Tag: group action
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.
Join the Virgin Media data breach class action
The Virgin Media data breach class action has been in progress for almost a year now as we continue to take on clients affected by the data breach that came to light in March last year.
Up to 900,000 victims, all of whom had their personal data exposed by failings in the company’s data protection policies, could be eligible to claim compensation.
If you were notified by Virgin Media of your involvement in the breach, head to the Virgin Media group action site to start your claim now. The negligence of Virgin Media should not go unpunished. At The Group Action Lawyers, we know all too well how the collective force of a group action can be powerful in holding companies to account.
Royal Derby Hospital gynaecologist investigation updated
Since the Royal Derby Hospital gynaecologist investigation was revealed, the Group Action Lawyers has anticipated news of further women being added to the list of affected patients.
In December 2020, 110 more women were reportedly informed of their involvement in the inquiry so our suspicions have, unfortunately, been confirmed.
The allegations surrounding obstetrics and gynaecology consultant Daniel Hay first came to light amid a statement from the Royal Derby Hospital which revealed that eight women had been “unnecessarily harmed” by the doctor. At that point, the hospital had contacted 136 women regarding a review of their treatment, with fears that the number of patients harmed may rise. Now, the number of patients involved in the investigation stands at 382.
Claim for the Transform Hospital Group data breach
For clients of the Transform Hospital Group, 2020 ended with the distressing news that their private data had been exposed in a malicious ransomware attack.
As a plastic surgery chain, the group holds extremely sensitive information about their patients, including surgery photos known as “before and after” images. It is understood that such photos are the subject of the ransomware attack, with some 500 gigabytes of it being held.
The affected customers may now be living in constant fear of their sensitive information being published online, as well as their details being misused in order to commit fraud or identity theft. With such sensitive information at risk, customers are, unsurprisingly, very distressed by the prospect of targeted exposure and humiliation. At the Group Action Lawyers, we have already begun taking on claimants, and we foresee that a group action may be brought if more claims are made, allowing us to launch a collective fight for justice.
British Airways data breach settlement may be on the horizon
Given recent development in the action, we believe that a British Airways data breach settlement could be imminent. The latest development in the British Airways group action has seen the airline notify the court of their intentions to seek negotiations to resolve the cases, a move which could prompt an out-of-court settlement of as much as £2.4 million if all victims join the action.
The update comes as pressure is ramped up on BA, and marks a significant change of approach as the airline previously seemed to be set on defending the claims all the way.
We believe that a settlement could bring significant compensation to registered claimants, helping to draw the long legal case to a successful close. The victims have been waiting since 2018, so we welcome the approach of a compensation pay-out. However, time is running out – we urge all victims to join the action if they haven’t already, as the deadline is fast approaching.