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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

20% of compensation award for legal representation ...

29 replies

kilk · 27/02/2024 07:54

The lawyer submitted information that I had sent them with receipts and corresponded on my behalf. The defendants insurance company admitted liability and defendant was found guilty of charge ever before I submitted my claim for damages.

No negotiations or settlement talks , just communicated on my behalf and submitted what was asked. I could have done all f this myself if I had known how simple the process was as I was never going to dispute settlement offer owing to stress. I just wanted my expenses reimbursed.

No advice." From them bar saying if you don't accept the offer and it goes to court you may lose everything.

The fees were 20% of the award plus VAT.

Is this normal for a few letters , emails and phone calls ? Seems extreme to me and am I entitled to breakdown for fees.
The contract did not state a specific sum or percentage but stated that fees would be charged relative to case.
AIBU that this is extortionate ?

OP posts:
VickyEadieofThigh · 27/02/2024 15:59

Ratherstandonacliffandsetfiretomyself · 27/02/2024 10:55

Wow genuinely didn’t know that percentages were still deducted in a NWNF arrangement. I claimed compensation years ago for a hit and run so no third party to claim from and had to pay 25% in fees so I don’t feel so bad now I know this applies in both circumstances!

How else would the solicitors get paid?

Jellycatspyjamas · 27/02/2024 16:19

You’re paying for their knowledge - they knew how to move things forward and you didn’t. You’ll know to check their fee schedule next time, should you need a service in future.

SBHon · 27/02/2024 16:28

ACynicalDad · 27/02/2024 10:13

You opted for a no win no fee, they got lucky that they admitted it quickly, but if it had dragged on for months they would have got the same for much more work. You had the (theoretical at least) option to pay the fee but decided it to take the safe route, it has it's downsides. They will take on many they get nothing for.

The OP literally said ‘It wasn't a no win no fee’.

SpinyNorma · 27/02/2024 16:33

Ad valorem charging for services such as this helps align the interests of the service provider with those of the customer and produces better outcomes. If e.g. a solicitor gets a flat fee for their work then the outcome is largely irrelevant to them so there is no incentive to go above and beyond.

The reasonableness is also hard to judge without knowing the amount they charged 20% of.

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