Have you noticed how life seems to be getting busier and busier? My children are growing older and I often reflect how I have less and less time, at a point in my life when I hoped things would start to slow down a little. From the constant barrage of emails and texts, to continual news and social media notifications, there is a never ending flow of information coming our way and if we’re not careful we run out of time for the really important things in life. So what can a solicitor do to minimise the stress of going to court?
As a solicitor, I see over and over again that many of my clients don’t have time to deal with their own cases. When an individual suffers a life changing injury caused by an accident that wasn’t their fault, whether that’s an employer who failed to provide adequate training in the safe use of equipment, or a retailer who failed to deal with a trip hazard within one of their stores, I have discovered that in addition to the serious financial consequences and physical injury that has to be dealt with, marriages and relationships can break down when put under the immense pressure that ensues.
What can a solicitor do to help remove some of the burden…
Many clients are surprised at the extra help a solicitor can offer in these circumstances. From arranging the day-to-day care that they need, liaising with care agencies, case managers and physiotherapists, to helping clients access any specialist equipment they need to make life that little bit easier, we do more than just chase after compensation.
Taking the time to listen…
Finding the time to really listen to, and find a solution to, a client’s concerns is vital. What does a client need and what do they want to achieve? For example, financial worries and pressures can be instantly relieved if we can secure an early interim payment, or we manage to arrange life changing surgery that might not be available on the NHS. Understanding that a client’s needs are not just physical, but emotional too, is incredibly important.
To negotiate or litigate?
In most cases, early mediation and negotiation is more likely to be in a client’s best interests. This approach not only saves costs, but more importantly, it can help to rebuild a client’s life whilst giving them, and their loved ones, time to recover and time to reassess the things that are really important to them.
If you have any questions about what can a solicitor do to minimise the stress of going to court, please contact Mark directly on 01483 887504, or at mtw@hartbrown.co.uk.
This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.
