Hayes Connor Solicitors has reported an increase in enquiries from data breach victims of both cyber crime and serious incidents relating to personal information being compromised due to human error.
The firm includes action against Dixons Carphone, Ticketmaster, Amazon, British Airways and the Police Federation amongst its current live matters. Securing compensation for claimants for both actual, and potential, financial losses and in some cases, psychological injury, the firm anticipates the trend to continue.
Kingsley Hayes, managing director at data breach and cyber security specialist Hayes Connor Solicitors, said: “Data protection is now at the forefront of consumer awareness and confidence in seeking redress is a growing trend. When the privacy of an individual’s personal data is violated – either through inadequate cyber security, poor practice by a business or human error, the initial breach is often just the start of a chain of events that can be significantly damaging.
“Reports on how organisations are responding to GDPR are encouraging with more businesses treating their data protection obligations seriously with evidence of a greater investment in robust measures. Disappointingly, they are still in the minority and more needs to be done to prevent personal information either being maliciously stolen or compromised due to careless practice.
“The mental health impact is underreported and commonly undermined by organisations who have failed in their data privacy obligations. We have clients who have suffered heightened anxiety following a breach leading to difficulties with relationships and employment.
“The ICO provides regular updates, guides and free materials to help businesses adhere to regulations but many are still falling short.”
Hayes Connor Solicitors is currently representing more than 200 claimants following the Dixons Carphone data breach.
The firm issued a claim for damages of up to £5 million against ticketing giant Ticketmaster in the High Court in April and is also acting against Equifax, Marriott International and TeamSport.
For more information on Hayes Connor Solicitors, visit the website at www.hayesconnor.co.uk
