Month: February 2021

What sort of accidents at work count for a compensation claim?

Posted on February 24, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Uncategorised, Work Place Accidents

Accidents at work can have a severe impact upon the victim and any witnesses that saw what happened during the incident. You didn’t deserve to get hurt, but the accident still happened. That means you have to bear the brunt of what happened to you. It may take you months to recover from your injuries. However, during this time you may suffer from more than just your physical damages. In order to help with the recovery process, you may be considering claiming for compensation. After all, you may need to pay for medical assistance and recovery treatments that could get you back on track. Unfortunately, you may be feeling unsure about whether or not your injuries are severe enough for you to make a valid compensation claim. That’s why it’s essential that you get the right legal assistance to get you started with your compensation claim.

Gowing Law Solicitors is here to help with any types of accidents at work. Our law firm can give you the advice you need to get started. To talk to one of our specialists, call 0800 041 8350 or use the link below to visit our work accidents page.

How do I know if I have a valid accidents at work claim?

Accidents at work claims can be extremely complicated, depending on the severity of the incident and the extent of your evidence. The best way to determine whether or not you could be owed a compensation pay-out is in relation to negligence. Your employer owes you a ”duty of care”. Quite literally, this means that your employer has a responsibility to keep you safe when you go into the work place. That means that they should give you:

Proper health & safety training
Advice on how to handle customers in the work place
A tour around the workplace to show the escape exits
Appropriate breaks and lunch breaks
A safe and tidy environment to work in

If your employer did not provide you with reasonable training and help to get you used to your position in the company, and this ended up leading to an accident, they could be responsible for your injuries. That means you will have a valid accidents at work claim and will be able to claim compensation.

What could have caused my accident at work?

In order to claim compensation, you need to prove that you are a victim of negligence in the workplace. That means something happened that you were not responsible for. Instead, it was due to the fault of your manager or a higher authority in your workplace.

There are many ways that you could have got hurt in the workplace. It is your manager’s responsibility to ensure that you are safe throughout your workday so you feel comfortable in your job. Your employer has the responsibility to:

Understand the health and safety risks of the workplace
Making sure workers are supported if they are hurt
Ensuring that there is a report system in place to announce any accidents

With that said, it is unfortunate, but work accidents do still happen despite there being safety regulations put in place to protect employees. Here are some of the most common ways that you could get hurt at work:

As you can see, there are many different ways that you could get hurt in the workplace. If you are working somewhere that is extremely messy (i.e. is a very enclosed space, has exposed wiring on the floor or is untidy in general), it is very likely that you (or perhaps a customer) will get hurt. Keep an eye on any uneven surfaces in your workplace as these can be tripping hazards. It’s estimated that around 38.8 million work days are lost due to these types of accidents. That’s why it’s important to report any hazards to your work employer/manager if you spot any. If the problem is not fixed you can then use this as evidence that you are the victim of negligence.

What counts as negligence?

If you are going to have a successful work accident claim, you need to understand what could actually count as negligence from your employer. Your employer has a duty to keep you safe in the workplace. If you get hurt then they have a responsibility to get you medical treatment and to help you recover. Sadly, if your employer does not put your health and safety first then you could be put in danger. Here are some examples of how you could be a victim of negligence:

Refusing to supply PPE to workers
Not completing a health & safety risk assessment for the workplace
Refusing to keep machinery and equipment updated
Not providing efficient training for staff
Refusing to give staff proper breaks and lunches
Not listening to staff concerns, complaints or worries
Providing a messy work environment

It’s important for employers to listen to their staff. After all, your workers are the blood of your business. Therefore, if they notice something is wrong then it is your duty to have it sorted. If you do not have it fixed up and someone gets hurt, it is very likely that you could have a compensation claim to deal with.

Office Accidents: Repetitive Strain Injuries

There are many different types of accidents at work that could occur and cause you to get hurt. Naturally, the type of injury that you suffer from will depend on the type of industry that you are in. For instance, if you work in a construction site, it’s more likely that you are going to suffer from injuries that could occur from faulty equipment. However, if you work in an office, it’s very likely that you will experience injuries due to a cramped environment, messy merchandise or jobs that they do not have the skills to complete.

One thing that could happen is in relation to repetitive tasks. If you do the same action day in and day out, such as typing or using a computer, it’s likely that you could claim for a repetitive strain injury. A repetitive strain can happen due to swollen and inflamed muscles. It can also happen if a nerve is pinched from repetitive movements. If it is left untreated, there is a chance that it could change into arthritis or could cause serious nerve damage.

You may feel unsure about whether or not this could be counted as a work accident injury, which is why you may feel unsure about whether or not you could claim compensation. But we are here to tell you that it is counted! You just need a doctor’s report to prove that you have suffered due to your work actions. That way adjustments can be made to your schedule and you can take time out to recover.

