Advice Needed Please - Data Protection Breach

jaqua2

Hi all.

I apologise first I couldn't really find a sub category which my issue fit in.

Simple version - My Housing Association drafted an Affidavit for me to sign at their Solicitors. I had no idea the content would be shared with the defendant. They have basically disclosed all my personal medical conditions to the defendant who has now told other people.

I thought the information on the Affidavit was confidential and only seen by the court. At no point did the Housing Association advise that this will be sent to the defendant. I am absolutely fuming, do I have any legal rights to sue or something. I cannot believe someone thought it was a good idea to do this. I know I signed it but I was u aware of who was going to see it afterwards. If I had known I would have asked them to remove certain conditions from the list.

They have not giving me an explanation as to why my medical conditions have to be mentioned on the Affidavit, but they are saying they have done nothing wrong.

Any advice would be helpful please.

Thanks a lot.

LadyDee

The opposing party in a legal case has the right to have sight of all Affidavits filed at Court, they must be given the opportunity to answer any matters raised. Your Solicitors must have thought it relevant to your case otherwise they wouldn't have disclosed medical matters. If you were concerned about the contents then it was up to you to raise a query with your Solicitors before signing the Affidavit.

Are the HA's Solicitors representing you as well?

jaqua2

I signed not knowing the defendant would have access to it. I didn't even get a copy of the Affidavit I signed! I know nothing of this procedure and hard to understand certain procedure as easily confused and need people to repeat or explain things several times sometimes. I really feel the HA should have said everything you say on this document will be shared, but they didn't.

If I had known then I could have asked them to amend it. I didn't think to query, I trusted that it was in confidence. I the SOL are working on behalf of the HA. I am key witness.

hollydays

It's hard for others to advise as we don't know the circumstances.
I presume you being a witness is solely because you have a vested interest in this case?
Even if you give a witness statement to police you wouldn't normally get a copy.
Why not telephone shelter and ask their advice?
Here's a link to live chat england
https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help

Did the affidavit not make reference to the name of the court?
Are you classed as a vulnerable adult?