Road Traffic Accident: Serious Personal Injury Claim

Our client was involved in a road traffic accident whilst riding his motorbike when a third-party driver cut across his path when it was unsafe to do so, resulting in a collision. Liability for the accident was admitted at an early stage by the third party’s insurers.

In addition to damage to his motorbike, our client sustained a number of physical and psychological injuries, giving rise to a significant personal injury claim alongside associated financial losses.

Case at a Glance

Motorcyclist road traffic accident claim resolved with substantial negotiated settlement

Settlement
£142,319.73

Matter type
Road Traffic Accident (Motorcyclist Claim)
Settlement
£142,319.73 (negotiated settlement)
Outcome
Liability admitted; substantial settlement achieved through negotiation

Nature of the Injuries

As a result of the accident, our client suffered multiple injuries including:

A fracture to his left arm
Whiplash injuries
Moderate tinnitus
Psychological symptoms following the incident

The combined effect of these injuries had a significant impact on our client’s day-to-day life and ability to work.

Financial Impact and Losses

Our client operated his own carpet business and, due to the injuries sustained, was unable to work for a period of time. This led to a claim for loss of earnings in addition to general damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity.

We successfully recovered:

£8,717.76 for the damage to the motorbike
A substantial sum in respect of personal injury and financial losses, including loss of earnings

Key Challenges

This matter required careful handling to ensure that all aspects of the client’s losses were properly evidenced and recovered.

Valuation of mixed injuries. The client’s injuries included both physical and psychological elements, requiring a balanced approach to ensure appropriate valuation.

Loss of earnings claim. As a self-employed individual, evidencing loss of income required detailed financial documentation and analysis to accurately quantify the claim.

Negotiation with insurers. Although liability was admitted, the value of the claim required robust negotiation to ensure a fair outcome for our client.

Conduct of the Claim

Following admission of liability, we engaged in detailed negotiations with the defendant’s insurers, presenting comprehensive medical and financial evidence to support the claim.

Through proactive and strategic negotiation, we were able to secure a favourable settlement without the need for court proceedings.

Outcome

We successfully negotiated a settlement of £142,319.73 for our client, reflecting the full extent of his injuries, financial losses and the impact on his business.

This result ensured that our client was properly compensated and able to move forward following the accident.

Have you been injured in a road traffic accident?

If you have been involved in a road traffic accident and suffered injury, you may be entitled to compensation. Our team has experience handling claims involving both physical and psychological injuries, including loss of earnings for self-employed individuals.

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How a Fraudster Almost Stole Our Client’s Home Using a Forged Lasting Power of Attorney

This is the case of Marie — not her real name — a homeowner who came within a hair’s breadth of losing her £280,000 flat to a complete stranger, without her knowledge, while she was away caring for her mother during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Case at a Glance

Property fraud prevented involving forged Lasting Power of Attorney

Property Value
£280,000

Type of Case
Property fraud via forged Lasting Power of Attorney
Property Value
£280,000
Outcome
Sale prevented — fraud identified, LPA removed from register, police informed

What Happened

Marie left her flat empty while she went to care for her mother during the pandemic. While she was away, a fraudster — presenting herself as “Julie” — forged a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) document and submitted it to the Office of the Public Guardian, the government body responsible for approving such applications. The application was granted, giving Julie legal control over Marie’s financial affairs.

Julie then used that power to attempt to sell Marie’s flat, instructing solicitors to complete the sale and requesting that the £280,000 proceeds be paid into a bank account in Julie’s own name.

Marie knew nothing about any of it.

How the Fraud Was Uncovered

The first Marie heard about the fraud was when her freeholder contacted her to say someone had tried to sell the flat. When she got to her property, she found the locks had been drilled off and changed. “They rocked up in broad daylight and just drilled off the locks, they were that bold,” she said. “That was the moment I began to feel very scared.”

The sale had not gone through — and that was down to the instincts of our conveyancing team. Our conveyancers, Nicola Nolan and Natalie Moylan, had grown suspicious and began asking for additional documentation, including a doctor’s note confirming that Marie lacked capacity. Nothing was forthcoming. A further concern was the geographical mismatch — Marie was based in the south of England, so why had a Manchester firm been instructed? The firm decided it did not want to act for the client, and the sale did not proceed.

The Documents

Julie had presented our firm with a genuine LPA document, a driving licence bearing her name and photograph, and two bank statements. However, upon closer examination, the LPA — while genuine in format — contained multiple factual inaccuracies, fake names, and signatures that appeared to have been written by the same person.

The Outcome

The Office of the Public Guardian confirmed that Marie’s fraudulent LPA was removed from the register and that the police were informed. Marie’s home was saved.

“It has been my home, I love it to bits,” Marie told BBC Radio 4’s You & Yours. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have this, and I was very angry that somebody had tried to take it away from me.”

A Wider Problem

This case exposed a significant vulnerability in the LPA system. At the time, the Office of the Public Guardian employed no trained fraud investigators and used no fraud detection systems to cross-reference identities on applications — meaning a forged LPA could be granted without any meaningful checks.

David Lammy MP described the situation as “a scandal of huge proportions,” calling for a root-and-branch review of the system. “A lasting power of attorney is a dramatic legal act,” he said. “It’s taking control of a human being’s affairs, and it’s extraordinary that legal protections are so weak that fraud can take place.”

What This Case Demonstrates

This case was only prevented from becoming a devastating loss because our conveyancers asked the right questions and refused to proceed when the answers did not stack up. Had a less diligent firm been instructed, Marie’s home would have been sold without her ever knowing — until it was too late.

Concerned about property fraud or misuse of a power of attorney?

If you suspect fraud involving your property or a Lasting Power of Attorney, it is vital to act quickly. Our solicitors can assess your situation and help you take urgent legal action to protect your assets.