What type of injuries classify for an accident at work claim?

Quite honestly, we would say that any type of injury that was caused by the negligence of your employer will allow you to be eligible for a compensation claim. However, keep in mind that the extent of your injuries will determine how much compensation you receive. Therefore, you need to decide on whether or not you think it’s worth it. For instance, if you have just received a few bruises from a fall, there may not be much point in making a claim. However, if you have experienced quite serious injuries then you could make a claim for work accident compensation.

Some examples of work accident injuries include:

Broken bones
Sprains and injured muscles
Internal bleeding
Damage to internal organs
Loss of limbs
Brain damage
Loss of hearing/vision

It’s important that you speak to your solicitor in order to figure out the extent of your damages. That way you can figure out how much you could be potentially owed from the other party. Speaking with a lawyer will also help you understand whether or not it is worth pursuing the claim. They can help you collect evidence and get you ready for a settlement agreement with the other party and their insurer.

What should I do if I have had an accident at work?

Now that you understand what type of accidents at work will qualify you for a compensation pay-out, it’s important to understand what you can do to make sure that you get the largest pay-out possible. There are certain things that you can do that can help your solicitor with your case. If you get hurt, you should alert your manager as quickly as possible. That way they can have it notified in the work accident book and also get you the medical help that you need. You should contact the emergency services as quickly as possible if you have been hurt. Even if you have you only suffered from minor injuries, it’s better to be safe and sorry. A doctor can assess your wounds and injuries and give you a proper medical report.

If you can collect evidence from the scene of the accident, that will also help your case. Your evidence can come before, during and after the accident occurred. For instance, if you alerted your manager before the accident happened, and nothing was changed to prevent the accident from happening, you can use that to show you suffered from negligence. Have a look at the evidence examples below to get a good idea of what you could use:

Photographs of the accident and your injuries
Video footage, CCTV footage and Dash-cam footage
Witness statements
Medical records
Police records
Communication with insurers and employees (emails)
Diary entries
Receipts (i.e. travel costs)

From there, you should consider organizing this evidence to bring it to your solicitor to start on your case. They can give you the best advice possible and help you start the preparations for a settlement agreement meeting.

How could the pandemic affect my work accidents claim?

Although there is talk about the lockdown being eased down, it’s important that you understand that you can still make a work accident claim. The main differences you may experience is in relation to the amount of time it takes to get your compensation. The courts are currently experiencing delays due to the backlog of court cases and the current lockdown. That means it may take a little longer to receive your compensation. If you do end up going to court, you may have to undertake a case remotely. That means you will have to join a session through your computer through a video link. Make sure you have strong Wi-Fi and are sitting in a quiet room so you can hear the judge. Your solicitor can make you are supported throughout the session.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your accidents at work claim

If you want to learn more about how Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your claim, why not get in contact with our law firm to get started? Our solicitors can give you advice on your accidents at work claim for free. You can also speak to our lawyers for no-obligation consultations to get started. If you are happy to move forward with your case with our specialist team, we can offer our solicitors on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will never need to pay any hidden fees. Instead, you will only need to pay our solicitors if they win your case. That’s why you should get in contact as soon as possible to begin your claim.

Contact Gowing Law’s work accident team today to start your claim. You can call 08000418350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or you can use our claims checker. One of our team members will then be in contact to answer your questions.

World Day of Social Justice: Human Right Visas

Posted on February 19, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, Immigration, Seasonal, Uncategorised

World Day of Social Justice is a day where we consider some of the biggest issues that require solutions and support to be made right. This includes the inequalities between genders, races and those with and without disabilities. For us, we have always sought to get our clients the justice that they deserve. Whether this is from a work accident as a result of a negligent employer or a business interruption insurance claim from an insurer that is refusing your claim during the pandemic, we will always be there to ensure that you get a proper pay-out. We believe in equality. That’s why we want to make sure that all of our clients are able to speak out about the issues they are facing.

When we think about World Day of Social Justice, one the biggest topics that comes up for our solicitors is in relation to our immigration department. We have helped many families around the UK achieve the right to remain in the country. This is through the Human Rights Act!

If you want to find out more about Human Rights Visas, why not get in contact with our immigration team to learn more? You can click the link below or call 0161 8080 060 to get started.

The Basics of Visas

As everyone knows, now that the pandemic has caused a nationwide lockdown, there are procedures in place in order to stem immigration as a way to decrease the spread of the virus. This includes staying in a quarantine hotel if you come into the country. Keep in mind that Covid-19 could cause delays with your claim. If you believe that you are experiencing any discrimination with your Visa application, it’s important that you let your solicitor know as soon as possible so they can help you fight your case.

