Are data breach cases on hold due to coronavirus?
Over the past few weeks, many people have contacted Hayes Connor Solicitors, worried that their data breach case might not go ahead due to the coronavirus pandemic. We'd like to take this opportunity to clarify the situation and put minds at rest.
All our data breach cases are progressing
Firstly, we can confirm that during the COVID-19 pandemic, our justice system is continuing to operate. In fact, all our group actions and individual cases are progressing, and we still settling many claims. We have even found it easier to get hold of solicitors working for the defence now that everyone is working from home!
In some cases, we are experiencing delays. But these delays are as likely to be due to the legal process than the current situation.
Our data breach solicitors are still fighting your corner
Despite coronavirus, our expert data protection team remains committed to protecting the rights of the people who need us. But, just like the rest of the UK, we are doing things a little differently right now. The majority of our people are working from home, and we are using secure technology to enable us to continue representing you.
Because Hayes Connor is operating a reduced in-office staff model, all inbound calls are currently being answered by our existing 24-hour answering service team. So, if you call us, this team will take the relevant details, and securely pass them on to our legal staff for action. For current clients, this means you might experience a longer delay than usual before we can respond in full. You can, of course, continue to email your solicitor directly with any questions you might have.
Of course, data security remains of the utmost importance - especially when home working - and we have put a range of security measures in place, so you don't have to worry. Hayes Connor had established, practiced contingencies in place for remote working long before the current crisis, so we can still work on your case - securely and confidently.
You can still start a new data breach claim
It might seem like there are more important things to worry about right now, but, while we are all concerned about the impact of the virus, at Hayes Connor we also understand just how devastating a data breach can be. And, at a time when coronavirus is already having an impact on mental health, in some cases, the additional worry is proving shattering to victims.
We do not know how long the current pandemic will last, but as solicitors, we can continue to protect the rights of the people who need us. So, if you want Hayes Connor to take on a new data breach case, we are still here, and we are happy to help.
You can let us know about your experience in one of three ways:
- You can start a claim via our website using our online form (recommended)
- You can call our answering service team on 0151 363 5895. They will take your details, and, where necessary, one of our expert legal team will call you back to discuss your case in more depth. However, there might be a longer delay than usual before we can respond in full
- You can email our answering service team on enquiries@hayesconnor.co.uk. However, there might be a longer delay than usual before we can respond in full.
The UK legal system is adapting to our "new normal"
The deadline for making compensation claims in the UK has not been extended. However, coronavirus will have an impact on the operation of court systems. Telephone hearings and evidence by video link are set to increase, and, virtual court hearings using the latest tech are being rolled out across the UK. Furthermore, there are already discussions about how virtual courts could become a permanent feature of the justice system.
We believe that this is a good thing; not least because this is an anxious time for victims of many different types of crimes, and we do not want to add to this burden by prolonging any sense of insecurity. Part of what represents a good functioning justice system is its ability to provide clarity and stability for individuals, particularly in times of uncertainty.