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Why We Never Give Up Without Looking Twice: How a Rejected Claim Became a €2,400 Win

Sometimes the difference between a failed claim and a successful one comes down to asking one more question. This case is a perfect example of that — a claim that was very nearly closed, a detail that changed everything, and a €2,400 result that the airline did everything it could to avoid paying.

Case at a Glance

Flight delay compensation claim won after airline rejection based on weather

Claim Value
€2,400

Type of Claim
Flight delay compensation
Delay Duration
9+ hours
Airline’s Initial Response
Rejected — adverse weather conditions
Outcome
Full claim won at Court

The Claim: A 9-Hour Delay and a Flat Rejection

Our client’s flight was delayed by more than nine hours — a significant disruption that under UK and EU flight delay regulations entitles passengers to compensation, provided the cause of the delay is not an extraordinary circumstance beyond the airline’s control.

We submitted the claim. The airline rejected it. Their position was that the delay had been caused by adverse weather conditions — one of the most commonly cited extraordinary circumstances used by airlines to avoid paying compensation — and they supplied evidence to support that assertion.

Here is where many claims would have ended. The weather on the day was indeed adverse. The airline’s explanation was plausible. The evidence they provided appeared, on the face of it, to support their defence.

We were ready to close the file.

The Detail That Changed Everything

Before doing so, we carried out one final round of research into the circumstances of the delay. And that research revealed something the airline had not volunteered: the flight had also been delayed by four hours due to a technical fault.

This was the critical finding. Under flight delay compensation law, airlines cannot hide behind a single convenient explanation where multiple factors contributed to a delay. A technical fault is not an extraordinary circumstance — it is something within the airline’s control, something they are responsible for maintaining, and something that gives rise to a compensation liability. The adverse weather may well have played a role, but it was not the whole story, and it did not extinguish the claim.

We did not close the file. We pressed on.

The Airline’s Response: Deny, Delay, Defend

Presented with our findings, the airline declined to settle or admit liability. The matter proceeded to Court.

The airline filed a formal defence — but crucially, their defence failed to adequately address the technical fault and the four-hour delay it had caused. Whether this was an oversight or a deliberate strategy of hoping the point would go unnoticed, we cannot say. What we can say is that we noticed, and we made sure the Court did too.

We filed a robust response, setting out in clear terms the inaccuracies and omissions in the airline’s defence, and placing the technical delay front and centre. The argument was precise: whatever the weather conditions may have caused, the technical fault independently caused a delay that exceeded the threshold for compensation liability, and the airline had no valid defence to that element of the claim.

The Result: €2,400 in Full

The Court agreed. Our client received the full €2,400 compensation they were entitled to.

What This Case Demonstrates

Airline rejection letters are not the final word. Airlines routinely reject claims, sometimes on grounds that do not withstand scrutiny. A rejection is the beginning of the conversation, not the end of it.
The detail is in the data. The adverse weather explanation was not wrong — but it was incomplete. Thorough research into the full history of a delay, including technical logs and delay records, can reveal facts that fundamentally change the picture.
Diligence at the point of near-closure matters. This claim was almost closed. It was a final check — the kind of careful, conscientious approach that defines how we handle every file — that uncovered the technical delay and saved the claim entirely.
A weak defence can be exposed. The airline filed their defence but could not adequately account for the technical fault. Identifying and exploiting the weaknesses in an opponent’s case is exactly what skilled legal representation is for.

Think Your Flight Delay Claim Was Wrongly Rejected?

If your claim has been turned down by an airline — particularly on the basis of weather or other extraordinary circumstances — it is worth a second look. Airlines do not always tell the full story, and the reasons for a delay are not always as straightforward as they present them.

We handle flight delay compensation claims on a no win, no fee basis. Contact us today for a free review of your case.

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Road Traffic Accident: Serious Personal Injury Claim

Our client was a passenger in a vehicle when the driver lost control of the car, causing a collision in which he sustained serious injuries. Liability was admitted by the defendant, but causation and the extent of our client’s injuries were disputed throughout, and the defendant raised a number of additional arguments that added significant complexity to the conduct of the claim.

Case at a Glance

Serious road traffic accident claim resolved for passenger without trial

Settlement
£175,000

Matter type
Road Traffic Accident (Passenger Claim)
Settlement
£175,000 global damages plus recovery of approximately £37,000 in repayable benefits
Outcome
Settled without trial

Nature of the Injuries

Our client suffered serious physical injuries in the accident, together with chronic headaches, chronic pain and significant psychological injuries. The combination of these conditions had a substantial impact on his ability to work, and the future loss of earnings element formed the largest single component of the overall claim.

The range and complexity of the injuries necessitated the instruction of a team of specialist medical experts. An orthopaedic expert, an ENT specialist (our client had developed tinnitus as a result of the accident), a psychologist and a neuropsychologist were all instructed. As the case progressed and the full picture of our client’s condition became clearer, a pain specialist was also engaged. Specialist counsel was instructed to assist with the valuation and presentation of the claim.

Key Challenges

The defendant raised three distinct arguments in an effort to reduce the value of the claim, each of which required careful attention and specialist input.

Seatbelt defence. The defendant alleged that our client had not been wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident and sought a reduction in damages on that basis. This required us to examine the evidence carefully and address the allegation head-on, drawing on the medical and factual material available to us.

Contributory negligence and the drunk driver allegation. The defendant further alleged that our client had been contributorily negligent on the basis that he had knowingly allowed himself to be driven by a driver who was under the influence of alcohol. This is a well-established legal argument: a passenger who voluntarily accepts a lift from a driver they know to be drunk may have their damages reduced to reflect their share of responsibility for their own injuries. To address this allegation properly, we obtained a specialist toxicologist’s report to examine the evidence around the driver’s condition at the relevant time.

