Victims of Vastaamo data breach receive legal support from attorneys Paula Pajula and Jenni Raiskio in Turku

Victims of the Vastaamo data breach are receiving assistance from attorneys Paula Pajula and Jenni Raiskio, who stand to earn substantial fees without charging victims directly. These lawyers bill insurance companies for their services, potentially totaling millions of euros.

In coverage by Yle, ten clients of Pajula and Raiskio expressed mixed feelings about the legal support they are receiving. While most clients appreciated the help, some worry they might receive less compensation than the lawyers do. Despite claims of working pro bono, the attorneys clarify they do not intend to provide services entirely without compensation, as their fees will come from insurance payouts.

Reports indicate that the law firm Pajula & Co, based in Turku, has already billed insurance companies around €4,000 per victim for several clients, and they represent approximately 3,000 to 3,500 victims. If just one-sixth of these victims are billed this amount, the total could reach millions, significantly increasing Pajula & Co’s annual turnover from €500,000.

Following risks taken to advocate for these victims, Pajula acknowledges they are indeed profiting, pointing out the extensive work involved, which includes long hours and the involvement of additional lawyers. The claims for compensation demand amounts ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of euros.

Despite some clients feeling neglected or worried about their outcomes, others praise the lawyers for providing necessary guidance. Pajula and Raiskio are actively seeking new clients while asserting the need for thorough, individualized legal assistance amidst the complexities of this significant case.