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Premier Inn Data Breach Compensation Claims Guide – How Much Compensation Can I Claim? – Amounts For Premier Inn Data Breach
How Do I Make A Data Breach Claim Against Premier Inn?
Welcome to our guide exploring what to do following a potential Premier Inn data breach.
Over the years, there have been a lot of changes in the way organisations handle and use personal data. Ever since the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), enacted into UK law via the Data Protection Act 2018, organisations have been held to a high standard in terms of data protection.
There are measures and precautions organisations that process data can take to ensure they are operating within data protection law. Despite this, unfortunately, data breaches can still occur.
If a data breach was to happen, it could have a devastating impact on an individual. For example, it may result in various degrees of psychological harm and financial loss.
If you have suffered financially or psychologically because of a data breach, then you might consider taking legal action. Throughout this guide, we are going to outline how you could make a data breach compensation claim. However, if you still have questions, then please do not hesitate to contact us. The number to call is 0800 073 8804.
Select A Section
- A Guide To Data Breach Claims Against Premier Inn
- What Is A Data Breach Claim Against Premier Inn?
- How Hotels And Travel Companies Could Comply With The GDPR
- Has The Information Commissioner’s Office Issued Fines Against This Company?
- Getting Help From The Information Commissioner’s Office
- How A Data Protection Breach Victim Could Be Compensated
- Calculating Compensation For A Premier Inn Data Breach
- How Do I Claim Against A Hotel For A Data Breach?
- How Do I Get Help From A Solicitor Conducting Data Breach Claims?
- No Win No Fee Data Protection Breach Claims Against Premier Inn
- Contact Us About Your Case
- Hotel Or Holiday Claim Resources
A Guide To Data Breach Claims Against Premier Inn
In today’s technologically advanced society, your data is essential, and there are laws and policies to ensure it is kept safe. For instance, the introduction of the Data Protection Act 2018 emphasised the necessity of data protection, while also outlining steps organisations can follow to protect personal data better.
Throughout this guide, we’re going to discuss the various factors that could contribute to a Premier Inn data breach, what effects a data breach could have, and how a solicitor could be of assistance.
You will also find impartial advice on what legal steps you could take if you can prove you’ve suffered psychologically or financially. We’ll also consider the below questions.
- In the event that my personal information is involved in a data breach, what could I do?
- What is a No Win No Fee agreement?
- How can a data breach affect my finances?
- A personal data breach has caused me psychological harm, do I need to visit a medical professional?
- Do I need to provide evidence to prove my claim?
This guide aims to answer the questions above and others. However, we understand that we might not be able to outline all aspects of your particular claim. After all, every claim is unique to the circumstances at hand.
Therefore, please do not worry if your circumstances are not mentioned in this guide. Contact our advisers to discuss your potential claim in greater detail. We look forward to hearing from you.
Time Limitation Periods
In the unfortunate event that you were to suffer due to a Premier Inn data breach, you may question whether you could take legal action and seek compensation. Before a solicitor can offer to take on your claim, some criteria must be met.
For example, if you intend on pursuing a data breach compensation claim, then you generally have 6 years from the date you obtained knowledge of the breach. While 6 years sounds like a long time, we recommend you seek advice as soon as possible. That’s because a solicitor would have time to collect evidence and build your case. Additionally, details of how the data breach affected you would be fresh in your memory.
However, we acknowledge that there are circumstances where the limitation period could differ. For instance, if a data breach were to affect your human rights, then the limitation period would be 1 year. That would mean you have less time to begin your case.
If you have evidence of a valid claim, then please feel free to contact our advisers. They’re well versed in limitation periods and they can see if you have a justifiable and favourable claim. To learn more, please contact us using the number at the top of the page.
What Is A Data Breach Claim Against Premier Inn?
A data breach happens when your data is compromised due to a security breach that leads to the loss, alteration, destruction, disclosure or access of personal information. It can be caused accidentally, deliberately or unlawfully.
When discussing a data breach, it is crucial to outline the types of information that could become compromised. For instance, a data breach could expose your:
- Banking information.
- Mobile number.
- Date of birth.
- Home address.
