I would first go to the Cloud app on the device and see if when you select all of the items to "back up" and then select "back up now" if the items selected were in fact backed up here. If the cloud was active it is possible it did an auto backup.

If this doesn't provide a restoration, your next option would be to log into Google+ and Google Drive as again-- there is the possibility for autobackups here as well.

Generally though, it is up to you to back up YOUR data on YOUR device-- you really can't blame anyone else for this (even if there was rep error involved, you always have to plan for this or something similar). At any time, your device could fail to power on or have all data wiped as this IS technology and a digital form of your data/information with no "physical copy" residing with you to fall back on.

Always back up what is important to you, and back it up in more than one location and method (Cloud and computer/thumb drive or flash drive etc.)

Best of luck