How long will it take?
The length of time it will take to conclude your case depends on the nature and the complexity of the dispute. We will be able to provide you with a more specific timeline after an assessment of the claim and sending the initial letters. This sets out your case, what you seek and gives your opponent an opportunity to respond. If a response is received and the dispute is not resolved, it may be that another form of resolution is appropriate such as mediation or court proceedings.
If the claim goes through court proceedings, the claim will be allocated to one of the categories below, dependent upon the value, complexity and relief sought, which will impact on the anticipated time of your claim:
- Small claims track: 6 months – 1 year
Small claims are those seeking damages less than £10,000
- Fast track: 1 year – 2 years
Fast track claims are those seeking damages in excess of £10,000 – £25,000 or another remedy, such as injunctions. The trial will last one day so there will be limited expert or witness evidence.
- Multi track: 1 year – 3 years
Multi track claims are those seeking damages in excess of £25,000 or another remedy, such as injunctions. The trial will last more than one day due to the complexity of the matter, or requirement of significant expert or witness evidence.
Can I recover my costs?
The unsuccessful party often pays the reasonable costs incurred by the successful party, dependent on which track the claim is allocated to. The costs that can be recovered can include, but are not limited to:
- Witness expenses
- Court fees
- Expert fees and legal costs: dependant on the success of your claim and its track
