THIS INVESTIGATION IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS.
If You Got Notice of the
Gearhiser, Peters, Elliott & Cannon data breach
STATUS: This investigation is no longer accepting new clients.
We are investigating data breach class action lawsuit claims relating to the Gearhiser, Peters, Elliott & Cannon data breach—an event which exposed the private data of countless individuals. If you interacted with Gearhiser, Peters, Elliott & Cannon, your information was probably taken by cybercriminals. That’s serious. They can take out credit cards in your name, get your tax return, take your identity and ruin your credit. If you were notified by Gearhiser, Peters, Elliott & Cannon of this data breach, contact us fast. We can help.
About Gearhiser, Peters, Elliott & Cannon
Cole & Van Note is investigating Gearhiser, Peters, Elliott & Cannon, PLLC, a full-service law firm established in 1974, specializing in litigation, business, tax, and estate planning. The firm is headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee and maintains sensitive client and case-related information as part of its legal services. [1]
On March 17, 2026, Gearhiser, Peters, Elliott & Cannon, PLLC began reporting a data breach involving unauthorized access to its systems. While specific details regarding the timing and scope of the incident remain limited, the breach raises concerns about how systems containing confidential legal and personal information were accessed and whether sensitive data may have been exposed without detection. [2]
Although the full scope of the compromised data has not been publicly disclosed, breaches involving law firms can expose highly sensitive personal and financial information. The compromised data may include identifying and case-related information, including:
• Names
• Contact Information
• Financial or Legal Information
• Other Personal Identifiers
Incidents involving law firms are particularly concerning due to the volume of confidential client information they maintain, often including personal, financial, and legal records. Exposure of this information can increase the risk of identity theft, financial fraud, and misuse of sensitive legal data. Individuals affected by this incident should remain vigilant and monitor their personal and financial information for any suspicious activity.
Considering the number of people impacted by this event, Cole & Van Note’s data breach attorneys will be pursuing legal action on behalf of those affected. If you have received notice of this data breach, you should contact us for immediate response.
[1] Litigation & Business Attorneys in Chattanooga, TN
[2] Data Security Breach Reports | Office of the Attorney General
Once you contact us...
- Review Your Breach Notice: Send us the Notice and then keep a copy for your records.
- Enroll in Credit Monitoring: Take advantage of any free services offered.
- Update Passwords: Change passwords and security questions for online accounts.
- Monitor Accounts: Regularly check statements and credit reports for signs of fraud.
- Request a Fraud Alert: Contact credit bureaus to add a temporary alert to your credit file.
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Join the Case
About Gearhiser, Peters, Elliott & Cannon, PLLC
Cole & Van Note is investigating Gearhiser, Peters, Elliott & Cannon, PLLC, a full-service law firm established in 1974, specializing in litigation, business, tax, and estate planning. The firm is headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee and maintains sensitive client and case-related information as part of its legal services. [1]
On March 17, 2026, Gearhiser, Peters, Elliott & Cannon, PLLC began reporting a data breach involving unauthorized access to its systems. While specific details regarding the timing and scope of the incident remain limited, the breach raises concerns about how systems containing confidential legal and personal information were accessed and whether sensitive data may have been exposed without detection. [2]
Although the full scope of the compromised data has not been publicly disclosed, breaches involving law firms can expose highly sensitive personal and financial information. The compromised data may include identifying and case-related information, including:
• Names
• Contact Information
• Financial or Legal Information
• Other Personal Identifiers
Incidents involving law firms are particularly concerning due to the volume of confidential client information they maintain, often including personal, financial, and legal records. Exposure of this information can increase the risk of identity theft, financial fraud, and misuse of sensitive legal data. Individuals affected by this incident should remain vigilant and monitor their personal and financial information for any suspicious activity.
Considering the number of people impacted by this event, Cole & Van Note’s data breach attorneys will be pursuing legal action on behalf of those affected. If you have received notice of this data breach, you should contact us for immediate response.
