AS Law Unit 2 - Starting A Case

Costs

• Court fee - Depending on size/type of claim
• Solicitors
• Barristers
• Can be claimed from other party if you win
• If you lose may have to pay their legal fees
• If you win other party may not have enough to pay your legal fees or to pay immediately
• Damages may not be enough to cover all expenses

Court hearing

• 5% of civil cases make it to court
• Rest are settled outside of court
• Covered by private law + courts have respect for people's privacy

Before Court

• Pre-action protocol - Letter showing
  • How claim arised
  • Details of injury/other damage
  • Other relevant matters
• Defendant has 3 months to reply
  • Admit/deny liability
  • Give reasons for denial
• …