Pre-existing injuries. The defendant alleged that a number of our client’s complaints related to conditions that pre-dated the accident rather than being caused by it. Establishing the correct causal picture required detailed analysis of the medical records and careful engagement with the expert evidence to demonstrate which aspects of our client’s condition were properly attributable to the accident.

Passengers and Contributory Negligence: What You Need to Know

If you are injured as a passenger in a road traffic accident, you are generally entitled to bring a claim for compensation. However, defendants and their insurers will sometimes argue that a passenger bears some responsibility for their own injuries, and this argument can take several forms.

The most common example is the seatbelt defence. Where a defendant can show that a claimant was not wearing a seatbelt and that the injuries would have been less severe had they done so, the court has the power to reduce the damages awarded, typically by 15 to 25 per cent depending on the circumstances. A further recognised form of contributory negligence arises where a passenger accepts a lift from a driver they know, or ought to know, to be impaired by alcohol or drugs. The courts have consistently held that knowingly accepting such a risk can result in a reduction of damages, and defendants will frequently raise this argument where there is any evidence to support it.

Whilst these arguments can be powerful tools for defendants, they are not automatically accepted and can be challenged robustly with the right evidence. A toxicologist’s report, medical records, witness accounts and other contemporaneous evidence can all play an important role in addressing these allegations. It is vital to have experienced legal representation at an early stage so that the appropriate evidence is gathered and preserved.

Compensation Recovery Unit and State Benefits

Where a claimant has received certain state benefits as a result of their injuries, the Compensation Recovery Unit (CRU) requires those benefits to be repaid to the government out of any damages awarded or agreed. The defendant is responsible for repaying the relevant benefits directly to the CRU, and this repayment is made separately from the compensation paid to the claimant.

In this case, in addition to the £175,000 in global damages recovered for our client, the defendant was required to repay approximately £37,000 in benefits to the CRU. This represents a significant additional sum that reflects the true financial impact the accident had upon our client’s life during the period of the claim.

About Road Traffic Accident Claims

If you have been injured in a road traffic accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to bring a claim for compensation regardless of whether you were the driver, a passenger, a cyclist or a pedestrian. Liability and the extent of your injuries are two separate questions, and it is important to understand that even where the other party admits fault, the value of your claim will often remain disputed.

Compensation in a personal injury claim can cover a wide range of losses. General damages are awarded for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by your injuries. Special damages cover your financial losses, which may include loss of earnings (both past and future), the cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation, care provided by family members, and travel expenses. In more serious cases, where injuries affect a person’s long-term ability to work, the future loss of earnings element can represent the most significant part of the overall claim.

The medical evidence underpinning a claim is critical. Defendants and their insurers will scrutinise expert reports carefully, and in complex cases involving multiple conditions it is essential to instruct the right specialists. Where injuries are serious or long-lasting, it is not unusual for several different experts to be required. Getting the medical evidence right from an early stage can make a material difference to the outcome of a claim.

Conduct of the Litigation

Court proceedings were issued and, notwithstanding the volume of contested issues raised by the defendant, the matter was resolved through negotiation and settled well in advance of any trial. Our client recovered global damages of £175,000, with the defendant separately required to repay approximately £37,000 in state benefits to the CRU.

Outcome

Our client received a settlement of £175,000 in global damages, with a further £37,000 in benefits recovered on his behalf. The case involved a sustained challenge from the defendant on multiple fronts, including contributory negligence, the seatbelt defence and the question of pre-existing conditions. Through careful preparation, specialist expert evidence and the assistance of counsel, we were able to present a robust case and achieve a resolution that properly reflected the impact the accident had had upon our client’s life.

Have you been injured in a road traffic accident?

Our team has experience handling claims of all levels of complexity, from straightforward whiplash injuries through to serious and life-changing conditions. If you have been injured and would like to understand your options, please contact us for a free initial discussion.

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Chronic Pain, Contested Injuries, and a Fundamental Dishonesty Allegation: How We Secured £100,000 for a Young Passenger

Some personal injury claims are straightforward. A clear accident, an admitted liability, a defined injury, and a negotiated settlement. This was not one of those cases. Over the course of several years, our client — a young woman of just 21 at the time of the accident — faced a defendant who disputed virtually everything, deployed surveillance footage against her, and pleaded fundamental dishonesty in their formal defence. Despite all of that, we secured her a settlement of £100,000.

Case at a Glance

Road traffic accident claim resolved for 21-year-old passenger after contested injuries

Settlement
£100,000

Type of Claim
Road traffic accident — passenger in a rear-end collision
Client’s Age at Accident
21
Liability
Admitted
Disputed
Causation and quantum
Proceedings Issued
October 2021
Trial Listed
July 2026 (10 days)
Settled
November 2025 (mediation)

The Accident and the Dispute

Our client was a passenger when another car drove into the rear of the vehicle she was travelling in. She had done nothing wrong, and liability was admitted. What followed, however, was years of fierce dispute about what that collision had actually done to her.

That distinction — between admitted liability and disputed causation — is one that catches many claimants off guard. An admission of liability is not an admission of the full extent of injury. The defendant accepted the accident happened. They did not accept that our client’s injuries were as serious, as enduring, or as life-altering as she and her medical team said they were.

Complex and Life-Altering Injuries

Our client’s injuries were not the kind that resolve with rest and physiotherapy. She suffered from chronic widespread pain, psychological injuries, seizures, and was ultimately diagnosed with functional neurological disorder (FND) — a condition in which the nervous system does not function properly, producing real and disabling symptoms that are nonetheless difficult to quantify in a legal context.

We initially instructed an orthopaedic expert, a neurologist, and a psychologist. As the severity of her condition became clearer, we extended the team to include a pain specialist and a neuropsychiatrist. Because our client had been unable to work since the accident, the largest single component of her claim was future loss of earnings — reflecting the fact that this young woman’s entire working life had potentially been derailed by a collision she did nothing to cause.