With that said, let’s have a little bit of a chat about different Visas before we jump into social justice. If you want to live in the UK, there are many different Visas to choose from. You will need to pick a Visa in order to travel to different countries (outside of your home country) and become a resident. Take a look at the infographic below to get an idea of the type of Visa that would best suit your own situation:

If you believe that you would benefit most in a different Visa, it’s important that you speak to your solicitor. For instance, if you believe that you could actually be eligible for a human rights visa, you could appeal to be allowed to stay in the UK if you believe that your human rights will be breached. It could be unlawful for you to be forced out of the country, therefore you need to have the right law firm protecting you and your rights. This will be social justice at its best.

Social Justice, Human Right Visas and Deportation

Now that we have discussed the basics of Visas, it’s important we talk about unlawful deportation from the UK as it is World Day of Social Justice. According to the Human Rights Act of 1998, if the Home Office acts inconsistently with the European Convention on Human Rights, this could act as a means for it to be condemned as unlawful.

No matter who you are, you will be eligible for this protection if you are living in the UK. It also applies if you are currently under the authority of the UK’s immigration authorities. You can enact Article 8 from the European Convention if it is suspected that you have come to the UK illegally or if you have over-stayed your Visa. Under paragraph 276 ADE of the EU’s Immigration Rules, your human rights will need to be considered in relation to a compassionate or exceptional circumstance.

There are some additional criteria that you will need to fulfil if you are going to make a Discretionary Leave Application:

Another way you could be eligible to make a discretionary leave application is through your family life. Everyone has the right to a public and private family. You are allowed to make an application against deportation on the grounds of a compassionate and compelling argument. You will also need to be able to gain a passing mark against a points-based system.

What is the points-based system?

There is one thing that you do need to understand if you are going to make any sort of Visa application. That iss the points-based system. This system separates migrants into different categories, such as work, investments or training. Each category will have different requirements to be fulfilled in order to have a successful application:

Age
English Language
Qualifications
Earnings
Experience of the UK
Sponsorship Certificate

Make sure to speak carefully to your solicitor about which tier you will be in. They will carefully direct you and help you figure out what qualifications you need. If you are worried that you may lack certain skills (i.e. a strong grasp of the English language), our lawyers can direct you towards specialists that can help you improve. Feel free to speak to them about any help that you will need. Our lawyers will be here to support you throughout your claim.

What can I do if I am destitute and cannot afford a Visa?

One of the things you need to consider when you are going to claim a Visa is how you are going to pay for it. We like to think that everyone is born with the same opportunities as other people, sadly socio-economic status says otherwise. In some cases, you may struggle to afford a Visa. If you have been left destitute and cannot afford the fees that come along with the Visa, you could be eligible for a “fee waiver.” You solicitor can help you make an application. This can be sent to the Home Office to get your fee waiver sorted. However, you will need to provide evidence that you cannot pay. The questions you may be asked include:

Can you meet your essential needs?
Do you have accommodation in the UK?
Are you able to pay for the fee right now?
Could you pay for the fee/ have a change in financial circumstance in the next 12 months?
Will you be able to borrow the fees from your family or close friends?

You will also be asked to provide evidence about this type of claim. Here are some examples of the evidence that you can use to prove your case:

World Day of Social Justice: Illegal Deportation and Human Rights

Deportation is known as the forced expulsion of an individual from one country to their original country of birth. Although in some cases, it may seem logical, it’s important that we consider any political and socio-economic statuses that could affect a person’s right to stay. In some cases, discrimination may actually play a part in the outcome of a visa application. Over the last year, it has been estimated that 3,900 people have actually been detained. Quite a number of them have come from the EU. This has grown since 2010 where only 973 EU citizens were detained. Unfortunately, there is actually very little legal support for people who have been unfairly detained. Issues that can arise include:

How long a person can be detained for
What circumstances can be used as a cause of detainment
When a detainment may see a judge about their case

As a specialist law firm, we endeavor to provide all of our clients with as much support as possible. However, we do understand that the injustice of detained immigrants is a huge cause for concern. No one wants to see another Windrush Scandal. Already, it has become clear that new problems have emerged with the treatment of EU citizens and their right to remain. Thousands of people who have lived here for generations are now at risk. This is why it is more essential than ever for legal experts to support those in need during this difficult transition, especially those who are being discriminated against and have very little access to legal assistance.

Racism in the Criminal Justice System

Right now, it’s important that we look at the injustice that many citizens in the UK have suffered from, and bring any hidden discrimination to the surface. The very fact that many migrants suffer from these “policies” illegally shows a hidden systemic racism that needs to be addressed. A lot of detainees describe the process of being detained as being stuck in ”limbo”. This feeling is often endless and can leave severe emotional trauma on the victim.

It’s important that we refrain from labelling anyone as “good” and “bad”, because honestly it depends on the individual’s circumstances. However, we should also use this as an opportunity to explore the human impact of these issues. By classifying someone as “bad”, it ignites fear. That means it presents them as a type of “alien” figure that can turn people against them. In any sort of immigration case, it is important to view it with an open mind. It is sad that as we are currently in a pandemic, there are still deportations that are still going ahead despite the fact that there is a travel ban.

