How long does a data breach claim take to settle?

As more people know their rights when it comes to compensation in this niche area of law, we’re being asked: how long does a data breach claim take to finish?

Unfortunately, this is a very difficult question to answer, and it really can differ from case to case. We recently settled a data breach compensation claim in less than five months, but at the same time, we also settled a recent matter that took just over a year.

Even if you ask, how long can a data breach claim take, please understand that there’s a lot more to it than even giving rough guidance. It can depend on several factors that are individual to the case, so the best thing we can do is explain a little about the process to help you understand.

It’s all about the case…

Most people don’t want to have to initiate a legal case, and the only reason as to why you are is because you have been wronged through the negligence of someone else. I’m sure you’d rather not have to but, when thousands of pounds in compensation could be yours as the only feasible means of real justice for you, making a claim is an important thing to do.

As such, many people ask the big question: how long can a data breach claim take to resolve?

The length of the case could be dictated by several things such as:

• Whether liability is accepted early by the Defendant;
• How badly you’re suffering;
• Whether its an individual or group action matter;
• The complexities in terms of how a breach has taken place.

If the other side accepts liability for the incident right away, and your distress is limited, a case could be settled quickly and efficiently. However, it could be that an in-depth investigation is needed prior to the Defendant being able to accept responsibility. It could also be that they try and defend the case which means that we have a fight on our hands.

It could also be that you’re suffering is severe and we need to do a lot of work to make sure that the data breach compensation amount you receive is fair and covers everything. This can also take time as we look to maximise what you’re legally entitled to receive.

In group actions, a legal case can take a long time when there are many people claiming together, as a set court process will often have to be followed. In the British Airways Group Action that we sit on the Steering Committee for, we successfully applied for a formal GLO (Group Litigation Order) and there’s now a period for people to join that expires next year.

Can the process be faster in some cases?

Taking aside the above factors, it can help to settle a data breach compensation claim quicker when you instruct a specialist law firm like us.

We’re a leading data breach and consumer action law firm by virtue of the fact that we’ve been doing this a lot longer than most other firms, and given the volumes of cases and actions we’re involved with. We’re now fighting for justice in over 35 separate group and multi-party actions, and thousands of people have come direct to us for our help.

This means that we have the expertise, experience and infrastructure in place to help our clients in a fast and efficient way. We’ve already settled many cases given that we specialise in this complex and niche area of law.

How long can a data breach claim take?

In reality, how long a data breach claim takes simply comes down to the circumstances of the case. Some cases could be resolved in a few months, whereas others may end up being pursued for several years.

What we can do is make sure that you have the best chance of settling a case efficiently with the specialist services that we offer.

For free, no-obligation advice about how we can do this, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team here.

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