In a win for privacy rights, a Cook County Chancery Division court entered a $4 million judgment against Michael Klusmeyer for placing hidden cameras in a workplace restroom. My law firm, and my colleagues James B. Zouras and Teresa Becvar from Stephan Zouras LLP, had the privilege of representing the four women who brought the lawsuit.
Based on the evidence and comparable cases, the court awarded $500,000 in compensatory damages to each of the four plaintiffs to recognize the harm they endured.
The court imposed $2 million in punitive damages against Klusmeyer to punish him for his outrageous conduct and to deter others from engaging in similar conduct. The court also ordered Klusmeyer to destroy the images he obtained from the women’s restroom or face further consequences.
This judgment shows that courts take privacy seriously, and that severe consequences await those who misuse hidden cameras to invade privacy. It’s also an unmistakable warning to anyone thinking about misusing technology to invade the privacy of others.
The Scope of the Invasion
For more than two years, Klusmeyer placed hidden cameras inside a women’s staff restroom. His cameras were disguised as small electronic keys, like the kind used to open and lock car doors.
After the camera was discovered, many people recalled seeing that same device in the restroom over the years.
Klusmeyer confessed to the police that he owned the cameras and installed them in the restroom. After being charged, Klusmeyer pled guilty to felony unlawful videotaping.
The camera recovered from the restroom contained only a few of the images Klusmeyer obtained. Thanks to diligent police work, officers obtained a search warrant and seized Klusmeyer’s home computers and electronic devices.
Our team quickly recognized the importance of securing and examining the digital evidence. We filed motions to preserve and obtain access to Klusmeyer’s seized devices, and we partnered with experts specializing in computer forensics to meticulously examine all of it.
In reviewing the evidence, we learned that, the day before his arrest, Klusmeyer attempted to destroy evidence of his actions by erasing his home computer. Despite this, we successfully recovered hidden files and reconstructed deleted data to fully expose the extent of his privacy invasions.
Recognizing Serious Harm
The court’s award recognized the serious harm caused by privacy invasions through the misuse of hidden cameras. This type of privacy violation inflicts lasting psychological and emotional harm because it erodes an individual’s sense of safety and trust.
After Klusmeyer lost his motion to dismiss the case, he chose not to defend himself. Nevertheless, the law required evidentiary proof of damages before the court could award them. The substantial award reflects the significant harm Klusmeyer inflicted on his victims.
The punitive damages imposed on Klusmeyer sends a clear message that his conduct was outrageous and would not be tolerated. This message will, hopefully, deter others from engaging in similar conduct in the future.
The Misuse of Hidden Cameras Causes Serious Damage
Technological advancements have made small cameras more accessible than ever. Unfortunately, privacy invasions involving the misuse of hidden cameras are more common every day.
Courts and juries have recognized the harm caused by the misuse of hidden cameras by awarding substantial damages to victims.
In 2024, for example, a jury awarded $780,000 in damages and $2 million in punitive damages to an au pair whose employer used a hidden camera in her sleeping area. In 2018, a jury awarded $1,175,000 in damages and $2 million in punitive damages to female employees who found a hidden camera in their workplace locker room.
Why This Matters
This judgment is important because it shows that courts continue to take privacy invasions seriously. Even as technology makes it easier to spy on people, the court system has been clear that misusing hidden cameras to invade privacy will not be tolerated and perpetrators will be held accountable.
Need answers about hidden camera lawsuits? Learn what to do, how to sue, and how victims get compensation for privacy violations. Read more here.
