Michigan Coach Matt Weiss Data Breach Lawsuit Lawyers

A Michigan data breach lawsuit lawyer can help if you were a computer crime victim of an invasion of privacy of University of Michigan football coach Matt Weiss. Personal data theft is a major problem today and causes mental anguish, anxiety, and other psychological trauma to victims.

The indictment of Michigan QB coach Matt Weiss for computer crimes has left many hack victims wondering about their legal options. Matt Weiss, who resided in Ann Arbor, was the subject of law enforcement activities, including a search of his home during the investigation into unauthorized computer access and identity theft involving college athletes.

If you received a letter from the FBI or The University of Michigan advising you that your personal photos and information were unlawfully accessed, you may have a claim for compensation.  The computer crime lawsuit lawyers at The Buckfire Law Firm is handling cases against the university for victims of this widespread invasion of privacy.

• What Constitutes an Invasion of Privacy?
• How Data Breaches Most Often Happen
• How Do I File a U of M Data Breach Lawsuit?
• What is the Compensation for Invasion of Privacy?

Key Takeaways

• Matt Weiss, Michigan’s co-offensive coordinator, has been indicted for unauthorized access to private accounts of over 3,300 student athletes and aggravated identity theft, raising significant concerns about privacy violations.
• Victims of the breach can pursue civil lawsuits for damages. Institutions can also be held liable if they fail to protect sensitive data, underscoring the importance of robust legal protections.
• Specialized computer crime lawyers play a crucial role in helping victims navigate the legal landscape, ensuring their rights are protected and assisting in both civil and criminal actions against perpetrators.

Overview of the Case: Matt Weiss’s Indictment

The indictment of Michigan’s co-offensive coordinator, Matt Weiss, has brought to light a shocking breach of privacy involving over 3,300 student athletes nationwide. Weiss targeted athletes based on their athletic history. The indictment alleges obtained unauthorized access to private accounts, orchestrating a scheme to collect intimate photographs and videos. He accessed cloud storage accounts to collect intimate photographs and videos. This egregious and unlawful conduct has severe implications for the victims whose lives have been disrupted by this invasion.

The indictments are legal allegations made by the federal prosecutor but not a finding of wrongdoing by Matt Weiss or the university.  Mr. Weiss is presumed innocent and has the right to defend himself against these allegations. He has the right to a trial and can choose to have the case decided by a jury if it is not dismissed by a judge or if he does not accept a plea agreement.

Victims of this scandal are not without recourse. Those affected may be able to file lawsuit claims to receive monetary compensation for their loss of privacy and emotional suffering. This case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in our digital age and the importance of robust legal protection.

What Constitutes an Invasion of Privacy?

Invasion of privacy involves infringement upon an individual’s right to privacy by several intrusive or unwanted actions.  These invasions of privacy can include:

• Physical encroachments on a person’s private property
• Taking unauthorized photos and videos of a person
• Accessing a person’s private e-mail or text messages
• Unauthorized access to a person’s private social media accounts

Access to this information, even if not disclosed to others, has a profound effect on the victims’ mental and emotional state.  Private, personal, and intimate photos and information accessed by an unauthorized person causes embarrassment, humiliation, and other emotional harm.

Can I Sue the University of Michigan for Invasion of Privacy?

You may be able to sue the University of Michigan for invasion of privacy if your personal accounts were hacked and accessed by Matt Weiss. Much work and investigation must be done to determine if this cybercrime attack was preventable by the school with proper oversight and procedures to protect against its computers being used for criminal purposes.

Victims of digital abuse have several avenues to seek justice and compensation. They can pursue civil claims for damages related to privacy violations, emotional suffering, and even potential medical expenses linked to the breaches. These lawsuits can provide financial relief and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

Moreover, institutions that failed to protect sensitive information can also be held liable. Victims can seek financial compensation through civil lawsuits against universities and vendors if it can be demonstrated that these entities neglected their duty to safeguard private data. This dual approach not only addresses immediate harm but also promotes systemic change to prevent future breaches.

Will My Identity Become Public if I File a Lawsuit?

Many victims are apprehensive about filing a lawsuit because they do not want their identity made public in the case.  Our law firm is filing lawsuits for victims and naming them “Jane Doe,” which is a legal way to file a claim and still protect the identity of the victim from public exposure. We will file your case the same way.

