Professional legal advice can be very costly. If you are in need of help, the following page explains some of the funding options available to you.
Free first interview
Many legal practices offer a free first interview. This will outline your options, your chances of success and the costs involved.
Legal aid
The Government provides funding for legal services in the form of legal aid. This is awarded to candidates based on their financial situation and other circumstances.
Legal insurance cover
If you have taken out legal cover as part of an insurance policy, you should be offered free access to legal advice and representation. This may cover you in cases involving:
- personal injury
- unfair dismissal and employment tribunals
- purchase or hire of goods and services
- loss or damage to property through someone else’s negligence
- disagreements with neighbours
- tenancy disputes
- contract issues with house purchases
- non-constructional building work, such as redecoration.
Check with your insurer for details of the financial level to which you are covered. In some cases, this may not cover the entire cost of the case, so make sure this is established before you proceed with any legal action.
No-win, no-fee
Many personal injury and clinical negligence cases are taken on a no-win, no-fee basis. Otherwise known as “conditional fee agreements”, these offer the claimant access to legal representation on the basis that they will only pay if their case is successful.
Before you embark on a no-win, no-fee claim, make sure that you check the small print to ensure that you are not liable for any hidden charges.