You might be surprised to learn that making a claim for financial compensation is not always a completely private process. A basic file, which contains details of your accident, may be passed on to other people in the legal industry. This is not against the law, so long as it does not divulge personal or medical records. Which is why when people do make a claim for compensation, they are sometimes targeted by cold callers in the future, who will ask something generic like “Is it true that you have been involved in a car accident recently?”
Such practices are, of course, entirely unethical and downright annoying. And when it comes to finding out how your information found somebody whom you have never met before, it’s never easy. In fact, it’s often impossible. All one can often do under the circumstances is ask to be removed from the caller’s list – something the caller must do by law (but often doesn’t).
In 99.999% of cases, it isn’t who you think it is who’s responsible for these cold calls – your solicitor or law firm (unless they are bogus lawyers). It’s actually often the other party who’s responsible, such as the insurance company.
However, it’s important to consider that while practically all law firms will state they they’ll control and process your data in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998, most also state that they may disclose your information to other companies. Most also state that they will use your personal information for accounting, administration, research and marketing purposes, and that by providing your personal information you agree to the above.
So your details being shared could start because of your law firm. The good news is that you can stop this from happening – simply don’t agree to these terms and conditions. Once you sign an agreement, you will have – so before you go ahead with a claim, read the agreement. You might also have the option to ‘opt-out’ of your information being used for marketing purposes. It’s also important to remember that your personal file is confidential and your law firm will not let anyone see it without your permission. It’s only the most basic of information that may be used for marketing purposes.
Most law firms will keep your file on record for six years in digital format, after which the file be destroyed, unless you request otherwise.
If you would like to find out more about how long a compensation claim stays on your record or if you wish to find out anything else related to the claims process, solicitors for compensation can help. Call 0800 157 1438 today to find out more.