Boyd Rice Solicitors were instructed to act on behalf of Mr X in respect of a breach of data protection.

A Government Agency had previously sent Mr X correspondence regarding a Summons of Execution to what they had in their records as his home address. This address was where he had previously resided with his father. His father was able to read aspects of the letter due to the poor quality stationery within which it was sent. On discovering the proceedings taken against Mr X, there was a breakdown in their relationship as Mr X’s family had previously been unaware of the personal matters to which it referred. Given the personal nature of the contents, it is understandable that Mr X wished for the issues to be kept private. Mr X immediately reported to the agency that he had previously advised of his change of address and that he had believed their records had been updated to reflect this. He received a letter apologising for the error and an assurance that his address had been updated in the system to avoid any future errors, with the matter being investigated as a matter of urgency.

With Mr X already not satisfied with the Government Agency’s response, they mistakenly sent further correspondence to his father’s address regarding similar personal matters. Again, not opening the letter, his father was able to partially see the contents of the letter leading to a further breach of Mr X’s privacy. Due to our client’s father suffering from health issues including a heart condition, his wider family soon became aware of the personal proceedings as it was feared that proceedings related to his father’s property. This led to further distress for both Mr X’s father and Mr X, continuing to affect Mr X’s relationship with his family.

On receiving instruction from our client, Ben Wall directed a letter of claim alleging a breach of the rules governing data protection. Using wide-ranging and recent Legislation, Ben referred to both the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). Specifically citing the access to, processing and publication of confidential information concerning our client, Ben also highlighted the distress, anxiety and reputational damage Mr X had suffered. Given the stress this had caused Mr X and his father’s worsening health condition, Ben’s priority was to resolve the matter as soon as possible to ensure Mr X was not put through further undue stress and his family relationships were not further affected.

With Ben determined to ensure Mr X was suitably compensated, there was extensive communication both with our Client and the Government Agency involved. Court Proceedings were issued against the Government Agency but the case was settled with a day to spare in the sum of £750 plus costs.

Following the successful conclusion of their claim our client commented as follows;
“Ben called me shortly after my web enquiry and discussed the process in great detail to me. Everything was taken care off for me which helped greatly in very stressful circumstances.
Always make sure your data is handled correctly and if not contact Ben!”

If you have had a similiar issue and would like to arrange a free consultation please contact us by phone on 02891 817715 or by email claims@boydricesolicitors.com

Settlement is reached for injured cyclist less than 4 months from date of accident

Boyd Rice Solicitors were instructed to act on behalf of Mr L in relation to a personal injury claim.
Our client instructs that he was cycling to participate in the weekend Club Run. He was cycling a road bike and was wearing appropriate safety gear. When en route to meet other Club members the passenger side of a car collided with him. The collision threw him from his bicycle onto the road. Thankfully he was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, however the force of impact caused injuries and damaged his bicycle and cycling clothing.

Our client was taken by ambulance to Bangor Hospital where he was assessed and subsequently released. He had injuries to his neck, shoulder, elbow and hip. He contacted our office and an appointment was arranged within one week of the accident. Following the appointment an examination was arranged with a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon to determine the extent of the injuries sustained. A letter of claim was directed to the at fault driver’s insurer.

Our client’s bicycle was badly damaged and we were instructed to recover the cost of the bike together with the cost of replacement bespoke wheels, helmet, clothing and cleats.

Once medical evidence had been obtained we engaged in constructive discussions with the at fault driver’s insurer and managed to agree settlement on a pre proceedings basis in the sum of £7,326.40. This meant that our client did not need to go to Court. Settlement was achieved on a global basis and encompassed damages for his injuries together with the cost of the bike, add-ons and safety clothing/equipment.

Thankfully given that our client’s injuries were relatively modest in nature when compared to other cycling injury claims that we have dealt with, we managed to resolve matters quickly. Our client received his damages cheque less than 3 and a half months from the date that he first attended our office meaning that he could replace his bike and get back on the road.

Following the successful conclusion of his claim our client commented as follows;
“Neil was very professional throughout my case, answered queries promptly, thanks to him I am back on the road again”

Neil McGranaghan is a specialist cycling accident Solicitor. It is important to receive expert guidance if you have been injured in a cycling accident. We offer a free initial consultation. Please contact Neil by phone on 02891 817715 or by email neil@boydricesolicitors.com.