HIPAA Violations/Breach Lawyer

Unauthorized Access or Disclosure of Protected 

Health Information (PHI) and Medical Records –

Invasion of Patient Privacy Rights

 

Has Your Private Medical Information Been Shared, 

Accessed or Disclosed Without Your Permission?

When you share sensitive health information with a doctor, hospital, or insurance provider, you expect that information to remain private and confidential. Unfortunately, healthcare providers and other entities sometimes mishandle or improperly disclose your protected health information (PHI)—and when they do, the consequences can be deeply personal. Fortunately, legal remedies are available.

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📘 What Is HIPAA?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that sets strict standards for how healthcare providers, insurance companies, and affiliated entities must protect your medical privacy. HIPAA requires:

• Secure handling of your PHI (medical records)

• Limits on who can access your information

• Notification when a data breach occurs

Although HIPAA does not allow individuals to sue directly, a violation of your rights under HIPAA can support state law claims, particularly in cases involving emotional distress, reputational harm, or other personal damages.

🏆 Joe Adams: Protecting Medical Privacy Rights

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​Joe has represented clients whose confidential medical information has been improperly exposed, misused, or shared. He has secured significant recoveries in such cases. He helps clients seek legal redress when their protected health information has been compromised, including matters involving the following:

• Unauthorized Access to Records
  When hospital staff, coworkers, or others access your records without a valid reason.

• Disclosures Without Consent
  Sharing patient information without permission—whether intentional or careless.

• Employer Snooping
  When companies obtain or use medical details they have no legal right to access.

• Improper Handling by Insurance Companies
  Mishandling, leaking, or over-sharing sensitive medical data.

• Public Exposure of Private Information
  Gossip, social media posts, or any public disclosure causing reputational harm.

• Wrong-Patient Mix-Ups
  When another person mistakenly receives your private health information.

• Failure to Safeguard Digital Records
  Inadequate cybersecurity, outdated systems, or preventable digital breaches.

• Breach Through Third-Party Vendors
  Violations caused by outside companies managing billing, records, or IT systems.

• Improper Verbal Disclosures
  Conversations about your health overheard in public or shared in inappropriate settings.

• Delayed Breach Notification
  When you're not informed promptly—violating HIPAA’s notification requirements.

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⚖️ Legal Claims for HIPAA and Medical Privacy Violations

If your medical records were accessed, shared, or exposed without your permission, Attorney Adams may be able to help you obtain financial compensation through one or more of the following legal claims:

🔒 Invasion of Privacy

You may have a case if your private health information was accessed or disclosed without authorization. This includes accidental disclosures or intentional breaches by hospital staff, employers, or third-party vendors.

🧠 Emotional Distress

If the breach caused you embarrassment, anxiety, or trauma, you may be entitled to compensation for emotional harm. Courts have recognized these damages in medical privacy cases.

💼 Negligence

A healthcare provider that fails to put adequate safeguards in place may be held liable for negligent handling of PHI. Joe Adams can investigate whether a lack of training, policy, or oversight contributed to the violation.

💬 Breach of Confidentiality

Medical professionals and their institutions are legally and ethically required to protect patient confidentiality. If that trust was broken, legal action may be warranted.

🛑 Defamation (In Some Cases)

If false or misleading statements accompanied the disclosure and harmed your reputation, you may also have a valid defamation claim.

How HIPAA Violations and Breaches Can Support Your Case

While HIPAA itself does not provide a direct path to sue, it creates a framework of privacy rules that courts can use to evaluate state law claims. In many cases, a HIPAA violation is strong evidence that a healthcare provider failed to meet its legal duty to protect your personal information.

Who Can Be Helped

Attorney Joe Adams represents clients harmed by:

• Hospitals and healthcare systems

• Medical practices and clinics

• Pharmacies and drugstores

• Insurance companies

• Employers who accessed medical data

• Nursing homes and assisted living facilities

• Third-party contractors and affiliated companies

• Debt collectors handling personal health information

Speak With a HIPAA Privacy Lawyer Today

Attorney Joe Adams understands the emotional toll of medical privacy violations. He offers confidential, no-obligation consultations to help you understand your legal rights and options.

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If your medical records or protected health information were impermissibly shared, accessed, or disclosed without your permission, call Attorney Joe Adams directly at (215) 996-9977.