Due to the nature of data breaches, it is often the case that many people are affected by the same incident. One system insecurity can leave swathes of private information vulnerable, and even a momentary human error can cause irrevocable information exposure. For data breach incidents that involve dozens or even thousands of victims, we may decide to launch data group actions.
As specialists in group actions, we know how powerful a force we can create when we collect all the claims together in one lawsuit. We know that group litigation can seem like a complex and unfamiliar area of law to some of our clients, but we can assure you that we handle each claimant’s case with efficiency and minimal stress to you.
Having developed a specialism in data breach claims, our firm has brought group actions in response to many major data breaches, such as those which occurred at British Airways, Virgin Media, and Equifax. We believe that group litigation is the key to holding companies to account for data protection negligence, and we encourage anyone affected by a data breach to join us in our pursuit of justice.
How do data group actions work?
If we begin taking on a number of claims in respect of the same data breach, we will naturally begin to form a group action. In data group actions, all claimants are bringing claims for broadly similar reasons, and against the same defendant(s) – the third party(ies) responsible for the breach of data protection law.
Despite having a wider common aim, each claimant may have suffered slightly different side-effects from the same data breach, and this can be reflected in their individual compensation amounts. Where these factors apply, claimants could be eligible to recover compensation for the distress they have been caused, and for any financial losses or expenses that have been incurred. In some cases, claims can be brought on the basis of the claimant’s involvement in the breach alone.
Our major data breach group actions
Over the course of our experience in data breach claims, we have launched a number of major data group actions. One of our most sensitive cases is the action against 56 Dean Street Clinic, where a leak exposed the confidential HIV positive status of patients. We are in the process of negotiating compensation settlements for our clients, and have settled a number of cases so far.
Our substantial experience has now brought us to the forefront of the British Airways group action, which is the first GDPR Group Litigation Order in England and Wales. Almost 500,000 people were affected by the airline’s two data breach incidents in 2018, and we want to ensure that as many victims as possible can win the compensation they deserve.
Bringing your claim
Most importantly for you, we will always try to make it quick and easy to confirm your eligibility, register your claim, and get the process underway. Not only is the process designed to be stress-free, you can also take comfort in the fact that tens, hundreds or even thousands of people are fighting for justice alongside you.
There is always strength in numbers.
In fact, we are often able to offer No Win, No Fee representation to data breach claimants, meaning you won’t have to pay our legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful, subject to the agreed terms and conditions.
If you have any questions about joining one of our data group actions, contact us for free, no-obligation advice on your potential claim.