- Usernames and passwords.
- Email address.
Not only could customers take legal action for the suffering they endure because of a data breach, but employees could too if their data is breached and they suffer mentally or financially.
As an employer, the Premier Inn is responsible for the protection and security of their staff’s personal data, such as their CV or home address — even after a member of staff exits the company. However, should they fail to uphold this duty, and a breach caused staff financial loss or mental harm, then a claim could be a suitable course of action.
To pursue a data breach compensation claim, you will need to provide evidence that outlines how it has affected you financially or mentally. In the next sections, we will discuss the various forms of evidence you could provide to support your claim.
How Hotels And Travel Companies Could Comply With The GDPR
Ever since the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation, often referred to as the GDPR, the laws and regulations surrounding data protection have strengthened. Organisations and businesses are required to ensure they adhere to their legal duties and keeping personal information safe.
To help further your understanding of the responsibilities projected onto organisations under the GDPR, we have included some essential definitions:
- Data controller — the company that is responsible for explaining why and how your data needs to be processed and collected. (An example is a hotel chain.)
- A data subject — the individual whose personal information is collected and processed.
- The data processor — they are sometimes used to process your data on behalf of the data controller. They aren’t employees of the data controller.
It is essential to acknowledge that there are data principles that must be adhered to. For example, data controllers should:
- Ensure the data subject is fully informed when it comes to how their data is being used/stored.
- Keep the data being processed up to date.
- Process data correctly and in confidentiality.
- Comply with the rules and regulations bestowed onto them.
Though the measures listed above can contribute to safer data protection measures, if a data controller were to neglect its duties and a data breach were to occur, then data subjects could suffer. If they suffer psychologically or financially, seeking compensation could be a suitable course of action.
Has The Information Commissioner’s Office Issued Fines Against This Company?
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) enforces data protection law in the UK. It can issue fines to companies that breach or do not comply with these laws. In this section of the guide, we are going to look at a case study involving a data breach at Premier Inn.
Whitbread reported that its recruitment system suffered a data breach, which in return affected the personal information of those who applied for positions at Costa Coffee or Premier Inn. Therefore, people’s names, genders, dates of birth, nationalities, home addresses and other contact information was compromised.
The source of the breach was identified as PageUp, the Australian HR SaaS Provider. PageUp is responsible for running the online recruitment system for all of Whitbread’s businesses, and the 2018 breach caused severe issues to the security and safety of personal data. While there were no financial details stolen, the ICO was informed of the matter and were looking into the issue.
If you have evidence that a data breach has caused you financial loss or mental harm, then you could have grounds to make a claim. If that is the case, then please speak to one of our advisers to discuss your potential case.
Source: http://www.enterprisetimes.co.uk/2018/07/03/whitbread-data-breach-at-costa-and-premier-inn/
How A Hotel Could Breach Guests’ Data Privacy
In this section of the guide, we are going to outline various ways in which a data breach could be caused. As you will see, not all causes of a data breach are due to technical errors or network related issues. Here are some examples:
- An employee could accidentally forward a booking confirmation email containing personal information to a person whose not authorised to access it.
- If a computer screen is left unlocked, then unauthorised personnel could gain access to private information.
- When a letter with your personal information is sent to the wrong address in error and someone who shouldn’t access it does.
- Network security is breached, and computers become infected with viruses, malware, or ransomware. This could allow hackers to access databases and, therefore, personal data.
Many people might be of the understanding that a data breach is strictly digital, which isn’t always the case. If you can provide evidence that shows a data breach affected you psychologically or financially, then a solicitor could assist you in seeking compensation.
As always, you can contact our advisers using the live chat feature found in the corner of the page. Alternatively, call us by dialling the number at the top of the page.
Getting Help From The Information Commissioner’s Office
In the event you have suffered due to a data breach, then you may question what steps you could take. Firstly, you could file a complaint with the business regarding the data breach. Once you have filed your complaint, the company may conduct an internal investigation into the matter.
Should the businesses response to your complaint be unsatisfactory, you may have the opportunity to escalate the claim to the ICO. However, the ICO ask that you try to contact them within three months of the business’s final communication about it with you. Submitting a complaint to the ICO after this time period could affect how they respond to it.
