Q & A Session – Appropriate Compensation for Violation of Privacy Act
Ask the Lawyer received the following question (paraphrased for easier reading and clarity) from a reader on a legal matter that might be of interest to the entire audience.
Q:
If the 1974 privacy act is violated during an internal investigation of a staff member, what is the appropriate monetary compensation?
A:
A civil action can be filed in federal court for some violations of the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552(a). if the violation is established, the plaintiff is entitled to actual damages, which are set at a minimum of $1,000, and attorneys fees.
Bill Bransford is managing partner of Shaw, Bransford & Roth, PC.
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