Here at Gowing Law, we will always do our best to put the needs of our clients first. If they are vulnerable and need legal help, we will be there to help them. Learn more about how we can assist you with asylum and humanitarian protection by clicking the link below:

What can you do to help your solicitor with a claim?

Quite honestly, the best thing you do to help your solicitor with any type of claim is to provide them with evidence. We understand any type of immigration Visa request or deportation order can be extremely stressful. But it’s important that you remain as calm as possible. Providing your solicitor with the evidence needed for your claim can put it in safe hands. They can make sure to work with you to ensure you have a strong case. If you believe that you are a victim of discrimination then they can help you get the justice that you deserve. They can also help you with a repeal if you believe that you have been treated unfairly.

It’s important to not speak about the details of your case publically, after all this could be taken badly if you are trying to make a claim. However, we should bring light to World Day of Social Justice! If you feel strongly about human rights, especially in relation to deportation and racial equality, talk to your friends, family and whoever will listen. The more you bring light to a topic, the more likely that people will take notice of the problems that tend to be hidden.

Gowing Law Solicitors is here to help you with your claim

No matter who you are, Gowing Law’s expert solicitors are here to help you with any of your law claims. We can offer you free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy to work with your claims experts, we can work with you on a “no win- no fee” basis. We will never ask you to pay any hidden fees. Instead, you will only need to pay our lawyers if they win your case for you. That means you will always come out on top!

Contact us today by phoning 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claims checker. One of our lawyers will then be in contact to help you move forward and answer all of your questions. That’s why you should get in contact with us today. Make sure to also do your bit for the World Day of Social Justice. That way you can talk about a social problem close to your heart.

Learn more about legal claims!

If you’re interested in learning more about immigration or legal claims, why not visit our blog? We update our blog every week with brand new content. That way you can learn all about legal claims before you even make a claim! We write about law topics, seasonal events and the latest updates with Gowing Law. If you have a topic that you would like us to cover, why not let us know about it? We would be more than happy to write about your suggestions. Send in your suggestions to info@gowinglaw.co.uk.

You can also follow our social media to see our latest informative videos and giveaways! Click the links below to visit our Twitter and Facebook to get started.

We look forward to helping you with your claim soon!

Will a medical report help with my personal injury claim?

Posted on February 18, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Covid-19, Uncategorised

If you are going to make a personal injury claim, it’s crucial that you have the right evidence to back it up. No one deserves the pain that can come from an accident that was not their fault. That’s why you need to seek justice and receive compensation for your injuries. Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, our specialists will be able to support you throughout your claim, provided that you give them evidence to show you were not responsible for what happened to you. That way they can show in court (or at least prove to the other party) that this happened due to someone else’s negligence. The best way to do this is to have a medical report that can show the full extent of your injuries.

Not only can Gowing Law Solicitors help you get in touch with a specialist that can assess your damages, we can help you claim compensation that can be used for any future physical or psychological treatment that could aid in your recovery. Contact Gowing Law Solicitors today to get started with your claim by calling 0800 041 8350 or by using our claims checker below:

How do I know that I am eligible for a personal injury claim?

As you know, the UK lockdown has had a huge effect on everyone around the country. Not only has it had a financial effect on businesses that need to close to protect their employees and customers, but if you have suffered from a personal injury, you may find that you feel too intimidated to make a claim. After all, you may not want to go to court and, instead, you may want to stay at home to recover where you know it is safe. It’s completely understandable that you do not want to take any risks when you have already been hurt. But we want you to know that you could be eligible for claiming compensation if you were not responsible for your injuries, even if you make the claim during lockdown.

There are many different types of personal injuries that can claim for. Gowing Law can help you with the following injuries:

You could be eligible to make a claim if you can prove that the accident was not your fault. If you can use your evidence to show that you were not responsible for your injuries, you could also claim for a personal injury claim. Don’t forget as well that during this pandemic, there will be safety procedures put in place to ensure your safety. This can include:

But could I make a personal injury claim if I am hurt?

So, let’s get into the meat of personal injury claims in general. The main way you are going to have a successful claim is to prove that you were not responsible for your injuries. You were hurt due to someone else’s negligence. In other words, they broke their “duty of care” towards you. Whoever is in charge of the public environment has the responsibility to look after you if you are working or visiting there. That way you can continue your day without fear of getting hurt. If you are eligible for a claim, you will be able to prove that an accident happened because of the negligence of someone else. Examples of accidents in a public place include:

Falling shop objects and merchandise
Messy objects on the floor
Uneven pathways
Holes in the grass
Trips & Falls
Violent customers and employees

These are only a few examples of how you could be eligible for a personal injury claims. The person responsible for the health and safety of an environment should be keeping an eye on any risks. That way people can be kept safe if they visit. If it is proven that any accident could have been avoided, it is likely that you will be awarded compensation for your injuries.

