HIPAA Violations/Breach Lawyer For Unauthorized Access or Disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI) – Invasion of Patient Privacy Rights & Medical Malpractice Lawyer Information
Has Your Private Medical Information Been Shared, Accessed, or Disclosed Without Your Permission?
When you trust a doctor, hospital, or insurance company with your medical information, you expect confidentiality.
But when that trust is broken—whether through careless disclosure, internal “snooping,” or a data breach—the impact can be deeply personal. In some cases, these breakdowns are not just privacy violations—they may also be signs of larger failures in care. Attorney Joe Adams helps individuals understand what happened, identify all potential legal claims, and pursue compensation for the harm caused.
What Is HIPAA?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that protects your medical records. It requires:
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Secure handling of your medical information
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Limits on who can access or share your data
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Timely notification if a data breach occurs
While HIPAA doesn’t let you sue directly, courts often use it to evaluate state law claims like invasion of privacy, emotional distress, or negligence.
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Many people aren’t sure what kind of case they have. That’s because the some of the same breakdowns that can lead to privacy violations can also lead to serious medical errors.
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You may have a privacy-related claim if:
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Your medical records were accessed without authorization
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Sensitive information (HIV status, mental health, test results) was disclosed
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A provider disclosed your condition publicly or improperly
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Your records were sent to the wrong person
You may have a medical malpractice claim if:
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You were given the wrong medication or dosage
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A condition was misdiagnosed or ignored
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A provider relied on incorrect or incomplete medical records
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Delays or errors in treatment caused harm
In some cases, both are connected
For example:
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Accessing the wrong patient chart can lead to the wrong treatment
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Poor record systems can result in both data exposure and medical mistakes
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Lack of oversight or training can cause systemic failures affecting your care
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We help clients identify viable claims regarding both HIPAA breaches and Medical Malpractice matters.
Was This Just a HIPAA Violation or Also Medical Malpractice?
Some clients come to us after something went wrong at a hospital — but they aren’t sure whether it was a privacy violation, negligent treatment, or both. If your case involves medical errors — like a misdiagnosis, wrong medication, botched surgery or failure to act — you may have a medical malpractice claim. Joe Adams can help you sort it out and coordinate with trusted medical malpractice counsel, when appropriate, to pursue financial compensation on your behalf.
Common Situations We Hear from Clients:
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A nurse or staff member accessed your records without your permission
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Your HIV status, test results, or mental health information was disclosed to others
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A doctor publicly discussed your diagnosis or treatment
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You were given the wrong medication or incorrect dosage
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You received a "letter" from a hospital or medical provider stating that your personal information or medical records may have been improperly accessed, disclosed or compromised
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Common titles for these "letters" include:
• HIPAA Breach Notification Letter
• Notice of Data Breach
• Notice of Privacy Breach-
If you receive one of these letters, go to www.annualcreditreport.com and immediately request your free credit reports from all three major credit bureaus.
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Carefully review them for errors.
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If anything looks wrong, do not dispute it online through the credit bureau’s websites. Doing so may limit your right to a jury trial.
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A serious medical condition was ignored or not properly treated, causing harm or even death
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Your employer improperly accessed or used your medical information
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Any of these above experiences may involve a HIPAA violation, medical malpractice, or both. Attorney Joe Adams help you understand what happened — and what to do next.
What We Handle
Attorney Joe Adams represents individuals harmed by:
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Hospitals and medical groups
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Insurance companies
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Employers and HR departments
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Pharmacies
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Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
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Debt collectors or third-party vendors
Legal Claims for HIPAA & Medical Privacy Violations
Invasion of Privacy
Your PHI was accessed, viewed, or shared without authorization — whether intentional or accidental.
Emotional Distress
If the breach caused anxiety, embarrassment, or trauma, you may be entitled to compensation.
Negligence
The provider failed to train staff or implement proper safeguards — and it led to exposure of your information.
Breach of Confidentiality
Medical professionals are legally obligated to protect what you told them in confidence.
Defamation (in limited cases)
False or misleading statements made alongside a privacy breach may support a defamation claim.
Examples of HIPAA Violations We Handle:
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Unauthorized snooping by coworkers or hospital staff
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Improper disclosure to employers or family
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Public exposure via gossip, social media, or verbal disclosures
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Delayed or missing breach notification
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Misrouted medical records or “wrong patient” disclosures
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Insurance company or billing vendor mishandling
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Inadequate cybersecurity leading to a data breach
Why Choose Joe Adams
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Focused on HIPAA and medical privacy law
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Proven track record of results in complex privacy cases
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Respectful, confidential intake process
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Connected to trusted medical malpractice lawyers for dual-issue cases
Schedule a Free, Confidential Consultation
Your story matters. Let’s talk about what happened — and what to do next.​
​If your medical records or protected health information were impermissibly shared, accessed, or disclosed without your permission, or you would like to discuss a potential medical malpractice case, call Attorney Joe Adams directly at (215) 996-9977.