Given the complexity and value of the claim, we instructed senior counsel at an early stage. Counsel attended our client at her home and took a detailed witness statement — an approach that reflects both the seriousness of the claim and the sensitivity required when a client’s conditions make formal attendance difficult.

A Complication: Two Accidents, Two Solicitors

Seven months before the collision we were instructed on, our client had been involved in a separate accident — handled by different solicitors and pursued against the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), as the driver in that earlier incident was never traced.

This meant two ongoing claims, two legal teams, and overlapping injuries. Chronic pain and functional neurological disorder do not come with neat timestamps. We liaised consistently with the other solicitors throughout to ensure the claims did not cut across each other and that our client’s overall position was properly protected.

Surveillance and a Fundamental Dishonesty Allegation

The defendant pleaded fundamental dishonesty in their formal defence — an allegation that, if successful, can strip a claimant of their entire damages award. To support it, they produced covert surveillance footage of our client.

We rebutted this carefully and thoroughly, working with our medical experts to demonstrate that what the footage showed was entirely consistent with the fluctuating nature of chronic pain and FND. These conditions do not render a person visibly incapacitated at all times, and the defendant’s attempt to use this material to portray our client as dishonest was firmly countered.

Mediation and Settlement

Proceedings were issued in October 2021, with a 10-day trial listed for July 2026. With the trial approaching, the parties attended mediation in November 2025, where the claim settled for £100,000.

For a young woman whose health remained complex and whose future remained uncertain, bringing this chapter to a close with a meaningful, certain recovery — without the ordeal of a lengthy trial — was a significant and hard-fought achievement.

What This Case Demonstrates

Admitted liability is not the end of the fight — causation and quantum can be just as fiercely contested
Complex injuries require the right experts, and the willingness to expand the medical team as the picture develops
Fundamental dishonesty allegations must be rebutted with thorough, evidence-based work
Early instruction of senior counsel in high-value cases shapes strategy and pays dividends throughout
Parallel claims with overlapping injuries require careful, ongoing coordination between legal teams

Injured in a road traffic accident?

We handle personal injury claims on a no win, no fee basis. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation assessment of your case.

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Damp, Mould, and a Difficult Defendant: How We Secured £10,000 for Tenants After Three Years of Determined Litigation

Damp and mould are among the most common — and most damaging — forms of housing disrepair affecting council and housing association tenants across the UK. They are also among the most contested. In this case, our clients faced not only the health risks and misery of living in a severely affected property, but a landlord who fought the claim at every turn. Three years later, our clients walked away with £10,000. Here is how we got there.

Case at a Glance

Damp and mould housing disrepair claim resolved for tenants after contested litigation

Settlement
£10,000

Primary Issues
Extensive damp and mould throughout the property
Duration
Approximately 3 years
Client
Housing association or council tenants

The Problem: Living with Extensive Damp and Mould

Few forms of disrepair affect daily life quite as pervasively as damp and mould. It creeps across walls and ceilings, damages furniture and belongings, fills the air with a musty, unhealthy smell, and — most seriously — poses real risks to the respiratory health of everyone living in the property. For vulnerable occupants, including children and those with underlying health conditions, the consequences can be severe.

Our clients had been living with extensive damp and mould for a significant period before coming to us. They had reported the problem to their landlord, as they were entitled to do, and had received little by way of meaningful action. The disrepair was not a minor patch of condensation in a bathroom corner — it was extensive, affecting multiple areas of the property, and it was making their home an unpleasant and unhealthy place to live.

The Complications: A Case That Was Never Going to Be Simple

From the outset, it was clear that this was not going to be a straightforward claim. Several factors combined to make it one of the more complex matters we have handled.

A Robust Defendant

Some landlords, when faced with a well-evidenced housing disrepair claim, will engage constructively, acknowledge their obligations, and seek to resolve matters efficiently. This defendant did not. They contested the claim robustly at every stage, disputing liability and the extent of the disrepair, and showing little appetite for early resolution. This approach, while frustrating for our clients, is not uncommon — and it is precisely why having experienced, tenacious solicitors in your corner makes such a difference.

A Non-CPR Part 35 Compliant Expert Report

One of the more significant legal issues in this case concerned the defendant’s expert report. In court litigation, expert evidence is governed by CPR Part 35 — the Civil Procedure Rules that set out the strict requirements an expert’s report must meet to be admissible and reliable. Among other things, a CPR Part 35 compliant report must contain a declaration that the expert understands their overriding duty to the court, and must be independent and objective.

The defendant’s expert report failed to meet these requirements. This was not a minor technicality. A non-compliant expert report carries significantly less weight — and in some circumstances, none at all. We identified this deficiency and used it effectively in our clients’ favour, undermining one of the defendant’s key pieces of evidence and strengthening our clients’ position considerably.

Overcrowding in the Property

A further complication arose from the issue of overcrowding. Defendants in damp and mould cases will frequently argue that the disrepair is not their fault at all — that the damp and mould is caused by the lifestyle of the occupants, particularly where a property is overcrowded and there are higher levels of moisture in the air from cooking, bathing, and breathing. This is a well-worn argument, and one we are well-practised at addressing.

Overcrowding, where it exists, is often itself a consequence of systemic failures in social housing — families placed in properties too small for their needs, with no adequate alternative available to them. It is not a defence that automatically absolves a landlord of responsibility for disrepair, and we worked hard to ensure that the complexities of this issue did not derail our clients’ claim.

Issuing Court Proceedings: Taking the Fight to the Defendant

Given the defendant’s unwillingness to engage constructively, it became necessary to issue and serve formal court proceedings. This is a step that some tenants find daunting — the prospect of litigation can feel intimidating — but it is often an essential one when dealing with a landlord who will not take a claim seriously without the pressure of formal legal action.

