Choosing Your Own Lawyer & Legal Expenses Insurance

To speak to an expert litigation solicitor about bringing a claim, call 01271 343457 today.

What is legal expenses insurance?

Many people these days will have legal expenses insurance, typically as part of a home insurance policy. It covers the policyholder for legal costs (usually up to a maximum figure, and often only in relation to certain types of disputes). 

Legal expenses insurance can be invaluable in helping you decide whether or not you should pursue a case. 

Can I choose my own solicitor?

Insurers will often recommend solicitors to the policyholder. Insirance companies will typically have a panel of solicitors to choose from. Most of these will be capable of carrying out the work required. 

However, there are circumstances in which you might wish to insist upon using your own solicitor. For example, the solicitors suggested by the insurance company could be based a long way away from where you live. You might have a trusted solicitor who you have used before, who you would like to handle the case. Or you may have found a solicitor with a particular specialism which matches your case.

It is a fundamental right of the individual that you must be allowed to choose your own solicitor. Two recent judgments of the European Court of Justice, have underlined the importance of an individual's freedom to choose their own representation in any "inquiry or proceedings". 

Insurers should be aware of your rights. 

What should I do next?

If you have a claim, and you have legal expenses insurance, find the right solicitor for you to deal with the matter. Most people prefer to deal with someone they can visit easily, perhaps who they know and trust. 

Whilst your insurance company will make a recommendation to you, you are well within your rights to insist upon instructing your own solicitor. 

How we can help

At Samuels Solicitors, based in North Devon, we have over 25 years experience of dealing with a wide variety of contentious disputes, including:

• professional negligence claims
• contractual disputes
• boundary disputes
• disputes about wills and trusts

In all of these types of cases, we have regularly dealt with a wide range of legal expenses insurers and have managed cases to a successful conclusion.

What If I Don't Have Legal Expenses Insurance?

If you do not have the benefit of a legal expenses insurance policy, or if your claim is not covered by the policy, we may still be able to help. We are committed to ensuring that our clients have access to justice, whenever possible, and we have developed a range of flexible funding options, which can include conditional (no win no fee) arrangements in certain cases. 

We Will Assess Your Case For Free

If you think you have a claim for professional negligence, a contract or bounday dispute, about a contract, or about a will or a trust, we will carry out an initial assessment for free. This will include taking your initial details and discussing with you whether you have legal expenses insurance, or require some other assistance to pay legal fees. 

Contact us today for a free discussion with an expert.