What Legal Firms Are Saying: Law Firm Responses and How to Choose One After the Hertz Data Breach

The recent Hertz data breach has raised serious concerns for millions of customers whose personal and financial information may have been exposed. 

As victims weigh their options, law firms across the country, including Morgan & Morgan, are stepping in to help affected individuals seek justice and financial recovery. 

If you’re wondering what the legal landscape looks like, what damages might be available, and how to choose the right representation, here’s what you need to know.

Law Firms Investigating the Case

When a breach of this scale occurs, prominent consumer protection law firms quickly mobilize to investigate. Morgan & Morgan, the nation’s largest injury and consumer protection firm, is actively reviewing claims from affected Hertz customers. Other firms are also exploring possible litigation, but not all take the same approach.

Some may pursue class action lawsuits, consolidating claims into a single, large case representing all victims. Others may advocate for mass arbitration, where each consumer files an individual claim but benefits from pooled resources and consistent strategies. Each approach has pros and cons depending on the facts of the breach and the size of the affected population.

Class Action vs. Mass Arbitration Approaches

It’s important to determine which type of lawsuit may be most beneficial for your case so you can fight for the compensation you deserve.

Class Actions

Class actions can be efficient when the harm to each individual is relatively small but widespread. The case moves forward as a single lawsuit, and the outcome applies to everyone in the class. However, recovery amounts may be modest, since damages are spread across all members.

 

Mass Arbitration

In recent years, mass arbitration has emerged as a powerful tool against corporations. It allows individuals to file claims separately while benefitting from coordinated legal support. For breaches involving significant damages, like the cost of credit monitoring, lost time, and identity theft, mass arbitration may maximize recovery for each victim.

Law firms like Morgan & Morgan assess both strategies and choose the path most likely to deliver results.

What Damages Are Being Pursued?

Legal actions in data breach cases often seek compensation for:

• Time Costs: Hours spent dealing with banks, freezing accounts, or updating passwords.
• Identity Protection: Costs of credit monitoring services or identity theft protection.
• Financial Losses: Unauthorized charges or stolen funds.
• Emotional Distress: Anxiety and stress caused by the exposure of personal data.
• Future Risks: Potential long-term exposure of sensitive information, including Social Security or driver’s license numbers.

The damages available depend on the details of the case, but firms like Morgan & Morgan fight to ensure victims don’t shoulder the burden alone.

How to Evaluate a Law Firm’s Firepower

Not all firms are created equal. When choosing representation, victims should consider:

• Track Record: Has the firm successfully handled large-scale data breach cases before?
• Recovery Amounts: What have they secured for clients in similar cases?
• Experience: Do they have the size, resources, and tech knowledge to stand up to a major corporation like Hertz?

For over 35 years, Morgan & Morgan has handled some of the largest consumer protection cases in the U.S., recovering over $25 billion in the process and garnering over 100,000 five-star reviews. And as the largest personal injury law firm in the country with offices in every state, we can make the difference between a token settlement and meaningful compensation.

Understanding the No-Fee Structure

Morgan & Morgan operates on a contingency fee basis for these cases. That means:

• No upfront costs for clients.
• No payment unless the firm wins or settles the case—never out of pocket and only out of a settlement.
• The firm takes a percentage of the recovery, aligning their interests with yours.

This risk-sharing model makes it possible for individuals to pursue claims without worrying about legal bills piling up.

Steps to Reach Out

If you’re considering joining a lawsuit or arbitration against Hertz, the process usually begins with a free case evaluation. Morgan & Morgan offers free case evaluations to assess your situation.

From there, you can:

1. Submit your details about the breach notice you received.
2. Speak with an attorney or case manager to confirm eligibility.
3. Receive guidance on next steps, documentation, and timelines.
   
    

Privacy Considerations When Contacting a Firm

Ironically, after a data breach, many victims are hesitant to share more personal information. It’s important to remember that reputable firms use secure intake systems to protect your data. They’ll only request necessary details, such as proof you were affected, and confidentiality rules bind attorneys to safeguard your communications.

Before providing sensitive documents, verify you’re working with a legitimate, established firm.

Recognizing Scams

Unfortunately, scammers often exploit high-profile breaches by posing as law firms or settlement administrators. To protect yourself:

• Verify the firm’s website and phone number through independent searches.
• Look for official press releases or announcements about their involvement.
• Be wary of anyone asking for upfront fees—reputable firms don’t operate this way.

Morgan & Morgan, for example, never charges to evaluate a case.

Benefits of Legal Representation vs. DIY Claims

Some victims consider pursuing claims on their own. While this may be possible, the odds are rarely in your favor. Large corporations like Hertz employ teams of lawyers to minimize liability. With experienced legal representation, you benefit from:

• Strength in numbers when thousands of cases are combined.
• Leverage in negotiations to secure larger settlements.
• Expertise in damages calculation, ensuring no loss is overlooked.

Without representation, individuals risk missing deadlines, undervaluing their claims, or falling victim to corporate delay tactics.

What Happens After You Join a Firm?

Once you’ve signed on with a firm like Morgan & Morgan, the process typically unfolds as follows:

1. Documentation Collection: You’ll provide copies of breach notifications, financial records, or proof of losses.
2. Case Filing: Your claim is included in a class action or mass arbitration.
3. Updates & Communication: The firm will keep you informed as the case progresses.
4. Settlement or Trial: If a settlement is reached, you’ll receive instructions on how to claim your share.

Throughout the process, you’ll have access to case managers and attorneys who can answer questions and provide updates.

By understanding the legal strategies, damages pursued, and the process of choosing a firm, you can make an informed decision about your next steps. Whether through class action or mass arbitration, experienced legal representation can give you the power to fight back.

If you believe your information was exposed in the Hertz breach, contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. With a proven track record and no upfront costs, we stand ready to fight for you.