Issuing proceedings sends a clear message: this claim is real, it is well-founded, and we are prepared to see it through to a final hearing if necessary. It also triggers a series of procedural obligations on both parties, including the exchange of evidence, the instruction of joint or separate experts, and compliance with court directions — all of which we managed carefully on our clients’ behalf.

It was at this stage, with the full weight of the litigation machinery in motion, that the weaknesses in the defendant’s case became increasingly apparent — not least the deficiencies in their expert evidence.

Settlement: £10,000 Before Trial

Ultimately, the case settled prior to a final trial hearing. This is a common and often sensible outcome in housing disrepair litigation. Trials carry uncertainty and cost for both parties, and when the evidence is pointing firmly in one direction — as it was here — a negotiated settlement can deliver a good result for the client without the stress and expense of a courtroom hearing.

After approximately three years of determined and skilled work, our clients received a settlement of £10,000. This figure reflects compensation for the general damages they suffered — the years of living in a damp, mouldy, unhealthy home, the impact on their physical and mental health, and the loss of amenity — as well as any financial losses they incurred as a result of the disrepair.

What This Case Demonstrates

This case is a powerful illustration of several realities of housing disrepair litigation that every tenant should understand.

Not all landlords will settle early. Some will fight, and the ability to take a case all the way to the steps of a courtroom — and beyond if necessary — is what ultimately delivers results for clients. Choosing solicitors who are genuinely prepared to litigate, not just negotiate, matters enormously.
Expert evidence is critically important — and it cuts both ways. A strong, CPR-compliant expert report is a cornerstone of a successful claim. An expert report that does not meet the required standards can be a significant liability for the party relying on it. We scrutinise the defendant’s evidence as carefully as we build our own.
Overcrowding arguments are not a free pass for landlords. The suggestion that tenants are responsible for their own damp and mould is frequently raised and frequently wrong. It requires careful rebuttal, supported by the right evidence and the right expertise.
Patience and persistence pay off. Three years is a long time to live with uncertainty, and we acknowledge that. But when a defendant is determined to fight, the willingness to see a case through — methodically, professionally, and without losing sight of the client’s interests — is what secures the outcome our clients deserve.

Think You Have a Housing Disrepair Claim?

If you are a council or housing association tenant dealing with damp and mould, or any other form of disrepair that your landlord has failed to address, we are here to help — no matter how difficult your landlord may be.

We act exclusively for tenants on a no win, no fee basis. There is no financial risk to you in bringing a claim, and no obligation following an initial conversation. Contact us today for a free assessment of your case.

All cases are different and past results are not a guarantee of future outcomes. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Dealing with damp and mould in your home?

If your landlord has failed to address damp, mould, or other housing disrepair issues, you may be entitled to compensation. Our solicitors can assess your situation and help you take legal action to resolve the problem and recover damages.

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From Structural Crisis to Settlement: How We Secured £9,000 for a Tenant Displaced by Severe Subsidence

When the ground beneath your home begins to give way, the consequences extend far beyond cracked walls and uneven floors. For one of our clients — a council tenant living with their family — what began as a structural problem spiralled into months of upheaval, uncertainty, and significant personal distress. This is the story of how we helped them secure justice, and why cases like this matter.

Case at a Glance

Structural disrepair claim resolved for council tenant and family

Settlement
£9,000

Primary Issues
Severe subsidence, structural cracking, and major structural concerns
Duration
Just under 2 years
Client
Council tenant (with family)

The problem: when your home becomes unsafe

Subsidence is one of the most serious forms of housing disrepair a tenant can face. Unlike a leaking roof or a broken boiler — problems that cause inconvenience and discomfort — structural movement threatens the integrity of the building itself.

In this case, our client began noticing the tell-tale signs: deep, widening cracks running through internal and external walls, uneven floors, doors and windows that no longer closed properly, and a growing sense that the property simply was not safe to live in.

These are not cosmetic issues. Severe subsidence can destabilise foundations, compromise load-bearing structures, and in the worst cases, render a property completely uninhabitable.

The client reported their concerns to their landlord, as any tenant should — but the response was slow, and the situation continued to deteriorate.

The complication: being decanted from the family home

Given the severity of the structural damage, the landlord eventually accepted that the property needed significant repair works and that it was not safe for the family to remain there during that process.

The client and their family were therefore ‘decanted’ — a term used in housing law to describe the temporary relocation of a tenant while works are carried out.

In theory, decanting is a practical and reasonable step. In practice, it can be deeply disruptive.

Our client and their family were moved to an alternative address, away from their established community, their routines, and the familiar surroundings of their home. The temporary accommodation, while a roof over their heads, was not their home — and the emotional toll of that distinction should never be underestimated.

The disruption affected the entire family, and critically, the uncertainty about when the works would be completed and when they could return home created a sustained period of anxiety and stress. The mental health impact on our client was significant and formed an important part of their claim.

The financial impact: extensive special damages

Decanting a family does not simply mean giving them keys to a temporary property. It means moving belongings, arranging storage, dealing with utilities, managing post, and navigating a dozen logistical challenges — all while living somewhere that is not your own home.

In this case, the client’s possessions had to go into storage, and we played an active role in assisting them with their move back into the property once the works were complete, as well as recovering their belongings from storage.

These practical complications translated directly into financial loss.

Special damages in this case were quite extensive, reflecting the real out-of-pocket costs our client incurred as a direct consequence of the landlord’s failure to maintain the property.

When we talk about compensation in housing disrepair cases, it is not simply about putting a number on distress — it is about restoring our client, as far as money can, to the position they would have been in had the disrepair never occurred.

Standing firm: pushing back on unreasonable requests

Housing disrepair cases rarely run entirely smoothly, and this case was no exception.

Among the complications that arose was a request from the landlord that our client and their family move back into the property over the Christmas period — before it was truly appropriate or convenient to do so.

