Small Claims Court

The news is full of stories about taking cases to the small claims court. The Web alive with helpful sites informing us how to take a claim this route. In England and Wales claims up to £5000 can be dealt with in this way (in Scotland and N. Ireland £3000). However, there is a lower threshold of £1000 for personal injury claims.

Whilst costs may not appear excessive - often around £500 - and expenses may be claimed back from the defendent, the challenge is in the time the case will take to be heard. If the defendent refuses to accept your claim or indeed issues a counter claim, the case must be timetabled for a court hearing. This will take months. Mopnths of no settlement and emtional turmoil, as well as uncertainty as to wheteher your claim will win out on the day.

If it proceeds to court you and the defendent will make your case to a judge who will take the decision as to who is right and whoi is wrong. Someone will lose and it could be you.

Mediation offers all the benefits of the small claims courts but without the wait! You get to meet the defendent in a meeting managed by the impartial mediator. The process is confidential amd both parties get to tell it how they see it. The mediator supports both of them to work towards an agreement that they will live wiuth. This agreement is written up the majority of financial settlements can be made on the day.

The cost - very re4asonable. Up to a £5000 claim would cost each party £50 per hour.

Consider mediation as the swift, confidential and best way to settle your claims with garages, builders, and other service providers. Give is a call on 01243 820604.

For further details of the Small Claims Court procedure visit CAB @ www.adviceguide.org.uk.