ADT Home Security Cameras – Privacy Breach!

If you have an ADT security system installed at your home, your privacy could have been violated and your safety put at risk. In an article published by The Dallas Morning News, ADT fired an employee who gained access to hundreds of customers’ private security systems, including their cameras. According to a spokesperson for the security company, the technician added his own email address to the customer accounts, allowing him to see their video streams.

Fears Nachawati is seeking customers of the ADT security system breach to pursue a class-action lawsuit. Whether your cameras are located inside your home or on the exterior, you might be eligible for financial compensation. The employee invaded your privacy, and you have the right to legal action against the company that hired him. If you have ADT home security cameras on your property or inside your home, please call us at (800) 267-7157 to find out how we can help you.

What is an Invasion of Privacy?

You hear about it on the news frequently - people hacking into private security cameras and watching the victims in their homes. You think it’s something that could never happen to you. After all, you’re careful. You take all the necessary precautions to make sure your private surveillance stays private.

Unfortunately, it’s pretty easy for a security breach to occur. An invasion of privacy is the unwelcomed intrusion into another person’s life. The ADT employee who watched customers through streams on their own cameras is an extreme invasion of privacy. Customers typically trust that the company they’re purchasing a product from will ensure their privacy and safety. When the company’s negligent actions cause someone harm, whether physical or emotional, they should be responsible for the resulting losses.

What is a Class Action Lawsuit?

A class-action lawsuit involves a group of people who bring legal action against a defendant. In the beginning stages, the steps are pretty much the same as a traditional lawsuit involving only one plaintiff. The case starts with the victims pursuing a civil claim against the party responsible for their damages. Unlike an individual lawsuit where there is only one victim, a class action involves multiple injured individuals. The injury doesn’t have to be physical. In an invasion of privacy type of case, emotional trauma can be just as devastating as any physical injury.

It’s important to know that you don’t automatically qualify for a class action just because you’re in a situation where other people experienced similar harm from the same defendant. The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure dictate the qualifications you must meet to file a class-action lawsuit.

Numerosity: There are so many people in the proposed class that including all of them in the lawsuit as additional plaintiffs wouldn’t be practical;
Commonality: There are common issues among the entire class as a basis for the suit;
Typicality: The named plaintiff’s claims or defenses are typical of the other class members’ claims or defenses; and
Adequacy: The named plaintiff, as well as their attorney, will adequately and fairly protect the interests of all members of the class.

Not only do you have to meet the requirements listed above, but you also have to make sure your case falls into at least one of the following categories:

Litigating every case individually instead of as a class action would risk an inconsistent ruling that could lead to conflicting claims among class members or conflicting conduct standards for the defendant going forward.
The named defendant acted or refused to act in a manner that affects everyone in the class so that the entire class would benefit an official declaration of facts or rights or from an injunction that requires or prohibits some action by the defendant.
Questions of fact or law common to the class members predominate above questions that are unique to every class member’s circumstances, and a class action suit is superior to other methods of resolving the matter fairly and efficiently.

You deserve to feel safe in your own home.

Contact us today to get the justice you deserve for the invasion of privacy.

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Steps in a Class Action Lawsuit

A class-action lawsuit involves a group of plaintiffs that one or several lead plaintiffs represent. The lead plaintiff must have similar injuries as the other members of the class. If they don’t, they won’t be a suitable representation of the victims involved.

In the beginning, before proceeding with the suit, you must get a judge to certify the class. That means the lead plaintiff will need to show that the class members’ claim against the defendant is valid, and each member’s claim is similar. It’s also a requirement that the lead plaintiff shows that they are a suitable choice to represent the group members.

After the certification process, the plaintiffs receive a notification of the lawsuit by mail. You automatically belong to the class unless you choose to opt-out. Instructions regarding how to opt-out of a class action are within the notification letter. If you don’t withdraw yourself, you’ll remain a part of the class throughout the lawsuit.

Advantages of Joining a Class Action Lawsuit

When you decide to file a class-action lawsuit, it could benefit you in several ways. For one, you’re able to recover compensation without putting in the same amount of time and effort as you would if you were pursuing the case as an individual plaintiff. You’ll also likely spend less money by combining claims with similar victims of the same defendant.

There’s also an advantage in numbers. When one person is going up against a large corporation, it’s an intimidating situation. Big companies like ADT could drag out the lawsuit for many years, simply because they have the money and resources to do so. That could cause you to lose more money than you win. In a class action, however, the defendant might feel it’s necessary to settle the case quickly to avoid unnecessary costs and negative publicity.

How a Class Action Suit is Resolved

Just like in a single plaintiff lawsuit, class actions follow the same procedures. Depending on the nature of the claim, both sides have the right to go to court and argue their case in front of a jury. A judge ends up deciding the verdict if a jury trial is prohibited. Both parties also have the option to resolve the matter before the trial starts by agreeing to a settlement amount to distribute to the plaintiffs.

A lot of cases settle before they ever go to court. Since class action lawsuits include victims who don’t get involved in the litigation process, it’s up to the judge to make sure their rights stay protected. The amount of money each person receives depends on the type of claim filed.

When discussing the compensation each class member receives, the plaintiffs’ and defendant’s attorneys, along with the judge, come to an agreement about how to distribute the funds to all the plaintiffs. It’s also up to them to determine if each class member deserves equal financial awards, or some deserve less or more because of the damages they incurred.

How Fears Nachawati Can Help

We understand the overwhelming feeling of trusting a company that was negligent in protecting your privacy. You deserve to feel safe in your own home. It’s our goal to make sure those responsible for this egregious violation are held accountable. We will fight for the justice and fair compensation that you deserve.

At Fears Nachawati, we believe it’s important to focus on our clients’ needs and maintain honest communication. Our attorneys and staff dedicate their time and attention to every case to ensure a favorable outcome. We want you to receive the maximum compensation available for the suffering you had to endure.

If you have an ADT home security camera system inside or outside your home, call (800) 267-7157 or fill out our contact form right away to speak with a knowledgeable member of our team.