Christmas is a time of particular significance for families, and being pressured to disrupt that period to fit a landlord’s schedule — whether to manage contractor availability or reduce the cost of temporary accommodation — is something we took firm issue with on our client’s behalf.

We assisted the client in pushing back against this unreasonable request, ensuring that their interests and wellbeing remained central to all decisions about the timing of their return.

This aspect of the case is a reminder that housing disrepair claims are not simply about the physical condition of a property. They involve real people, real families, and real lives.

A good housing disrepair solicitor is not just a litigator — they are an advocate for their client in every sense of the word.

The resolution: £9,000 settlement

After just under two years — investigating the claim, gathering expert evidence on the structural issues, quantifying the special damages, and negotiating firmly on our client’s behalf — we secured a settlement of £9,000.

This sum reflects compensation for the general damages arising from the disrepair itself (the loss of amenity, the distress, and the impact on daily life and mental health), as well as the extensive special damages our client incurred as a result of their displacement.

For our client, the settlement represented not only financial recognition of what they had been through, but also a sense of closure.

They are back in their home, the structural works have been completed, and — with our help — they were able to put this difficult chapter behind them.

Think you have a housing disrepair claim?

If you are a council or housing association tenant living with disrepair — whether structural issues like subsidence, damp and mould, failing heating systems, or any other problem your landlord has failed to address — we are here to help.

Our specialist housing disrepair team acts exclusively for tenants, and we operate on a no win, no fee basis, meaning there is no financial risk to you in bringing a claim.

Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation assessment of your case.

Experiencing similar housing disrepair problems?

If your landlord has failed to address serious issues such as subsidence, structural cracking, damp or mould, you may be entitled to compensation. Our solicitors can assess your situation and help you take legal action to resolve the problem and recover damages.

Start your housing disrepair claim
Speak to a housing disrepair solicitor

351 Reviews

DM

The conveyancing process took about 11 weeks with no chain at either end. Umar was able to arrange everything to happen on my requested completion date towards the end of March, which was close to the April stamp duty deadline so this was appreciated.
D Rahman

I would like to share my recent experience using the service of Versus Law solicitors and they are brilliant.. my purchase was a rapid sale and I only had 6 weeks to do the completion and beat the deadline of stamp duty rise and I was able to complete 10 days before the deadline.
Umar Shamly who was dealing with my file was absolutely brilliant very informative very helpful very professional and easy to reachable. He was always prompt with the responses .
They made the whole process very easy and smooth for me .
Will definitely recommend them to friends and family
Storm

I had a very smooth service from Versus Law, and my solicitor Umar was always very quick to respond which makes the world of difference
A Ali

Versuslaw especially Anita Craig helped so kindly from 2018 for pia delay flight claim which was showing possible but Ms Anita Craig proved it again that versus law can do it. Thank you will use again and recommend 100percent.
R Nabi

We have just completed on a buy and sell having used Versus Law for both sides of the transaction.
Versus Law have been immense throughout, with the Conveyancer looking after our ‘purchase’ working hand in hand with his colleagues to keep us informed of how the ‘sell’ was progressing too.
Amazing bunch of people. There should be more firms providing this high level of service.
B Keane

Very professional and up to the task
I found versus law straight forward and very helpful.
K Boon

i recently completed on a property and was guided really well by Katrina and Lisa. Ive never purchased a property before so really didn’t know what was involved. It was easy and seamless no stress at all followed by a price that was so much cheaper than other quotes I’d had
M Rehman

Having had my PIA flight delayed for over 5 hours.. Anita Craig of versus law solicitors was a great help. Every step was made easy for me to understand and I will definitely be recommending yourselves to family and friends.
J Nugent

They made the whole process of my injury claim
simple and straight forward, They even managed to get
me my compensation before Christmas which I wasn’t expecting, A big thanks to Kulbinder Mehay
Steven P

Excellent work, thank you.
Liz

Nicola Nolan and Natalie Moylan are an excellent conveyancing team. We have used them more than once and recommend them to friends and family (who were also impressed). This time they were involved in us buying a property in Wales and kept us informed all the way through, even with covid restrictions causing problems. They are friendly, efficient and get the job done in a no-nonsense way which is what you need. They take the stress out of conveyancing for you. Very impressed and would recommend to anyone and everyone.
Gem

I was selling my home which had a complicated title and versus law was recommended to me. Natalie Moylan handled my case from start to finish and I couldn’t ask for anyone better! There were no obstacles that couldn’t be overcome and in a very fast turn around too. The sale completed in no time at all. Natalie was timely, professional and friendly and an absolute pleasure to have on my side. I would strongly recommend Versus law to anyone.
Bonnie

I have used the services of Nicola Nolan at Versus Law twice this year and was instantly put at ease and very impressed with the help received and the outcome achieved. Would recommend without hesitation
Daniel

I called to get some documents certified, the ladies on reception were so helpful. I am very happy with the service I received and will use Versus Law again.
M

Dealt with my flight claim hassle free and super quick, I was continuously updated every step of the way and overall really pleased with the outcome. A personal thank you to Anita as she couldn’t have made it easier for me and saw through any problems I had!
Richard

I purchased my first home in February, and used Versus as my solicitor. I dealt with Natalie Moylan from start to finish, who was excellent throughout. The purchase ended up being delayed and resulted in a quite hectic finish, but Natalie remained calm and professional at all times, whilst providing a very high quality of work. My thanks to Natalie and her team, for making a long purchase so much easier!
C Savage

We were selling our house (through Nick) and buying a house (through Natalie) and I can honestly say these are the best solicitors we’ve ever used (we had always used ones in London previously). They both kept us informed on a regular basis as to how things were progressing which I really valued and they were quick to respond to any queries I asked. They were professional, efficient, helpful and really nice to deal with. We were recommended Versus through local friends that have used them previously and I would definitely recommend Versus to anyone else asking me for a recommendation.
Thanks again Natalie and Nick.
J Percy