What sort of injuries count in a personal injury claim?

If we are going to discuss personal injury claims, it’s important that you understand what types of injuries you can claim for. You can claim for any sort of injury if it was caused by someone else’s negligence. However, the extent of your injuries are going to determine the amount of compensation that you receive. Your injuries may include:

Broken bones
Sprained limbs
Repetitive strain injuries
Internal bleeding
Brain damage
Choking
Poisoning
Organ damage

As you can see, some injuries are naturally going to be worse than others. If you have suffered from permanent damages thanks to your accident, this will make it more likely that you will have a higher amount of compensation owed to you. This is because your damages are larger than someone who has simply broken a bone. There are several types of damages that you can claim for. Take a look at them below:

Why will a medical report help my personal injury claim?

As we stated previously, if you are going to make a personal injury claim, it’s important that you have the right evidence to back it up. A medical report is extremely useful because it shows how severe your injuries actually are. This will give you proof that the accident caused your injuries. Your medical reports will contain details that will be consistent with the accident. The medical report can also be used to look back into your medical history to show whether or not you have any ailments that could have been made worse by the accident.

It’s natural that you may feel a little nervous if you are going to provide a medical report. Some people may not feel comfortable about showing their medical reports as it may contain a lot of personal information. But we would highly recommend that you do allow your solicitor to use it as evidence. Without the medical report, you will not be able to show that you were hurt thanks to the accident. This will make it more likely that you will not receive a high amount of compensation. Instead, it may weaken your argument and make it more likely for the other party to claim instead, or at least get away with paying you a smaller amount of compensation.

Gowing Law Solicitors wants to help you the highest amount of compensation possible. That’s why they will be able to offer you support even if you have not yet seen a doctor to collect your medical report.

What should I do if I have not yet received a medical report?

You may feel a little nervous about getting help for your claim if you do not yet have a medical report. But don’t worry. This is where Gowing Law’s solicitors can come in to support you throughout your claim. We can provide you with some help to make sure that you can get a specialist to look you over as quickly as possible to make an assessment of your injuries. This can be done for both physical and psychological damages. Once you have had a specialist look over you, and a medical report has been filed, we can use the report to back up your claim. So, don’t worry, Gowing Law’s solicitors has your back and will make sure you get the compensation that you deserve.

Are there any other reports that I could use to support my claim?

Whilst we would say that the most important report that your claim needs is your medical report, there are some other types of reports that will be useful to your case. For instance, a police report will provide an unbiased opinion on what happened to cause your accident, such as the environment and the people involved. However, there are other types of evidence that could prove your financial and technology damages. Here is a list of evidence that you can use to support your case:

Photographs (i.e. Of your injuries)
Videos, CCTV and dash-cam footage
Diary Entries
Witness Statements
Financial documents (i.e. wages and receipts)

Your evidence should be used to back up any claims that you have made about the accident and how you have suffered from it. The more evidence you have, the more likely it is that you’re to get a higher pay-out. So, make sure to take copies of any evidence that you have found. That way you can keep it as a spare and your lawyer can document your evidence in preparation for your future settlement agreement, and potentially your court date.

Will the pandemic affect my personal injury claim?

Unfortunately, the current pandemic has been affecting different people around the country. A lot of people have been struggling with their businesses and now need solicitors to help them get an insurance pay-out. However, we can also help you if you are struggling to collect your evidence (as you cannot travel around the UK unless for essential reasons), our solicitors can assist you with the evidence you already have. You should not put yourself at risk.

There is a chance that if you go have an upcoming court date, it may be moved from a physical court-session to a remote court session. Don’t worry! Your solicitor can support you through it and make sure you are fully prepared. Just make sure that you have head phones and a good Wi-Fi connection. Take a look at the video below to get an idea of how you can prepare for your hearing during the court session:

How much will I receive from a pay-out from my personal injury claim?

This is the type of question that you may struggle to get an answer without going to a solicitor for more information. Every claim is going to be different. That’s because the extent of your injuries, evidence and the other party’s opinion on your case will change how much you receive as an overall pay-out. In some cases, getting a pay-out may be more complicated than others. For instance, the person responsible for your accident and their insurer may refute your evidence and try to give you less than you could be entitled to.

By working with a solicitor, they can make sure that you get the highest amount of compensation possible. They can assist you with organizing your evidence and any future court dates. We understand that it can be difficult to handle the extent of your injuries as well as the stress of a case. That’s why a lawyer can take away the stress and make sure that you get the pay-out that you deserve. They will handle any difficult paperwork and ensure that you can recover without the burden of a legal battle on your shoulders.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your personal injury claim!

