FAA v. Cooper

Case Date: 11/30/2011
Docket No: none

Facts of the Case 

In 2006, pilot Stanmore Cooper disclosed that he was HIV-positive to Social Security officials in order to receive medical benefits but withheld his status from the Federal Aviation Administration. But the Social Security Administration then turned over his medical records to the FAA, which revoked his license. Cooper filed suit against the agency for emotional distress for mishandling his medical records. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that the exchange of records was improper and that Cooper has standing to sue.

Question 

Does the Privacy Act's "actual damages" provision cover mental and emotional distress?

Argument FAA v. Cooper - Oral ArgumentFull Transcript Text  Download MP3