We used Nicola Nolan for our purchase/transfer of ownership. She was excellent from start to finish. We were fully informed of the process throughout and she was always friendly, approachable and very professional at all times. Would definitely recommend her at Versus Law. Thank you again
J Guntren

Amazing law firm for conveyancing!! My wife and I made an offer on a house 24th September and we were moved in by 20th December. It should also be noted that we were selling my wife’s apartment at the same time (also using Versus), further complicating everything. Thanks to Natalie, everything was done in a very efficient manner and she was very understanding of our situation.
P Godfrey

Many thanks to Anita and all the staff at Versuslaw, they made my flight compensation claim for delay a breeze. I would highly recommend them
G Ryder

The service and advise that we received from Versuslaw was exceptional. We had numerous issues with the house that we were buying and the team at Versus law guided us through the process whilst always looking out for our best interest.They were always prompt in responding to any question that we had and would update us on a regular basis. Thanks again to Nicola, Nick and Francine
Mark

Excellent, professional and friendly work from Nick, Nicola and Natalie. They were flexible and very helpful in pushing along the sale despite several hurdles. Would definitely use again in future and would recommend others do so too
C Keen

Absolutely superb service from Nicola Nolan. Highly trust and recommend. Honest attention to detail.
V Griffith

We would like to say a big heartfelt thank you to Saqib Kazam versuslaw
Once he took our case in for Holiday compensation He kept us up to date with every thing explaining every step he took this was not an easy case but he got us an excellent result a kind polite very professional young man. Highly recommend
J Williams

From the moment we rung Versus Law and spoke to the receptionist on the phone to the moment we completed on our first home, Versus Law were excellent. Our solicitor was Tom and not only did he keep us updated every step of the way but he was very professional, efficient, offered valuable advice and made the process of buying a house stress free. We couldn’t recommend Versus Law enough and we just wanted to say a huge thank you to Tom and the team. Joe and Kara
S Foster

Sarah handled my claim quickly and efficiently. It made the whole process easy and stress free. She was very professional and kept me informed every step. I would highly recommend Versuslaw.
H Cooper

We would highly recommend Versus law, especially Nick Wintrip (selling) and Nicola Nolan (buying). They both kept us up to date throughout the whole process. They were easy to get hold of and were very prompt to answer any questions/email. We would have no hesitation in recommending Versus law for conveyancing.
I Asaf

Fantastic service, very helpful and kept me informed at every stage
M Long

From start to finish Versus Law have been professional and helpful. Tom Reid was always available to talk to us and gave us updates regularly meaning we did not have to constantly chase up matters. We are very happy by the service and would recommend to anyone looking for a reliable solicitor.
Jill T

Excellent service. I was kept informed every step of the way. Natalie Moylan and Renee Burke were a pleasure to work with. Highly professional but with a personal touch. They both went above and beyond!
Danielle

Excellent service from start to finish from Nicola and Natalie! Super responsive to emails and all my questions as a first time single buyer. Natalie and Nicola make a great team and are so approachable. Definitely recommend them for property related legal services.
Frankie

Really happy with my experience using versus law, from start to finish they put my mind at ease as I wasn’t buying a house in the normal way, it was through a family divorce and there were time scales and dead lines to meet, versus law managed to conker my mortgage and speed things up to avoid any extra costs, nicola was always there to ease my mind when I had any concerns as things do get stressful whilst purchasing a property, the ladies on the reception we also a delight and couldn’t do more to make you feel comfortable in any situation, if you are thinking of using versus law to assist you through your mortgage then look no further as these guys couldn’t have done more for me, I couldn’t have been happier with my experience
Matt W

Nicola Nolan’s conveyancing service has always been excellent, I have used them several times in the last 5 years. In particular for my business I have found their relationship and understanding of Paragon Bank to be very useful. I would highly recommend.
Kay

Excellent decision to go with Versus Law! Nick Wintrip handled the very stressful job of our house sale with professionalism, calmness and a good sense of humour. We did everything via email, phone and post, and he was always quick in responding and keeping me updated every step of the way. Very competitively priced too. I would highly recommend Versus Law without the slightest hesitation.
O Li

Thomas Reid dealt with the sale and purchase of our properties. He was a pleasure to work with – very quick to respond to queries and very efficient in his work. As a result, the process went very smoothly with minimal delays. I would highly recommend competitively priced Versus Law and especially the professionalism of Thomas Reid.
Mr RS

Natalie Moylan dealt with the sale and purchase on my behalf. The whole process was very well handled with constant updates. The first solicitors I’ve used that’s responds within to an email within an hour! Would 100% use again!!!
Mrs LC

Recently dealt with Nick Wintrip at Versus law when selling my property. Found him to be professional, quick and thorough. Process went smoothly and I was well informed throughout the process. I received regular updates and all enquiries were dealt with efficiently. Nick made the whole process of selling my home stress free and a happy one! Your the best Nick – thank you again 🙂
Will highly recommend Versus Law Solicitors. They are the best
Jaxx

Would recommend Versus Law for conveyancing; Nick and Natalie we’re our team with Nick the main contact, thank you Nick and Natalie for making the conveyancing experience as stress free as possible.
Paula

Great experience working with Versus Law. Excellent level of professionalism from Thomas Reid who provided clear, precise information. Highly recommended from my side. Thanks to Tom and the team.
D

Fantastic experience with Natalie and her colleagues. Email updates throughout the home buying process, estimates of how long it would take to get her work completed and local knowledge which speeded up the process. 100% recommended.
R Napier

Really good and really helpful got things sorted alot quicker than anticipated very cooperative
Wetherill

What an outstanding team they turned my purchase around within the set time frame and very professional at all times.
They went above and beyond reassured myself throughout the process.
As being a first time buyer I felt this was most important I would recommend them highly.
Nasir

Versus Law dealt with my house sale from start to finish in a most professional manner. A friendly, professional, competent team who get the job done within the time parameters. I highly recommend this firm.
Colin and Yvonne

Absolutely brilliant service as always.
This is the third time using Versuslaw and they never fail to impress. Natalie and Nicola are real diamonds and you really get the sense that they actually care about you.

