Watford Community Housing data breach- one year on
In late March 2020, a data breach at Watford Community Housing Trust caused the exposure of thousands of tenants’ personal information. The information, much of which was highly sensitive in nature, was mistakenly leaked in an email. This was an error which, though simple, has caused distress and security risks for many of the victims.
We believe that there continues to be little understanding of the repercussions that victims can suffer following a data breach. However, we are determined to change this disregard by supporting clients to achieve the justice they deserve. The GDPR can entitle victims to claim compensation for their involvement in a data breach and the damage caused, so we can help anyone affected by the Watford Community Housing data breach to assert this legal right.
You can contact us today or sign up for a call-back to find out if you may be eligible to claim compensation.
Arup data breach exposes private employee data
A cybersecurity incident at a third-party payroll provider has provoked a data breach at Arup, a professional services company. Affecting many former and current employees, the Arup data breach has reportedly exposed details disclosed for the purposes of paying employees’ wages.
Arup has yet to publish information on the number of people affected, but they have sent a data breach notification to let victims know which details may have been compromised. We have already accepted compensation cases for victims of the Arup data breach on a No Win, No Fee basis. Anyone affected by an incident like this may be entitled to recover compensation under the law, as data controllers have a legal obligation to protect the information that they hold and process.
If Arup has informed you of your involvement in the data breach, we can offer free, no-obligation advice to you regarding your potential compensation claim.
Midlands News Association data breach causes exposure of journalists’ personal information
A report by HoldtheFrontPage has recently reported that the Midlands News Association has been faced with a data breach incident, after an unauthorised third party is understood to have accessed private folders.
It is believed that data relating to former journalists of the regional newspaper was published online after being downloaded. The MNA reportedly maintain that the published data is “difficult to download and access”, but the risks for the victims could be significant.
When a data controller fails to protect private information, they can be held accountable under the law here in the UK. The victims of data breaches can often be entitled to recover compensation for any harm caused to them. As such, anyone affected by the Midlands News Association data breach can contact us for advice on their potential claim. We may be able to offer No Win, No Fee legal representation.
Customers notified of Fat Face data breach
Fashion retailer Fat Face recently released an email to customers which has brought a data breach from earlier this year to the public’s attention. It is routine for companies to notify customers of data protection breaches, but this email comes a long time after the Fat Face data breach occurred, and reportedly included a request that customers keep the details of the breach private.
It has also been claimed that Fat Face paid a ransom to a cybercrime gang after the data breach occurred in January, but this allegation has yet to be confirmed by Fat Face itself or by ICO investigators.
Nevertheless, it is worrying that customers remained unaware of the breach for over two months, as it may mean that they may not have been vigilantly monitoring potential security risks or data misuse. If it emerges that Fat Face can be held liable for the breach, those who were notified of their involvement in the data breach may be eligible to claim compensation.
Hundreds of victims of breast surgeon Ian Paterson yet to be identified
Disgraced breast surgeon Ian Paterson was imprisoned several years ago, having being found guilty on 17 counts of wounding with intent.
The criminal prosecution only scratched the surface of what may have been going on, with widespread beliefs that many more patients could have been harmed by Paterson. Recent reports have suggested that hundreds of Paterson’s patients have yet to be contacted, meaning that many more might be still in the dark about the mistreatment that they may have been exposed to.
Some victims have already been awarded compensation for the harm caused to them, but we suspect that many more may be entitled to claim. Paterson’s undeniable guilt has strengthened the legal action against him. We encourage any further victims to come forward for advice, even if the hospital has yet to contact you.
Birmingham City Council data breach
Following an error by council staff, the Birmingham City Council data breach has reportedly exposed the private details of residents, potentially including those of vulnerable children.
We understand that the breach arose as a result of the accidental publication of private information to a site that was freely accessible to members of the public.
Though the council has stated that the mistake was corrected quickly, it is nevertheless true that the victims’ data could have reached the hands of malicious people. Any situation in which personal data is exposed in this way should be treated seriously and, in many cases, it may be possible for those affected to claim compensation. It can also be possible to represent victims for a legal case on a No Win, No Fee basis.
