Defending A Claim

[AliFlump]

Hi. How much does it cost to defend a claim where someone is claiming money owed (not via a contract or anything in business). Friend has been advised by solicitors it could cost anything upto £30k. I appreciate that it's a how long is a piece of string question. The amount being claimed is £17k. Its easy to say just pay them but what if they really aren't entitled to it (they arent)

[bobbinwales]

How are they claiming, through the county court. You'll be asked to respond. Am not aware your expected to pay costs unless you lose. Are you thinking of paying a solicitor to defend it??

[AliFlump]

Yes using a solicitor potentially to defend. Just checking if upto £30k is to be expected

[bobbinwales]

Am not sure why you'd consider spending anything like that figure? If you win would you get your costs back? Seems unlikely if claimant has little or no money? Am not clear why a solicitor is needed at all to defend it

[AliFlump]

It is a complex situation (and it's not my case its an elderly relative who wants the reassurance of a solicitors knowledge in a predicament they have no knowledge or experience of) She doesnt want to spend £30k defending, just wondered if anyone had any experience in this area and if the £30k was a typical figure to defend.

[Peter Pedant]

why is your fren' asking a lawyer
contact one and find out for youself

the claim is large ( er larger than I have seen ) and for no contract or negligence it seems difficult to see what the grounds are ( like I am not asking)

[jackthehat]

The £'s to defend will depend on the complexity of the case.
Will expert witnesses be required..... how much spadework will the Solicitor/Barrister need to carry out?

If you could provide the bare bones of the case (after all you and your relative are anonymous) someone may be able to advise more fully.

[Peter Pedant]

dont share it with us
share it with the lawyer who will defend or might defend

[AliFlump]

She is sharing with a solicitor / lawyer and this is the roundabout figure he has given her, she has yet to be able to make an appointment to explain her full situation face to face and is understandably panicking a bit about the amounts involved - i was just after some friendly advice - nevermind

Appreciate your response @JackTheHat. I will try and put a short description together (may take some time)

[Barmaid]

It makes sense for her to go and discuss with a solicitor indepth first of all. Until he or she is in possession of the full facts he cannot really give a realistic estimate.

As JtH says, it really depends on the type of case because there are an awful lot of variables. The type of case it is will also impact on the likely costs rules (they differ from case to case). If her case is that good, she might be able to get the other side's case struck out.

£30k might be realistic. It might not. It may also be worth her checking her house insurance to see if she has any legal expenses cover. Also seeing whether she could do this on a no win no fee.

It is IMPOSSIBLE to say until a lawyer has seen the papers and reviewed the evidence and even then the best they can do is estimate.

[AliFlump]

Cheers Barmaid, i can print this out and show her. She just needed some reassurance before she can go and explain her side.