SMB secures successful resolution for Professor Catrine Jarman in privacy claim

Simons Muirhead Burton successfully represented award-winning archaeologist, broadcaster and author, Professor Catrine Jarman, in a widely reported Misuse of Private Information case against Karen, Countess Spencer. The case concluded without an admission of liability by Countess Spencer, and with a confidential settlement, including a payment of damages and costs to our client, and the reading out of a Statement in Open Court in front of Mrs Justice Steyn.

The claim arose from the disclosure of our client’s private medical information by Countess Spencer without our client’s consent.

This case reinforces the strong legal protection afforded to medical privacy, the right to control when, how, and to whom such sensitive data is disclosed, and the rights of those individuals whose sensitive personal information is disseminated.

At the conclusion of this matter, our client confirmed that she brought these proceedings to vindicate her right to medical privacy. Professor Jarman will now use her public profile to support the vital work of the MS Society, and to promote awareness of a condition that affects over 150,000 people in the UK.

The SMB team was led by Dina Shiloh, supported by Alexandra Cohen and Molly Nathan. Professor Jarman said:
“Dina Shiloh showed exceptional care and compassion throughout what was a highly sensitive and difficult case. I was particularly impressed with Dina’s combination of strong legal expertise with genuine empathy, working with integrity and consistently with the highest standards of professionalism. She communicated clearly, paid close attention to detail, and ensured that I felt supported and reassured throughout what was a very challenging process. I could not have felt in safer hands than with Dina and her team at SMB.”

SMB instructed Antony White KC, Anthony Hudson KC, Kirsten Sjovoll and Rosalind Comyn of Matrix Chambers.

Read the Statement in Open Court.

Image credit: Amber Louise Photography