being sued for personal injury claim by no-win no-fee solicitor

localhero

Hello mrsdee.

As others have stated the last thing solicitors want is the cost and uncertainty of going to court. If you were to instruct your insurers (and therefore solicitors) there is a good chance the insurers would settle the case.

As you are articulate and not easily intimidated I would continue in the same vein as you are.

Yes, of course they are hoping you will cave in - and let's not forget their 75 year old client is probably not relishing going to court.

Yes let them bring it on - good for you!!

NAR

dmg24 wrote: »

It is likely that the neighbours sol is asking for your insurance details in the hope of being offered an out of court settlement.

Of course this is the reason they wanted your insurance company details. No win no fee, I doubt they will go to court - cost them too much.

mrsdee

Thankyou localhero!
I feel it is important for the "man in the street" (or woman, in my case) to stand their ground and not be intimidated by these bullies. I dont wish any illwill to the claiming party, but I think they have probably been mis-advised or saw a "had an accident, not your fault?" advert and went for it, expecting an easy way to a cheque for a nice holiday, or similar. The no-win, no-fee solicitor's website assures claimants "you wont have to go to court as we will continue to apply pressure on the other party in order to settle out of court". Little does she know (or maybe she does by now), I am not prepared to roll over. I look forward to seeing her in court!!
Thanks for your message of support and I hope this encourages other people who may find themselves in the same position and are worried about their rights, or what they can do.

myrnahaz

Why don't you just hand over your insurance details to the bullying solicitor and let the insurers deal with it (assuming you're covered, You may find your household insurance will cover you). They won't just roll-over and pay up, they'll make sure there is just cause etc etc and will instruct (and pay for) their own solicitor to fight back.
It'll take the pressure off you and is what you pay insurance for.

mandragora_2

Is there legal advice as a standard part of any of your insurance policies? If so, there may be a helpline you can ring, for more detailed advice.

mrsdee

mandragora wrote: »

Is there legal advice as a standard part of any of your insurance policies? If so, there may be a helpline you can ring, for more detailed advice.

Hello Mandragora
I have free legal line with my work as well, so have spoken with them, as well as good friend who is not only Oxford-educated lawyer but also part-time judge! So feel I am on pretty safe ground. Thank you for your note. Both say, just tell the truth, deny liability and let them pursue if they wish.

mrsdee

myrnahaz wrote: »

Why don't you just hand over your insurance details to the bullying solicitor and let the insurers deal with it (assuming you're covered, You may find your household insurance will cover you). They won't just roll-over and pay up, they'll make sure there is just cause etc etc and will instruct (and pay for) their own solicitor to fight back.
It'll take the pressure off you and is what you pay insurance for.

I could do that and it might come to that. My point is, why should this accusation start the snowball rolling of involving other (paid) parties and solicitors when it is founded on a lie? Hence insured parties see their premiums rise because of this sort of thing. I should feel able to refute their allegations, not be intimidated, and to defend myself without having to spend time and money on bringing others into the dispute.

If they can prove that I am guilty, then let them do so in a court of law. But yes I take your point about insurers and their role to play here. I'll certainly be in touch with them in the coming days.

loftus

mrsdee wrote: »

Hello Mandragora
I have free legal line with my work as well, so have spoken with them, as well as good friend who is not only Oxford-educated lawyer but also part-time judge! So feel I am on pretty safe ground. Thank you for your note. Both say, just tell the truth, deny liability and let them pursue if they wish.

You've spoken to a legal advice line, a senior lawyer/part-time judge and your insurance company.

I'm not sure what more you hoped to learn here tbh.

Horace

The solicitor is being intimidating because its their job, if you cave in and they win then they get their money if they lose they don't get paid. One wonders why this woman has suddently decided to take legal action? I know that a person can wait three years to make a claim but why is she making the claim now? Methinks that she watches too much television and has been watching all those No Win No Fee lawyer adverts.

All well and good if you can prepare your own defence, but let your insurance company deal with it, after all that's what you pay your insurance for.

As for a lay person going up against lawyers, there is nothing wrong with that - it worked for me when I had to go to PATAS in London to appeal an illegal towing and illegal wording on the parking ticket, the solicitor working for the council actually didnt have a clue about the Road & Traffic Act and certainly didnt know his caselaw either and this was pointed out to him by the adjudicator at PATAS (needless to say I won).

Somerset

I applaud anyone prepared to stand up to threats like this - especially since it would be far easier to just pass all responsibility to the insurer. Most people would choose to avoid the hassle and stress.

''No win, no fee'' outfits love insurance companies because a) an insurance company is more likely to 'settle' on small scale claims (cheaper than court action) and b) they are guaranteed their money (if settlement is achieved).

Best of luck to mrsdee - boy you must be pi**ing them off.