If you are considering making a personal injury claim, make sure to get the right legal team on your side. That way you can get the compensation needed to help with your recovery. Our law firm’s solicitors can give you free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy to work with our lawyers, we can offer our services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will not need to pay any hidden fees. Instead, you will only need to pay our solicitors if they win your case. That means you will always be on top!

Get in contact with our solicitors today by phoning 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claim’s checker. One of our specialists will then be in contact to make sure that you get the advice needed to get started. Feel free to ask them any questions that you may have about your claim.

PPI Tax Refund Calculator: How much could I be owed?

Posted on February 17, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, PPI Tax refunds, Uncategorised

If you are looking to make a PPI Tax refund, it’s important you understand the type of claim you are trying to make. You also need to consider how much you could get from your claim. We understand that it can be frustrating. You don’t want to ask for compensation for a second time, just after you have just successfully a pay-out from your PPI. That’s why it’s useful to have the help of a tax solicitor to get you on the right track.

With any sort of PPI Tax reclaim, the first thing on your mind is going to be how much of a compensation pay-out you are going to receive. That’s why you may want to figure out a rough estimate. This will really help you to calculate how much you could be owed. You can also get a more succinct figure from a specialist at Gowing Law Solicitors. Either way, this blog is a great place to start if you want to understand how much you could be owed from HMRC.

To find out more about PPI Tax claims, why not call us today at 0800 041 8350 or visit our PPI Tax page below:

Why did I need to pay PPI Tax in the first place?

Before we jump into the maths behind claiming a PPI tax refund, it’s important that you know the basics of PPI. PPI stands for “Payment Protection Insurance.” Originally, it was used as a safety net just in case you could not pay back a financial agreement. This included credit cards, loans and catalogue payments. Unfortunately, in most cases, these policies were mis-sold. Not only did they not provide enough money to pay off the financial agreements, but in most cases they actually did not suit the policy holder. Take a look at the infographic below to see how your PPI was mis-sold in the first place:

As you can see, there are many ways that you could have been mis-sold PPI. That’s why HMRC has been issuing refunds and compensation pay-outs. This way claimants can be returned to the amount they were meant to be at before they lost money on PPI. Unfortunately, in quite a few cases, even though they received a pay-out, they did not receive the full amount. This is due to the fact that around 20% of the pay-out could have been taken away as tax.

Now that you understand that the basics of PPI, you may be wondering why this tax was taken away from you in the first place. Let’s delve into that a little further.

Why did I lose some of my pay-out?

If you want to receive a PPI tax refund, you need to understand why you lost it in the first place. Having your PPI tax taken away most likely came from no fault of your own. In some cases, it came about due to an automatic deduction from your bank. However, in other cases, it may have happened because it was believed that you went over your personal savings allowance (PSA). The amount you received was supposed to get you back to the original savings you were at. However, if it was believed you went over this amount then it was likely your pay-out was going to taxed.

Your pay-out will have included:

The only thing that can be taxed is your statutory interest. That’s why in order to make sure that you did not go over your PSA, the amount that was originally going to be paid out to you was deducted. This is where Gowing Law Solicitors can step in to help you get your money back through a PPI tax refund. By working with our experienced tax claim solicitors, you can get an experienced legal expert on your side and ready to get you your money back.

How much could I get from a PPI Tax refund?

You may be wondering why we have included a calculator in this blog. Well, if you do not want to immediately go to see a tax specialist, we want to give you the right tools to figure out an estimate of how much you could be owed from your PPI tax refund.

Let’s focus on the statutory interest that deducted your tax in the first place. It is very likely that your PPI Tax was actually deducted at a basic rate of around 20%. That means, for a £1000 refund, £200 was actually deducted in tax thanks to your statutory interest.

With that in mind, let’s use an example to help you understand how much you could be from your PPI tax pay-out. Peter is a mechanical engineer that earns around £19,000 per year. That means he pays a basic rate of around 20%. Gowing Law was able to help him get a PPI pay-out of £950, meanwhile his savings netted him around £150 in interest. That means he is around £100 over his allowance. He should, therefore, only be taxed on that £100 over the allowance, for the year, paying £20.

Due to the fact that Peter had a PPI refund payment was deducted at £190 at the source, that means he can now reclaim £170.

What about my own estimate?

Now that you have an example of how you can calculate a PPI tax refund pay-out, try to figure out your own pay-out by using the:

PPI pay-out you received
Your own basic wage
How much tax you pay

If you need help figuring out how much you could earn from your claim, Gowing Law’s expert solicitors will make sure to give you advice on how your claim will be calculated. They can help you understand what you are owed and how you can claim it.

Will my tax bracket affect the amount of pay-out I receive from a PPI tax refund?

