Legal disputes can be stressful and overwhelming. Whether you are a business or an individual, facing a legal issue can be daunting. It is tempting to push the problem aside and hope it goes away but ignoring a legal dispute will likely only make it worse.
Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t put off taking action to resolve your legal dispute:
- The longer you wait, the harder it may be to resolve the issue. Evidence can get lost, memories can fade, and witnesses may become unavailable. Some claims are also subject to limitation periods, meaning there is a limited time to pursue a claim.
- Ignoring the problem could make you look like you are a push over. If the other party sees that you are not taking the issue seriously, they may be more likely to take advantage of you and make resolution less likely.
- The other party’s circumstances might change. Companies can enter insolvency and individuals can sometimes disappear. The longer you leave a matter, the greater risk the other party won’t be worth pursuing.
Taking Action Doesn’t Have to Be Scary
If you’re worried about the process of a small claim, there are a number of things you can do before issuing a claim at court. Here are a few tips:
- Try to negotiate a settlement with the other party. This can be a good way to resolve the dispute quickly and cheaply.
- Consider mediation or a meeting. These are alternative dispute resolution methods that can be less expensive and time-consuming than going to court.
- Seek early legal advice. A lawyer can help you understand your options and develop a strategy for resolving your dispute. The problem with lower value claims, which would fall within the small claims track, is that lawyer costs are likely irrecoverable regardless of the outcome. That is one of the main reasons we created this site – to help people where affordable help is often unavailable.
Grasp the Nettle and Take Control of the Situation
If you are facing a legal dispute in England and Wales, Small Claims Court Genie can help. Our website and Ultimate Guide provide a wealth of information on the small claims court process, including step-by-step guides and templates.
