|
|
Article: Civil liability for identity theft: identity theft can cause catastrophic financial damage, but many victims also suffer emotional, psychological, and even physical injuries. Civil claims against the responsible parties can help repair the damage.
- Article from:
- Trial
- Article date:
- February 1, 2007
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2007 American Association for Justice, formerly Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA®). This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
The crime of identity theft is widespread. While the incidence of some form of identity theft declined to 8.9 million Americans in 2005 (1) from almost 10 million Americans in 2002, (2) it remains a significant problem for those victimized.
The average out-of-pocket loss from identity theft is about $6,000, (3) though many victims lose even more in terms of time and emotional health. The average victim, for example, spends 40 hours trying to repair his or her credit. (4)
Recovering from a stolen identity isn't easy, but victims are not without recourse. Both criminal and civil law provide ways for victims to gain restitution for their losses and seek ...