Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Legal matters

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have any legal concerns we suggest you consult a solicitor.

Would my solicitors be able to end my conditional fee agreement in these circs?

1 reply

2015newstart · 02/06/2017 08:35

I entered a CFA with a large reputable legal firm 2.5 years ago following a nasty accident where I had been left with a lot of expenses and injury. I didn't have the funds to pursue it myself and the accident was abroad (EU) and entirely the fault of the other party (they have been successfully prosecuted). My insurance company were awful and in any event only covered treatment abroad, not the private physio etc I had to pay for in the UK (needed to get back to work so couldn't wait for NHS treatment, 6 month waiting list).

I've had 4 changes in paralegals handling my case and there have been lengthy delays in them processing anything. In April I was told, after asking for an update, that the insurance company the perpetrator was settling claims through has gone bust and they have referred my solicitors to the national underwriters. This means that they are unlikely to settle my claim tbh as it could take many many more years.

I am now concerned that they will end the agreement and try to claim disbursement costs from me. Another claim against this man was settled over a year ago and as far as I'm concerned if they'd acted faster in notifying my claim (they didn't do this until late last year) it might have been settled by now.

Can anyone advise of what is likely or normal? I am also going to call the law society today and ask about what I should expect/ what is normal in these cases.

OP posts:
CordeliaScott · 05/06/2017 21:51

I would have thought whether they can terminate the conditional fee agreement and recover disbursements from you will depend upon the terms of the agreement. Do you have after the event insurance? That would normally cover disbursements and you should have been advised about its availability. Alternatively did the firm properly investigate whether you had any suitable before the event insurance on a home/travel or other insurance policy?

In relation to any complaint against the firm you should first make a complaint to the firm ( ask for a copy of their complaint policy if you are not sure how) and if you are still unhappy after their response you can complain to the legal ombudsman.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread