Solicitor won't Release my cheque for RTA claim

davidmcn

ToxicWomble wrote: »

It could be that the award was £8000, their fees were £7500 thus the £500 you received

No, the OP said

the solicitor would contact me when he was in receipt of the rest of the money (£7500)

warby68

Its not unusual for solicitors to only communicate any changes and not to give updates which say the same as before (because it all incurs work and fees) so they are most probably still waiting for the money.

Sadly, a further 6 or 7 weeks is not all that long in the world of claims payouts either.

You are more likely to get a response to a letter but bear in mind if you're paying fees it may cost.

jillkc68

Thanks for all the replies.
I have rang three/four times a week for the last 3 weeks. None of my calls have been returned. I will definitely be in receipt of 7500 as this is what the original letter states. If it is the case that the insurers arent busting a gut to pay out I acknowledge that but I agree it would be nice to be updated. The solicitor I used was connected to my car insurance (though I knew him from previous dealings) and not so long ago something happened that he had to close his practice and is now working for another firm of solicitors. I chose to stick by him so it's a shame he isn't showing me the same courtesy!

warby68

However unsatisfactory, please don't keep ringing 3 or 4 times a week - you will be classed as a nuisance and possibly ignored by now.

Change your tactic

MovingForwards

Write a letter addressed to the complaints manager.

Manxman_in_exile

warby68 wrote: »

However unsatisfactory, please don't keep ringing 3 or 4 times a week - you will be classed as a nuisance and possibly ignored by now.

Change your tactic

After two years waiting for £7500 I think I'd be ringing every day!


OP - I'd contact them again and ask (or demand) an explanation for the non-payment. It's unacceptable that they can't give you an explanation after two years - even if it's just that they're waiting for the insurance company to pay up (in which case they should be chasing them for payment).


And while you're at it, ask them for a copy of their complaints procedure. When you've got it (or if you don't get it within a couple of weeks) make a written complaint to the firm detailing what you've done to try to get an explanation and that they've repeatedly refused to give one, repeatedly failed to return your calls etc.


When they took on your case they should have explained to you in writing(?) what their fees would be and you might want to ask what the current position on your account with them is.

stragglebod

Settled or awarded, which is it? Who's paying your solicitor's costs? Have you seen a copy of the agreement or order?


Stop phoning, write to your solicitor asking for a status update and cc the senior partner.

Paul_DNAP

If I'd waited two years, I'd be packing a bag of sandwiches and a flask of weak lemon drink and camping out in their reception area asking everyone who walks past if there's any progress on my cheque yet.

CakeCrusader

You should have been sent a client care package when they first took on your case, and they will have sent you information containing their complaints procedure, as well as who to contact if you're unhappy. You need to find the letter and follow the instructions. Any interest they receive should be paid to you, they aren't allowed to keep it.

davidmcn

Manxman_in_exile wrote: »

It's unacceptable that they can't give you an explanation after two years.

Paul_DNAP wrote: »

If I'd waited two years.

It's less than two months since the settlement was agreed, not two years.