Role of Computer Crime Data Breach Lawyers

Specialized computer crime lawyers play a vital role in helping victims navigate the complex legal landscape of cyber laws. These lawyers are essential in efforts to sue for victims of computer hacking. Victims of data breaches have the option to pursue both civil and criminal actions against perpetrators, and lawyers with expertise in cyber law are essential in prosecuting these cases under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.

The award-winning lawyers at The Buckfire Law Firm assist victims in collecting evidence, building a strong case, and increasing the chances of a favorable outcome in court. They are also adept at negotiating settlements, which can help minimize the need for lengthy and stressful court proceedings. By leveraging their knowledge and experience, computer crime lawyers ensure that victims’ rights are protected, and justice is served.

How Buckfire Law Helps Invasion of Privacy Victims

The Buckfire Law Firm is at the forefront of assisting victims of Matt Weiss’s unlawful actions. The federal government is overseeing the prosecution of Matt Weiss, emphasizing commitment to vigorously pursue computer hacking offenses to protect citizens’ privacy. In addition to the criminal prosecution, victims may also be able to file a lawsuit against the University of Michigan for their civil claims of invasion of privacy.

The firm is actively investigating claims on behalf of those affected, ensuring that victims have access to the legal support they need, including guidance from attorney Robert Lantzy.  Mr. Lantzy is adept at litigating claims against universities and was actively involved in the sex abuse lawsuits against the University of Michigan, Ohio State University, and Michigan State University that resulted in over one billion dollars in total settlements.

Buckfire Law offers free and confidential consultations, allowing victims to discuss their cases without the burden of financial constraints. Additionally, Buckfire Law provides around-the-clock accessibility, demonstrating their commitment to justice and their clients’ well-being.

How Data Breaches Most Often Happen

There are many factors that go into how most data breaches happen.  These include:

• Weak or reused passwords: A significant percentage of breaches are attributed to easily guessed or compromised passwords. Many people use the same password for multiple accounts and this provides easy access to hackers.
• Phishing attacks: Cybercriminals use deceptive emails, texts, or websites to trick users into revealing sensitive information or installing malware.
• Insider threats: Malicious or negligent employees or contractors with authorized access can misuse their privileges to access or steal data.
• Social Engineering: Cybercriminals manipulate individuals to gain access to systems or information.

Companies, hospitals, universities, and other entities work hard to combat computer hacking by their employees and authorized computer users.  However, there are often holes in their security systems which miss widespread hacking and cybercrimes.

In this case, Michigan QB coach Matt Weiss was authorized to use athletic department computers for many purposes related to the football team, including recruiting student athletes.  However, he abused this authority by gaining illegal access to information and data that allowed him to access the private accounts of college athletes nationwide.

Is the University of Michigan Liable for the Unauthorized Access to Computers?

Even though this may seem like a rogue act of a single employee, there are thousands of victims to his crimes.  There are several legal theories of liability that are relevant in cases of cybercrime and data breaches. Unauthorized access often targeted individuals based on their school affiliation. One prominent theory is the invasion of privacy, where the unauthorized access and misuse of personal data constitute a significant breach of privacy rights.

Other theories include negligent supervision, where an entity fails to adequately oversee individuals who have access to sensitive information, and negligence in cybersecurity management, which involves the failure to implement proper security measures to protect against unauthorized access. These legal frameworks provide a basis for holding both individuals and institutions accountable.

The breach of private accounts in the Matt Weiss case has raised significant concerns about the responsibility of institutions and third-party vendors in safeguarding sensitive data. Weiss accessed information from databases maintained for over 100 colleges, affecting more than 150,000 student athletes, highlighting a severe lapse in data security protocols.

This incident underscores the legal ramifications of data breaches in educational settings, influenced by regulatory frameworks like GDPR, which impose strict obligations on institutions to protect personal data. The fallout from such breaches can result in substantial financial and reputational damage for the institutions involved.

Is it Worth Suing Over a Data Breach?

Civil lawsuits suing for a data breach can be very important to victims. This is the only way to recover the harm you suffered from the invasion of your privacy.  You can still pursue a claim for money compensation even if you did not know your personal photos and videos were accessed by Michigan coach Matt Weiss at the time your private sites were hacked by him.

How Do I File a U of M Data Breach Lawsuit?

There will likely be a class action lawsuit filed against The University of Michigan and separate lawsuits filed by individuals.  With over 3,000 victims, there will be many legal procedural obstacles to navigate to file and qualify for a settlement.

If you received a letter from the FBI or any other entity advising you that Matt Weiss unlawfully accessed your personal data, photos, or video, you should contact our award-winning law firm today. We will protect your legal rights and pursue claims on your behalf.