The difficulties of vaginal mesh removal
As stories of vaginal mesh complications continue to emerge, many of those who have suffered from the implants are seeking treatment to lessen or stop the pain and injuries they have faced. However, the difficulties of vaginal mesh removal can mean that some of the harmful consequences are, unfortunately, irreversible.
Vaginal mesh implants, used to treat things like urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, have been the subject of controversy for many years. While approved by the UK regulator, the MHRA, the issue of serious complications can be shocking, with many women speaking out about the complications that they have suffered. In response, we have taken on claims from many women affected by the implants, who we believe are eligible to claim compensation for the harm they have been caused.
SITA data breach affects hundreds of thousands of passengers worldwide
In late February, the SITA data breach was revealed as a powerful cyberattack, which comprised of a server holding information relating to hundreds of thousands of air passengers.
Labelled as “highly sophisticated” by the company, it is understood that the wide-reaching cyberattack has not affected “highly sensitive” data, but it nevertheless demonstrates that IT systems can be severely vulnerable as hackers continue to enhance and advance their methods.
In fact, it has long been apparent that travel companies are often vulnerable to cyberattacks. They hold a wealth of sensitive data about their customers, including passport details and payment card information. A such, airlines and hotel chains can be a prime target for hackers. British Airways, which is understood to be implicated in the SITA data breach, succumbed to two major data breaches in 2018, for which we are currently representing claimants in a group action.
Nissan and Renault emissions claims
Nissan and Renault, two manufacturers in the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi alliance, are among the numerous manufacturers to have been implicated in the ongoing car emissions scandals, which has its origins in the Volkswagen ‘dieselgate’ scandal of 2015. If it emerges that these manufacturers did cheat emissions tests, victims may be eligible to make Nissan and Renault emissions claims.
The emissions scandals may have caused untold damage to human health and to the environment due to the alleged excessive production of toxic emissions. Further, if allegations are proven to be true, customers may have been mis-sold their vehicles on false pretences, and they deserve some form of justice.
We encourage anyone who has owned or leased a potentially affected model to come forward, because we think it may emerge that their consumer rights have been breached based on the allegations made so far.
Commissioner to champion people harmed by medicines or medical devices
In a huge win for anyone harmed by medicines or medical devices, the government has agreed to the appointment of an Independent Patients’ Commissioner. Their role will be to stand up for people who have fallen victim to the dangerous side-effects of certain medical products.
At The Group Action Lawyers, we have been raising the unheard voices of suffering patients for many years, taking on many clients in large group and multi-party actions against powerful medical companies and manufacturers. As such, we welcome the news of this new public service, which represents a significant step in the right direction for patients and overall safety.
Mercedes emissions compensation claim
The enquiries into car emissions irregularities have been ongoing ever since Volkswagen hit the headlines in 2015 over allegations that they had manipulated vehicular systems to cheat emissions tests. While only Volkswagen has been proven to have engaged in misleading practices in the UK’s courts so far, allegations have been levelled at several other car manufacturers. Of those, we are representing people who are making a Mercedes emissions compensation claim with us on a No Win, No Fee basis.
As specialists in group action lawsuits, we are accustomed to holding large corporations to account on behalf of consumers. When it comes to emissions, we were the first firm to issue High Court proceedings in the action against Volkswagen in England and Wales. We represent our clients in order to uphold their rights as consumers, so we want to make sure that no affected car owners miss out on their chance to access justice.
British Airways group action deadline – do not miss your chance to claim!
The British Airways group action deadline has received a short extension to summer 2020, which may mark the final end as to when people can sign-up for a legal case and take part in the GLO.
The first BA data breach emerged almost three whole years ago in 2018, and The Group Action Lawyers has been taking on claims for almost as long. However, there are still thousands of customers who have still not made their claim yet.
If all 400,000 victims claim, they could be sharing a total compensation pay-out of up to an estimated £2.4 billion, according to current estimations based on case law and settled claims information. All you should need to claim is proof that BA notified you of your involvement in one of their two data breaches in 2018, so do not hesitate to register on the BA Group Action site here if you think you are eligible.