The Situation
A business suffers a data breach, or receives a complaint or inquiry from a data-protection authority. Strict deadlines apply — a reportable breach must often be notified within 72 hours — and the response shapes both the fine and the reputational fallout.
Handled poorly, a minor incident escalates into a major regulatory and PR problem.
Common Problems
- Uncertainty about whether and when to notify a breach.
- A regulator opens an inquiry with tight response deadlines.
- Exposure to significant fines under the GDPR.
- Affected individuals may bring compensation claims.
- Processing operates across several EU countries.
When Should You Contact a Lawyer?
Contact a lawyer the moment a breach is suspected or a regulator makes contact. The 72-hour notification window and inquiry deadlines leave no time to lose, and early advice limits liability.
Proactive advice on compliance also prevents most breaches from becoming enforcement matters.
How Can a Lawyer Help?
A data-protection specialist assesses the breach, manages notification to the regulator and affected individuals, and represents the business in the inquiry — arguing mitigating factors to reduce or avoid a fine.
LawBridge matches you with a GDPR specialist experienced in dealing with the relevant authorities.
Frequently asked questions
Not every breach, but any that poses a risk to individuals generally must be reported to the regulator, often within 72 hours. A lawyer can assess your obligation quickly.
Fines can reach a significant percentage of global turnover for serious breaches. How you respond and cooperate materially affects the outcome.
Yes. Affected individuals can claim compensation for damage caused by a breach, so managing the incident correctly matters on multiple fronts.
One confidential request matches you with a data-protection lawyer who can act within the notification deadline and manage the regulator.
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