Cheshire, United Kingdom (14th June, 2012) – Poole Alcock LLP, professional, qualified and experienced solicitors in Chester, comment on the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 and how this will affect defendants who pursue legal claims regarding negligent exposure to asbestos.
Under the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, to come into force in April 2013, not all costs will be recoverable from the defendant in successful legal cases dealt with under a ‘no win no fee’ agreement. This will result in solicitors either waiving these non-recoverable costs completely or seeking to recover them from their clients. If the latter occurs, clients will not recover 100% of their compensation and will find these funds will be used to pay for their solicitors’ costs.
Currently and prior to the introduction of the Act, claimants receive the full amount of any agreed compensation and have their legal costs paid by the negligent employer, or, more likely, its insurance company. Claimants are therefore not forced into contributing to their own legal costs.
As a result when the Act comes into force, clients will have to ‘shop around’ to find the best deal before embarking on a claim for personal injury.
However, the Government has recognised that victims of asbestos-related conditions such as mesothelioma will not have the time or the inclination to find the appropriate solicitor after receiving a terminal prognosis. As such, these claims will be exempt from the Act.
A spokesperson for Poole Alcock LLP commented: “We think that keeping asbestos-related and other likeminded claims within legal aid will provide valuable assistance to many people when they need it the most. The government’s cuts to legally aided work are a concern for the entire legal profession and are not considered especially ideal, but on this issue they seem to have made the right decision.”
For more information on Poole Alcock LLP and their solicitors in Cheshire and across the UK, visit their website at http://www.poolealcock.co.uk/ or telephone 01260 275337.
About Poole Alcock LLP:
Poole Alcock LLP is a leading solicitor in the North West of England and provides a wide range of legal services, including legal areas such as employment law, criminal defence, probate, debt recovery, childcare, adoption and more. Established for 120 years, Poole Alcock LLP continually maintains their traditional values which they blend with modern technology to offer their clients a professional, efficient and reliable legal service.
Contact:
Chris Illingworth
Poole Alcock LLP
7 Moody Street
Congleton, Cheshire
Zip: CW12 4AN
Tel: 01260 275337
Email: cji@poolealcock.co.uk
Web: http://www.poolealcock.co.uk/
