PIONIER (law firm)

Description

The Polish DPA has imposed a fine of EUR 9,600 on the law firm PIONIER. The law firm mainly represents victims of traffic accidents in proceedings against insurance companies and other entities. In this context, it supports its clients in claims for damages as well as claims for reimbursement of medical treatment costs. During its investigation, the DPA found that the law firm processed personal data, including health data, of potential clients without a valid legal basis. The law firm obtained personal data of potential clients based on press releases as well as social media reports. This allowed it to contact potential clients and offer them its services. During an initial conversation, they asked them for their verbal consent to process their personal data up until the conclusion of a contract. However, the DPA found that the consent should have been given in a way that it could still be proven at a later stage (e.g., through a register of consents).