Costs When Making a Claim
Gary Matthews Solicitors will assist you every step of the way.
Costs – What Legal Costs Should I Expect To Pay?
In all litigation cases (i.e. cases that go through the courts) our professional fee is based on the work we have done in your case and the following factors:
Who pays my legal fees?
Once your case concludes, we will send you a bill for our charges and you personally are responsible for paying that bill. The main issue is whether or not the other side makes a contribution towards your legal fees. The answer to this question depends on what stage your case settles at. There are four possible scenarios and we need to deal with them individually.
A negotiated settlement prior to the Injuries Board Assessment:
In a large percentage of cases, the other side’s insurance company will contact us and agree on settlement of your claim. In these cases, we will negotiate payment of the vast majority of your legal fees. Sometimes, however, this may not be enough to cover your entire Bill. If the costs recovered from the other side are not enough to pay your entire bill, then you are responsible for paying the balance monies owed on your bill.
An Injuries Board Assessment
Usually, there is no right to recover your legal fees for work done by us through the Injuries Board, but the Injuries Board may choose to contribute towards your bill if:
- it advised you to use a Solicitor, or
- it believes that you needed to get advice from a solicitor, or
- it believes you to be a vulnerable applicant ( ie a minor under 18, or a person acting under a disability).
By instructing our firm to act for you through the Injuries Board process, you will be entering an obligation to discharge our costs on a Solicitor and own Client basis. Our legal fees for all work done through the Injuries Board process until the “Assessment” issues will depend on the factors outlined above and will also include vat and any outlay(s) (medical report(s) etc) which we have incurred on your behalf – it is important to note that The Injuries Board typically allows for 100% recovery of all your outlays in your 'Assessment' figure.
Court proceedings have issued and the other side has agreed to pay my costs?
You are still responsible for paying your bill even if you settle with the other side and they offer or are ordered by the Court, to pay your costs. In court cases and settlements, if your case is successful, we will try to get as much as possible of your costs paid by the other side. We will tell you how much money the other side is prepared to pay towards your bill.
However, this may not always cover your entire bill. You can choose to accept and pay the difference or have your bill taxed, meaning assessed by the Taxing Master (a court-appointed official) who will determine the costs you should pay. If the costs recovered from the other side are not enough to pay your entire bill, then you are responsible for paying the balance monies owed on your bill. If there is a shortfall in your costs we will advise you of this.
Court proceedings have issued and my case is settled on a compromise basis with an “all in” settlement to include legal costs?
On rare occasions, a case may need to be settled on a compromise basis (due to liability or indemnity issues with the insurance company), with an 'all-in' payment that includes legal costs. This means that you personally will be responsible for paying all your legal costs, without any contribution from the other side. When this arises, we will advise you of the totality of your legal costs prior to agreeing to settle your case, so that you are aware of the exact figure you will be receiving for compensation.
Steps To Making a Claim
Complete the Claim Form
Tell us about your accident. You will receive impartial advice.
Our Expert Team
Our team will contact you to discuss your accident details.
Gathering Reports
Your solicitor gathers all the necessary reports and documents.
Injuries Board Process
The process begins, and your solicitor handles all communication.
Your Case
On average, all cases are resolved within 9-15 months.
Settlement Offer
Your solicitor will negotiate a settlement which is fair for you.
Receive Your Award
You will receive your award and claim will end.
Gary Matthews Solicitors
Legal Services, Straight Up.
Start your claim today!
Our specialist team offers practical advice. We will get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your claim.