[1] Litigation & Business Attorneys in Chattanooga, TN
[2] Data Security Breach Reports | Office of the Attorney General
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How Data Breaches Occur
Data breaches happen in various ways. Common methods include:
- Phishing Attacks: Deceptive emails which trick authorized users into providing sensitive information like passwords to criminals.
- Malware: Malicious software, such as viruses or ransomware, is used to infiltrate systems and steal or encrypt data.
- Weak Passwords: Using easily guessable or outdated passwords make it easy for hackers to gain access.
- Unpatched Vulnerabilities: Failing to update software can leave known security gaps that attackers can exploit.
- Insider Threats: Employees or contractors with access to sensitive data may compromise security.
- Social Engineering: Manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information.
- Data/Device Theft: Physical theft of devices, such as laptops or external drives, which grant access.
Why Companies Need to be Held Liable
Corporations will tell you they are the “victims” in data breaches. Not so. Those who suffer after a data breach are those who have lost their privacy, their money, their peace of mind. When inadequate cybersecurity measures have led to a data breach, the law says you can sue for money damages under many theories, such as:
- Negligence;
- Breach of Implied or Express Contract;
- Breach of the Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing;
- State law claims such as the California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 56, et seq.), California Consumer Legal Remedies Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1750, et seq.), California Information Practices Act of 1977 (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1798, et seq.), California Consumer Records Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1798.80, et seq.) and California’s Unfair Competition Law (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 17200, et seq.)
- Fair Credit Reporting Act.
How Data Breaches Occur
Data breaches happen in various ways. Here’s a general overview of common methods:
- Phishing Attacks: Deceptive emails which trick authorized users into providing sensitive information like passwords to criminals.
- Malware: Malicious software, such as viruses or ransomware, is used to infiltrate systems and steal or encrypt data.
- Weak Passwords: Using easily guessable or outdated passwords make it easy for hackers to gain access.
- Unpatched Vulnerabilities: Failing to update software can leave known security gaps that attackers can exploit.
- Insider Threats: Employees or contractors with access to sensitive data may compromise security.
- Social Engineering: Manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information.
- Data/Device Theft: Physical theft of devices, such as laptops or external drives, which grant access.
Why Companies Need To Be Held Liable
Corporations will tell you they are the “victims” in data breaches. Not so. Those who suffer after a data breach are those who have lost their privacy, their money, their peace of mind. When inadequate cybersecurity measures have led to a data breach, the law says you can sue for money damages under many theories, such as:
- Negligence;
- Breach of Implied or Express Contract;
- Breach of the Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing;
- State law claims such as the California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 56, et seq.), California Consumer Legal Remedies Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1750, et seq.), California Information Practices Act of 1977 (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1798, et seq.), California Consumer Records Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1798.80, et seq.) and California’s Unfair Competition Law (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 17200, et seq.)
- Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Final Thoughts
People don’t take data breaches as seriously as they should. But you should. As such, for more details and updates about data breaches, visit our Data Breach Law page. But please don’t wait until your information is sold or used to get informed or to call us.
Thereafter, check out additional resources such as our Hacker Checker, the HIPAA Journal and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. If you’re still interested, let us direct you to the information you need.
Finally, don’t forget about us if you experience issues relating to data breaches, false advertising/consumer fraud and product liability/defective products claims. Whether you’re confident you have a claim, want fast compensation or just want some friendly advice, it is worth your time to talk with us. Our staff is approachable, knowledgeable and can work with you, free of charge, to meet your unique needs.
Final Thoughts
For more details and updates about data breaches, visit our Data Breach Law page. People don’t take data breaches as seriously as they should. Don’t wait until your information is sold or used to make a phone call.
Additional resources include our Hacker Checker, the HIPAA Journal and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Let us direct you to the information you need.
Finally, don’t forget about us if you experience issues relating to data breaches, false advertising or consumer fraud and product liability/defective products claims. Whether you’re confident you have a claim, want fast compensation or just want some friendly advice, it is worth your time to talk with us. Our staff is approachable, knowledgeable and can work with you, free of charge, to meet your unique needs.