Please note that an ICO investigation may result in a penalty against the company, but an ICO complaint cannot directly result in data breach compensation. You would need to claim separately, and a solicitor could support you in doing that.
If a data breach affects data subjects’ rights and freedoms, the business should inform the Information Commissioner’s Office about it within 72 hours. But they should also notify those who’ve potentially been affected without undue delay.
Contact our advisers today to learn how a lawyer could offer to handle your case and help you seek compensation.
How A Data Protection Breach Victim Could Be Compensated
Understandably, you may question how much compensation you could be awarded should you pursue a claim for a Premier Inn data breach. In the following sections, we are going to look at what you could claim concerning a data breach. More specifically, we are going to outline the various factors that are taken into account.
- Material damages. These damages aim to compensate for any financial losses you’ve endured.
- Non-material damages. Damages of this nature take into account any psychological harm you’ve endured.
As every claim is unique, it is incredibly challenging to outline precisely what could be included in yours. However, if your claim is appropriately investigated by a solicitor, they could be able to outline what aspects can be factored into the case.
For example, if you have endured financial loss due to a data breach, then your losses could be factored into your claim. However, in order for financial losses to be considered, you must be able to provide evidence such as bank statements and receipts.
In the following section, we are going to look at calculating compensation amounts in greater detail. However, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact one of our advisers to access free legal advice.
Calculating Compensation For A Premier Inn Data Breach
We are now entering the section of the guide where we will discuss the potential compensation figures that could be awarded. There was a significant case heard by the Court of Appeal, Vidal-Hall and others v Google Inc [2015] which outlines that claimants can be compensated for psychological harm and financial losses of a data breach.
Before this case, claimants could only seek compensation for psychological harm if they’d also suffered financial loss. However, now you can claim for both or either. Additionally, the Court held that compensation for psychological harm could be valued as it is in personal injury claims.
Therefore, if you can prove you have endured psychological harm or financial loss due to a data breach, then you could have grounds to make a claim.
We have taken recommended compensation figures provided by the Judicial College Guidelines and used them for illustrative purposes in our compensation table below. (The Judicial College Guidelines is a document used by judges and solicitors to value injuries.)
| Injury | Severity | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder | Less Severe | Up to £7,680 | The claimant would be expected to make a full recovery within 2 years. |
| Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder | Moderately Severe | £21,730 to £56,180 | The claimant would suffer long-term effects and require medial support. However, over time, great progress is expected to be made. |
| Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder | Severe | £56,180 to £94,470 | Severe PTSD will have a life-long impact, causing areas such as work and socialising to be drastically affected. |
| Psychiatric Damage Generally | Moderately Severe | £17,900 to £51,460 | There will be significant problems but the prognosis will be optimistic. |
| Psychiatric Damage Generally | Severe | £51,460 to £108,620 | The award would be dependent on the recovery time, severity of symptoms, and additional factors. The prognosis would be poor. |
To be awarded data breach compensation for psychological harm, you will be required to attend a medical assessment with an impartial medical professional. The professional conducting the assessment will ask you a series of questions regarding your injury, evaluate its severity, and determine whether there are any future implications.
All of the information collected from the evaluation will be placed in a report, which will be used at a later date to value and support your claim. If you have any questions, then please feel free to contact our advisers using the number at the top of the page.
How Do I Claim Against A Hotel For A Data Breach?
The ICO cannot directly help you attain a compensation settlement for any harm a data breach has caused you. While a formal complaint through the ICO could hold a data controller accountable, you would need to make a claim that’s independent of the ICO’s processes. You could use the services of a solicitor to do so.
If you can prove you endured financial hardship or experienced psychological harm due to a data breach, then you could have a valid claim. Moreover, by having a specialist solicitor by your side, you could be supported every step of the way. And a solicitor could ensure you receive an accurate amount of compensation.
Why not call the number at the top of this page to speak with our advisers and to learn how they could help you? We look forward to hearing from you.
How Do I Get Help From A Solicitor Conducting Data Breach Claims?
