal action.
Social Media & Digital Privacy Violations
The rise of social media has led to a surge in digital privacy violations, including revenge porn, hacking, and doxxing (publishing private information with malicious intent). If a former partner distributes intimate images without consent or a hacker accesses and exposes private messages, these actions can have devastating consequences for the victims.
Illinois Privacy Laws That May Affect Your Case
Illinois has some of the strongest privacy laws in the U.S., including:
- Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) – Protects against the unauthorized collection and use of biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition.
- Illinois Right to Publicity Act – Prevents unauthorized commercial use of an individual’s name, image, or likeness.
- Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act – Protects consumers from companies that unlawfully collect, store, or distribute personal data.
Do You Have an Invasion of Privacy Case?
If your private information has been misused or your personal life has been unlawfully invaded, you may be entitled to compensation. Our firm will review your case and determine the best legal strategy to hold the responsible party accountable.
Why Choose Zimmerman Law Offices?
- Proven Track Record – Over $600 million in verdicts and settlements.
- Aggressive Legal Representation – We fight relentlessly for our clients’ privacy rights.
- Experienced Trial Attorneys – Led by Thomas A. Zimmerman, Jr., a top-rated attorney recognized as a Super Lawyer in class action and mass tort litigation.
- No Fees Unless We Win – We take invasion of privacy cases on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if we win.
- Personalized Legal Strategy – Every case is unique, and we develop tailored legal solutions to maximize results.
Invasion of Privacy FAQ
What damages can I recover in an invasion of privacy lawsuit?
In certain cases, victims may recover compensatory damages (such as emotional distress and lost wages), punitive damages (to punish wrongdoing), and statutory damages.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
Privacy violation claims are subject to statutes of limitations that vary by case type. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for privacy violations can be as short as one year, so act quickly. Contact us immediately to avoid losing your right to legal action.
Can businesses be sued for privacy violations?
Yes. Companies that mishandle customer data, engage in deceptive practices, or violate consumer privacy laws can be held accountable. We have successfully represented clients in class action lawsuits against major corporations for privacy breaches.
Get a Free Consultation with an Invasion of Privacy Attorney
If you believe your privacy has been violated, don’t wait. Our experienced breach of privacy lawyers are ready to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Call us at (312) 440-0020 or schedule your consultation online.
