Missing out on millions of pounds in compensation
In spite of what has been termed UK's growing compensation culture new revelations point to the fact that we are still way behind in claiming damages when our rights are breached.
The problem is clearly not because there is no access to justice, thanks to the no win no fee arrangement. But the main issue is our failure to know exactly when certain terms of a contract are violated and what we could do to have our right in the contract respected.
Again the problem is not because we do not have experts to guide us through or explain the breaches we could make a compensation claim on, but we simply have no time and often would prefer to let the sleeping do lie, even at our own expense.
Compensation
Making a compensation claim is not a huge challenge for which you would fear losing everything if it fails or that you are more likely not to succeed than win compensation. It usually begins with you knowing where there is a breach and making the right move to contact an expert who will then listen to your complaint and look at the evidence you are likely to present to back up your claim. The expert will certainly let you know what chances you have of success or otherwise and whether your case could be handled on the basis of no win no fee.
No win no fee solicitors would not require you to make upfront payment of fees, but would take on the case in the hope that it's successful prosecution would result in you getting your compensation claim while they get paid a higher fee by the defendant.
But many of us either do not know how the process works or are not interested in pursuing a claim due to the lack of time. Agreed that we are always extremely busy, yet this does not deny US our rights to claim compensation, where necessary.
Missing out on £60m
A typical example of our lack of serious commitment to pursuing damages is revealed by the recent Disputer.com survey in which up to 69 per cent of people admitted not knowing they are entitled to compensation from their gas, electric and water suppliers when they receive substandard service.
The study, which was commissioned by the online complaint service, further found that despite the regulation that utility suppliers meet quality standards people hardly make a claim where there is clearly a breach of this. And even where many were entitled to £20 in compensation because their water company failed to inform them of the exact time of the day they were visiting, it was found that none of those affected made a claim. In the survey more than one in 20 of the respondents regretted not making a claim and missing out, collectively, on £60 million compensation last year.
Ignorance
Ignorance, we are told, is not an excuse even in law. But should we then accept it as a good explanation for our inability to claim our right? Probably not. It will not cost us a fortune to seek the assistance of professionals whenever we are facing difficult issues.
In fact, scores of expert firms are there to help us understand issues bothering on our right to make a claim and how the process can be handled with less hassle. What is left is for us to contact them and make the best of every opportunity within our reach.
Updated on 14/06/2009