Is there a Class Action Lawsuit for Coach Weiss’s Computer Crimes?

A class action lawsuit has not been filed as of March 25, 2025, for invasion of privacy claims against the University of Michigan for the Coach Matt Weiss computer hacking incidents.  A class action case may be filed shortly, and you may be able to join if you were a victim.

Contact The Buckfire Law Firm now to learn more about your legal rights and options to pursue compensation for the harms you suffered from your private photos and videos being hacked.

The Broader Impact on College Athletes and Athletics

The scandal involving the Michigan assistant football coach has broader implications for college athletics. Educational institutions are increasingly targeted by cyber-attacks, with higher education institutions being particularly vulnerable to more complex breaches compared to primary and secondary schools.

Recent surveys indicate that nearly 85% of higher education institutions have reported experiencing cybersecurity breaches or attacks within the last year. This alarming trend highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect student athlete databases and other sensitive information.

The fallout from such breaches extends beyond the immediate victims, affecting the reputation and integrity of college athletic programs. As universities depend more on digital resources, incidents like Weiss’s hacking raise concerns about the future of college football programs and the need for enhanced cybersecurity protocols.

What is the Compensation for Invasion of Privacy?

Victims of cybercrimes are entitled to various types of compensation. Money damages for invasion of privacy can provide financial relief for the harm caused by unauthorized access to personal information. Additionally, victims can seek compensation for emotional distress and public humiliation resulting from the breach.

The factors that go into determining the amount of the settlement include:

• The specific photos, videos, and information hacked from the victim
• The number of photos and videos hacked from the victim
• The content of the photos and videos hacked from the victim
• The impact the hacking had and will continue to have on the victim

If there are settlements with the University of Michigan for the Matt Weiss’ invasion of privacy data hacking lawsuit, the amounts for each victim will likely vary on a case-by-case basis.   Our law firm will work hard to get you the highest possible settlement for your claim.

These forms of compensation are crucial in helping victims recover from the psychological and financial impact of cybercrimes. They also serve as a deterrent to potential perpetrators and institutions that fail to protect sensitive data.

Examples of Cyber Crime Settlements

Significant settlements in cybercrime cases illustrate the potential outcomes for victims. Equifax settled a major lawsuit for $650 million due to a data breach that compromised the personal information of around 150 million consumers. Similarly, T-Mobile reached a $350 million settlement following a data breach that affected approximately 77 million customers.

Other notable settlements include Capital One’s $190 million settlement for a data breach affecting around 100 million individuals and Vizio’s $2.2 million settlement over unauthorized data collection through its smart televisions. These examples demonstrate the significant financial consequences of data breaches and the importance of holding perpetrators and institutions accountable.

Contact The Buckfire Law Firm Now

If you were a computer hacking victim of Michigan football coach Matt Weiss, you may be able to file a claim for compensation.  Contact the award-winning Buckfire Law Firm now to get your claim filed today.  There is no cost to start your claim and there are no legal fees unless you receive a settlement.  If you do not receive a settlement, you owe us nothing!

Legally reviewed by:

Lawrence J. Buckfire, J.D., Lead Trial Attorney at Buckfire Law
Lawrence J. Buckfire, J.D. has over 30 years of experience specializing in personal injury and wrongful death cases. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and attended Wayne State University School of Law. Lawrence has been named a Super Lawyer, U.S. News Best Lawyer, and in The National Trial Lawyers-Top 100 Trial Lawyers.
Date of Review: Mar., 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the legal options for victims of computer hacking?

Victims of digital abuse can pursue civil claims for damages related to privacy violations and emotional suffering, as well as seek financial compensation from institutions that did not adequately protect their data. It is crucial for victims to understand their rights and the legal avenues available to them.

How can computer crime lawyers assist victims?

Computer crime lawyers assist victims by clarifying legal options, gathering evidence, constructing strong cases, and negotiating settlements, thereby enhancing the likelihood of a successful resolution in court.

What types of compensation can victims seek in cybercrime cases?

Victims of cybercrime can seek compensation for money damages related to invasion of privacy, emotional distress, and public humiliation stemming from the breach. These forms of compensation are essential for addressing the impacts of such incidents.

How do I File a Claim against The University of Michigan?

You should contact a lawyer specializing in computer crime hacking lawsuits for assistance with filing a claim. There are many technical and procedural legal obstacles in these cases, and you need an experienced lawyer on your side.