We actually live in London, but continued to use them for our London property because of our previous experience with them.
Thank you guys, would highly recommend you to anyone.
B Man

Excellent service!!! We are really happy with the service VersusLaw provided to us. Being first time buyer, we dint have much idea about the whole process and had lots of questions. They have given proper and clear response on time to everything we have requested. For us, one of the property got cancelled in between the process because the owner decided to not to sell that property few days after accepting our offer. Though there were searches and procedures done already for that property VersusLaw did not ask Fee for that purchase as they understood the difficult situation we were in. When we found our next property, we had no doubt whom to contact. We are really happy and totally satisfied by the service Nicola, Natalie and their team offered. We will highly recommend your service to anyone,
Ross Grant

Today I have completed on the purchase of my very first apartment, and it just wouldn’t have been possible without the INCREDIBLE knowledge, guidance and GENUINE care of Nicola, Natalie, and the entire Versus Law team.

This purchase was far from straightforward, with lots of potential pitfalls – all navigated with professionalism, patience and an impeccable attention to detail by Nicola.

Nic went well above and beyond the call of duty to look into some extremely complex accounts and repair budgets to the apartment block in question – something I would have completely overlooked.

As a result, with her guidance, I managed to negotiate a £2,000 reduction in asking price – something I’m sure other solicitors would have let slip through the net.

That’s a genuine £2000 saving – a lot of money for a first-time buyer.

You get a real sense that these guys actually CARE – they make you feel more like a friend, than a client – and don’t leave a stone unturned when it comes to conveyancing. If there is anything to uncover on a property, trust me, Nicola will find it!

In essence, Versus Law made what could have been a rather stressful situation, easy and straightforward.

Communications and response times were brilliant, with daily updates coming via phone and email – and I never felt rushed by anyone when I had queries.

I honestly cannot recommend Versus Law enough.

I’m going to pick up the keys to my apartment now – and won’t be using anyone other than these guys for all future property purchases/ sales.

THANK YOU SO MUCH Versus Law – I’ll be raising a glass of champagne to you all at the housewarming! 🙂
CW

Great service provided by Nicola and her team.
Always communicating with updates for the completion of my property.
Would highly recommend
Jackie

I used Versus Law to buy my first house. Had no idea how it worked but I must say that the conveyancing team held my hand all the way through. On the day of completion there was a delay and they stayed in office late to ensure it went through so I wasn’t waiting over the weekend. It was an absolute pleasure to deal with Versus Law and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them. It was nice to speak to people who I felt cared for me and put my interests first at all times. Thank you so much for your help
Andy

Versus were great to deal with when they provided the conveyancing for my house purchase. I was able to complete the process without needing to physically travel to their offices and my solicitor was always available for any questions when I was completing all the paperwork. Everyone was very friendly to speak to.
T Baguley

Fantastic conveyancing service from Nicola and Natalie, they kept on top of everything from start to finish and were always available whenever we had questions. I’d be happy to recommend them to anyone.
David JC

Very impressed with every aspect of Versus Law, from service they provide to the attitude of the staff. Always called back when they said they would and had a laugh with them too. Will definately use again (if I need to).
Mrs Morris

I would recommend Versus Law to anyone, particularly Nick Wintrip, who looked after us extremely well. They are very efficient and communicated with us fully at all times. We were able to contact them by phone and e mail and did not need to rely on letter going back and forth. Nick is really friendly too and put us at ease throughout the end to end sales process. Thank you.
Tanita

Nicola and Natalie did a wonderful job. They were friendly and patient. Answered my many many questions and got the job done very efficiently. I am highly impressed and would definitely recommend them.

DM

D Rahman

Storm

A Ali

R Nabi

B Keane

K Boon

M Rehman

J Nugent

Steven P

Liz

Gem

Bonnie

Daniel

M

Richard

C Savage

J Percy

J Guntren

P Godfrey

G Ryder

Mark

C Keen

V Griffith

J Williams

S Foster

H Cooper

I Asaf

M Long

Jill T

Danielle

Frankie

Matt W

Kay

O Li

Mr RS

Mrs LC

Jaxx

Paula

D

R Napier

Wetherill

Nasir

Colin and Yvonne

B Man

Ross Grant

CW

Jackie

Andy

T Baguley

David JC

Mrs Morris

Tanita

Road Traffic Accident: Serious Personal Injury Claim

Motorcyclist road traffic accident claim resolved with substantial negotiated settlement

Nature of the Injuries

Financial Impact and Losses

Key Challenges

Conduct of the Claim

Outcome

Have you been injured in a road traffic accident?

OTHER NEWS

How a Fraudster Almost Stole Our Client’s Home Using a Forged Lasting Power of Attorney

Property fraud prevented involving forged Lasting Power of Attorney

What Happened

How the Fraud Was Uncovered

The Documents

The Outcome

A Wider Problem

What This Case Demonstrates

Concerned about property fraud or misuse of a power of attorney?

OTHER NEWS

Why We Never Give Up Without Looking Twice: How a Rejected Claim Became a €2,400 Win

Flight delay compensation claim won after airline rejection based on weather

The Claim: A 9-Hour Delay and a Flat Rejection

The Detail That Changed Everything

The Airline’s Response: Deny, Delay, Defend

The Result: €2,400 in Full

What This Case Demonstrates

Think Your Flight Delay Claim Was Wrongly Rejected?