It’s important to note that you don’t need to use the services of a solicitor to claim. However, we believe it can be beneficial.
For many, finding the right solicitor with relevant experience is a critical part of the claims process. Having the right legal representation by your side can be the difference between a successful and unsuccessful case, so it is critical to find the best solicitor possible.
Many claimants turn to the internet when searching for solicitors, as client reviews can be helpful. By reading a review left by a previous client, you can gain insight into the service provided, success rates, and whether previous clients had a pleasant experience.
You can make a fully informed decision on whether the firm is the right fit for you and your case. However, we would always recommend that you reach out and speak to an adviser before progressing any further.
Our advisers offer free legal advice with no obligation for you to proceed with the services of our solicitors. However, if you have a favourable claim, they could connect you with our solicitors if you like.
No Win No Fee Data Protection Breach Claims Against Premier Inn
Broadly speaking, one of the main questions we receive regarding the claims process is often in relation to funding a solicitor. Many claimants worry about how they are going to pay solicitor fees if their claim loses. We believe a No Win No Fee agreement is a good solution.
There are particular benefits associated with a No Win No Fee agreement. For example, they provide claimants with the ability to seek the legal representation they deserve without certain financial barriers.
Prior to a solicitor accepting the claim, they would ensure that it meets the relevant criteria. Should the solicitor agree to take on your claim, then you would have access to the following benefits:
- No upfront solicitor fees to pay.
- No hidden solicitor fees to cover while the case is ongoing.
- You would not be required to cover your solicitor’s fees if the claim were to be unsuccessful.
The benefits listed above would be outlined in your Conditional Fee Agreement (the formal term for a No Win No Fee agreement). This would be offered once a solicitor takes on the case.
If the case is successful and data breach compensation is awarded, then the solicitor would deduct a small success fee. By law, this fee is capped. Therefore, you do not have to worry about losing a significant portion of your settlement due to overcharging.
Contact Us About Your Case
Now that you have read this guide discussing what could happen following a Premier Inn data breach, you might feel more comfortable in beginning a claim. Alternatively, you might have additional questions you would like to ask. If that is the case, then why not reach out and speak to one of our advisers?
Not only are our advisers available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but they can also offer free legal advice. You’ll be under no obligation to proceed with our services. Our claims team can also connect you with our solicitors if you have a favourable claim.
So, if you have evidence of a valid claim, speak with our advisers. Contact us via:
- Telephone: 0800 073 8804
- Our claim online form.
- Live Chat: Click the icon located on the right bottom corner of the page.
- Email: info@legalexpert.co.uk
Hotel Or Holiday Claim Resources
You have come to the final section of this guide on what a Premier Inn data breach might involve. Thank you for taking the time to read our guide. We have included some additional resources we believe could be useful:
No Win No Fee: Read our guide to learn more about No Win No Fee agreements.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Compensation: Take a look at our guide regarding PTSD to learn more.
Data Breach Compensation: Read our guide which explains how to claim for different types of breaches.
NHS Anxiety: The NHS provides advice regarding anxiety disorders.
Data Protection: Government information on data protection and the law.
Make a complaint: How you could tell the ICO about your data protection concerns.
Other Useful Compensation Claims
- University of Chester Data Breach
- University of Manchester Data Breach
- Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse Data Breach
- University of the Arts London Data Breach
- Holmes Financial Solutions Ltd Data Breach
- Employer Data Breach Compensation Claims
- Keurboom Communications Data Breach
- University of Wales Data Breach Compensation Claims
- Asda Pharmacy Data Breach
- Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Data Breach
- Capcom Data Breach Compensation Claims
- Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust Data Breach
- Kings College Hospital Data Breach Compensation Claims
- University of Oxford Data Breach Compensation Claims
- Milton Keynes Council Data Breach
- Keele University Data Breach
- TalkTalk Data Breach Compensation Claims
- USwitch Data Breach Compensation Claims
- Virgin Healthcare Data Breach
- Manchester Metropolitan University Data Breach
- Transform Hospital Group Data Breach
Thank you for reading our guide on what you could do following a potential Premier Inn data breach.
Written by Brennan
Edited by Victorine
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