Russell T. Johnson v. Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service

JOHNSON, Circuit Judge:

Russell T. Johnson appeals from a judgment of the district court under the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552a, granting him minimum statutory damages in the amount of $1000, plus his costs and attorney’s fees. On appeal Johnson contends that the district court erred in concluding that “actual damages” under the Privacy Act is limited to out-of-pocket expenses, thereby denying him recovery for his proven and substantial physical and mental damage. This Court holds that the term “actual damages” under the Privacy Act does indeed include damages for physical and mental injury…