Yes! The amount of tax you pay will determine whether or not you could be eligible for a pay-out. Your pay-out is determined in relation to whether or not you went over your PSA and the wage from your job status. If you went over your PSA then it was very likely that you were going to have some of the pay-out deducted. Take a look at the tax brackets below. That way you can get a better idea of whether or not you could get a pay-out:

Top Rate Payer (45%): Unfortunately, you will not be eligible for a PPI tax pay-out.
High Rate Payer (40%): £500 tax free
Basic Rate Payer (20%): £1,000 tax free

If you are feeling confused about whether or not your tax will affect your claim, make sure to speak to your solicitor about your concerns. It’s always best to be sure about whether or not you could be eligible for a claim. Having a solicitor on your side can make you feel secure when you try to get your pay-out. Your solicitor can ensure you get all the advice that you need. That way you can feel confident that you are going to get a valid pay-out. Feel free to leave the complicated paper-work to them so you can get the compensation that you deserve.

Can I make a PPI Tax refund claim if I wasn’t paying any tax during the year?

If you have received a pay-out for your PPI, you should be able to make a claim even if you have not paid tax over the last year. There is only one reason why you shouldn’t get your full pay-out. That is if your statutory payment ended pushing you over your PSA. If you are still feeling concerned about whether or not you could be eligible for a claim, Gowing Law’s specialists can ensure that you get the best advice possible to help you get the pay-out that you deserve. All you need to do is let our team know how we can help you.

How will a solicitor be able to help me with my PPI tax refund?

The best thing about having a legal specialist on your side is that if you can get advice about your PPI tax. We will always be there to help with your claim when you need it the most. We understand that tax claims can be extremely complicated. That’s why it’s useful to understand how you can make a valid claim without having to fill out any complicated forms. Our lawyers will make sure to do all the hard work for you, even if you have already been rejected for a claim. You may have made a very simple mistake that could have invalidated your claim. These are easy to sort out. Our lawyers can even speak to HMRC on your behalf.

Here are some additional reasons about why you should have a lawyer help you to sort out your PPI Tax claim:

Expert advice when you need it the most
Legal assistance to speak with HMRC on your behalf.
Fill out any additional paperwork
Avoid any simple mistakes that could invalidate your claim
Quick communication to get your claim sorted
Support when you need it the most during your claim

How long will it take to make a PPI Tax claim?

It will take you around 6-8 weeks to make a PPI Tax claim with Gowing Law Solicitors. However, please keep in mind that due to the current delays in the UK court system, it may take a tad longer. Your tax solicitor will do their best to keep you updated about your claim. They can tell you a timeline of claim to let you know how well it is progressing. They can also inform you of any challenges they may face and how they can be sorted. If you are concerned about the time it takes to get your pay-out, speak to a solicitor. They can give you peace of mind and let you know where your claim stands.

Speak to Gowing Law Solicitors today about your claim

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we are proud to be able to help people around the country. We are specialists with PPI Tax Claims. Our specialists will be able to help you and make sure that you get the pay-out that you deserve. You can come to us for no-obligation advice and consultations to get started. If you are happy to work with our solicitors, we can offer you our services on a “no win –no fee” basis. That means you will always be able to come out on top. There will be no hidden fees and you will only need to pay our lawyers if we win your case. So, what’s stopping you from getting in contact today?

Contact us to get started with your PPI tax claim today! Call us on 0800 041 8350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our claims checker. One of our tax specialists will then get in contact as quickly as possible to discuss your claim with you.

Learn more about PPI Tax claims

Don’t forget that Gowing Law’s blog is updated with new content every week. This includes information about tax claims, personal injury claims, insurance claims and much, much more! If you have a suggestion for our blog, feel free to share it with us by emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk. One of our helpful team members will be in contact about when we will write about your ideas. We also update our blog with information about different seasonal events and holiday topics.

You should also keep an eye on our social media feeds to see our most updated videos and latest giveaways. We tend to celebrate holidays with new competitions and informative campaigns. So, make sure to follow both our Twitter and Facebook. You can find links to both our pages at the bottom of this blog.

We wish you the best of luck with your claim and look forward to seeing you in our next blog!

Stress & Psychological Issues: Could you make a work accident claim?

Posted on February 15, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Uncategorised, Work Place Accidents

How have you been coping working from home? It may feel like it has been a very long time since you have stepped foot inside of an office. However, if you have previously suffered from an injury when you are at work, you will still be eligible to make a work accident claim. As you are recovering through the lockdown, you may start to feel isolated, vulnerable or worried that you cannot get the help you need. So, the question is, could you make a claim if you are experiencing stress and psychological issues when you are working from home?

According to the HSE, around 12.8 million working days are lost due to stress related issues and emotional distress. Your employer has a “duty of care” towards you and your fellow employees. Even if you are currently working from home, they should be checking in with you to ensure that you are doing okay. However, if you are feeling like you cannot cope due to your work load or job duties, this could be cause for making a psychological injury claim.

