I'm certainly not a legal scholar, but I do believe Joe has a winning hand! In addition to invasion of privacy, these employees also peeked at records not in the official performance of their duty. In Oklahoma where I was employed for over 20 years, and I suspect most states, that is not only a firing offense, but a payday for the offended party.
This "wooly booger" ain't over yet, folks!
If thats true, then I believe Joe's financial problems are over.
There's one happy ending, anyway.
But unless you can actually sue the offenders or make them pay somehow, the money award from the state, although welcome..seems to be a phyrric victory at best.