Am I Entitled To Legal Aid? (Homework)

[JasmineMurphyx]

'My case is one regarding personal injury as I was involved in a hit and run, where the person drove away without stopping, I have no savings but do own material assets such as my own house and car. I have,however, lost my job. I come into a Citizens Advice Bureau for your help.'

The law booklets we were given tell me that public funding is not available for claims of personal injury but the means test says that the client only has to prove that they do not have enough money for a lawyer, which in this case, I don't think this client does as he has lost his job. It also says their gross income is considered first if they aren't on Income Support but as that information has not been given in the question I'm not sure.

Sorry if this question seems really simple but - Would this client, in a civil case using different forms of advice and representation, be eligible for legal aid?

Thank you for taking the time to help.

[hc4361]

No, legal aid is never available for personal injury claims, which is why the 'no win, no fee' solicitors are thriving.

[woofgang]

Think of it as a yes/no decision tree where the first no stops you going any further...first question is "is this the type of case where the client might be entitled to legal aid" Answer: No. Therefore their income and resources are irrelevant