If you have suffered from a work accident then Gowing Law’s solicitors can help you get the compensation that you deserve. Click the link below to learn more about how our lawyers can assist you with any legal questions about work accident claims:

Making a work accident claim: Emotional Damages

When it comes to making a work accident claim, you may feel a little concerned about whether or not you could claim for emotional damages. Now in terms of a work accident claim, to claim for emotional damages you will need to have suffered from physical damages. However, there is a chance that you could suffer from psychological damages that could mean you are eligible for compensation. It entirely depends on your own personal situation and how your work accident has affected your life. Keep in mind as well that if you believe that your employer has caused you to suffer from psychological issues then you may have the right to schedule an employment tribunal to get any issues addressed and sorted as quickly as possible.

Make sure to keep this in mind if you are considering making a work accident claim. You will need to think carefully about the type of compensation you are claiming for. After all, the type of claim that you decide on will ultimately affect how much of a pay-out that you receive.

What could cause psychological issues or stress in the workplace?

When you take on a new job or position in a firm, you go in with certain expectations about how you are going to be treated and how much stress is involved in your position. Unfortunately, your work-place can cause certain psychological issues if too much pressure is placed on you. This work stressed is defined by the HSE as an

“Adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them”

Workers react differently to stress, however it could lead to them making mistakes, burning out or simply looking for other employment. It could also have a psychological impact on their mental wellbeing.

Here are some examples of work-related stress:

These are only a few examples of how you could suffer from mental fatigue or any sort of work related stress. It’s important that you speak to your manager to let them know that you are suffering from these problems. Your manager owes you a “duty of care” when you go to the office. If they cannot provide a safe environment that supports the employee’s mental and physical health then they could be held responsible for any damages that you experience. The damages you experience when it comes to psychological trauma may include:

Physical damages (i.e. repetitive strain injuries)
Equipment Damages
Loss of Earnings/ Financial Damages
Aggravated Damages (If you have been mistreated by your employer)

Should my employer should be checking up me during lockdown?

Although this may not relate precisely to a work accident claim, but it is important to discuss due to the mental health of employees. 2020 has been a difficult year for everyone, that’s why it’s important that you understand how you can keep yourself safe whilst you remotely work. Your employer should be trying to check in on your mental health to ensure that your duties are not overwhelming you. It can be difficult to adjust to this new way of life, but your employer should be doing what they can to make sure you have the supplies needed to complete your job. Only 5% of people actually worked remotely before the pandemic, so it is not surprising that you may feel overwhelmed or nervous about what could be in store for you in the future.

It can be difficult to adjust to office life when you are working from home. Back in the office, you may have been used to taking breaks, moving away from the computer to rest your eyes and not overworking yourself to the point of exhaustion. But at home, it can be difficult to understand boundaries and where to stop. That’s why it’s important that your manager helps you to adjust and gives you the technology to do your job. They should also provide you with mental health assistance or even therapies if you find that you are struggling.

Make sure to always keep an open communication with your work-place. That way they can know what is happening in your life and whether or not they need to make adjustments to support you.

Mental Health & Work Accident Claims

One thing that we would like to discuss about stress and psychological issues is that a lot of them can occur due to the physical injuries that you may have experienced in the workplace. A work accident can have severe consequences on your mental health, especially if you experience an accident that changes your life. Take a look at our example below to get an idea of what could happen to you:

As you can see, very simple injuries can have large consequences when it comes to mental health. Any sort of small injury can have a big impact on the lives of people. They can make you struggle to feel secure about yourself and whether or not you are going to be okay. It can also have a knock on effect to your finances, as you may be required to spend time at home in order to recover. This can create a negative circle effect as it can cause more stress that affects your mental health. You are trapped in this repetitive circle until you get compensation for your injuries or you manage to heal up. But even then you may still feel worried about returning to your work place.

Can I make a work accident claim if I get injured at home?

As we are all working remote right now, you may feel a little nervous about making a claim if you have got hurt. You don’t want to put yourself at risk and so feel like you just want to stay at home and try to recover in your own time. If you got hurt whilst you were in the office during your work hours, you could be eligible for pay-out. However, if you were working from home it is very unlikely that you will be able to make a valid claim if you are hurt. It is your responsibility to look after yourself and make sure your environment is safe to work in. Your employer will check up on you to ensure that you are doing okay, but it’s important that you help them help you.

Here are a few things to do to help you keep safe and healthy whilst you work from home:

Take regular 5 minute breaks to rest your eyes and to avoid screen burn
Take a full lunch and use your hour break to rest
Go outside to get fresh air and sunlight during the day
Stand up regularly and speak to your friends and family
Get dressed professionally to put you in the mood for work
Exercise regularly and rest up with meditation

In the workplace, if you were not keeping yourself mentally and physically safe, it would be likely that you would have a meeting about it with HR. As you are at home, you may find it harder to talk to people about how you are feeling or your daily work routine. