ADT Security Camera Breach Lawsuits in Dallas

Fighting for ADT Invasion of Privacy Victims

On April 23, 2020, ADT Security Services released a statement notifying over 200 customers in the Dallas area that one of its former employees had unauthorized access to their personal accounts and security systems for years – including access to video streams of cameras placed in private areas of people’s homes.

The shocking announcement means that as many as 220 Dallas residents could have been spied upon in their own homes, and that ADT may have made considerable missteps in supervising its employees, and preventing inexcusable invasions of privacy.

If you are one of the 220 Dallas – Fort Worth area customers notified by ADT about the security breach, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Our attorneys at Aldous \ Walker want to help, and are available to discuss your rights and legal options during a FREE consultation.

Why Choose Aldous \ Walker?

Aldous \ Walker is a Dallas-based trial law firm that has earned national recognition for our work fighting for the injured and the wronged. Over our years in practice, we’ve been trusted by clients, communities, and colleagues throughout Texas and beyond. Here are just a few reasons why:

• Our firm has been named among the Tier 1 list of “Best Law Firms” by U.S. News.
• Our attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers®, The Best Lawyers in America®, and numerous other prestigious publications.
• We secured 2 of the Top 5 (and 3 of the Top 10) largest verdicts in Texas in 2019.
• We’ve recovered hundreds of millions in compensation for our clients.

At Aldous \ Walker, we’re passionate about client advocacy, and focus exclusively on representing victims in cases where we truly care. Contact us to speak with an attorney about your potential case.

Dallas ADT Security Camera Breach

Here are a few key facts according to ADT’s statement:

• A former Dallas-based employee obtained unauthorized access to the accounts of at least 220 Dallas area customers;
• The employee obtained access to customer accounts and security systems over a 7-year period from 2013 to 2020.
• Most if not all the impacted customers are reportedly women.

Following an internal investigation, ADT found that during service visits and scheduled service appointments, the technician would exploit the ADT Pulse service mode function to add his personal e-mail address to a customer’s account. This would provide him unauthorized access to:

• Operate within customers’ ADT site apps as a verified user;
• Stream live video footage from customers’ security cameras;
• Download videos and images from customers’ security systems.

As noted by ADT, the unauthorized access was not necessary to properly service a customer, and was a violation of ADT protocol and policy.

What’s more, the breach gave the former employee access to cameras located in areas where customers have a reasonable expectation of privacy – including bedrooms, where ADT often suggests cameras be placed.

ADT’s Response to The Security Breach

Following its investigation, ADT terminated the employee, revoked the unauthorized access, and is announced it will remove the ability for technicians to exploit the ADT Pulse service mode function in its next software update. ADT officials also said they have notified law enforcement, and intend to cooperate with their criminal investigation.

Although this means that the former ADT employee may be criminally charged and prosecuted for his actions, criminal proceedings against the employee will not serve to provide victims with meaningful compensation for their damages.

For victims, the civil justice system is the only viable means to seek full financial compensation.

Dallas ADT Invasion of Privacy Lawsuits

As in the case of sexual assault and sexual abuse, victims may have the right to file lawsuits in the civil justice system to recover compensation for their damages.

Because Texas protects individuals against “unreasonable intrusion,” these lawsuits may claim affected customers were victims of an ongoing invasion of privacy, among other claims.

As civil claims, these lawsuits are separate matters from any criminal proceedings, and are adjudicated using a lower burden of proof than what is used in criminal courts: a preponderance of the evidence (which means “more likely than not”) rather than beyond a reasonable doubt. Additionally, they concern only fault and financial responsibility, rather than criminal guilt.

Who is Liable For The ADT Security Breach?

Because the wrongdoer in this matter was an employee of ADT, it can be argued that ADT is responsible for failing to prevent the privacy breaches committed by its technician.

This may be due to ADT’s failures to:

• Adequately screen potential employees when hiring;
• Adequately supervise its employees;
• Identify and stop the employee’s conduct earlier;
• Prevent security breaches and abuses in its technology;
• Protect customers’ privacy and uphold contractual obligations.

What Compensation Can Victims Recover?

Victims of the ADT security breach in Dallas may have the right to recover compensation for their economic and non-economic damages.

Although every case is different, this may include compensation for:

• Mental anguish;
• Emotional suffering and emotional distress;
• Humiliation, fear, and embarrassment;
• Reputational harm;
• Damage to relationships;
• Medical expenses, including mental health / psychological treatment.

Discuss a Potential ADT Invasion of Privacy Lawsuit With a Dallas Attorney

Aldous \ Walker is actively reviewing potential claims from ADT customers who have been alerted by the security company about a privacy breach in their account. Our award-winning trial lawyers offer free and confidential consultations, and can help you learn more about your rights, legal options, and what our firm can do to help.

Contact us to speak with an attorney.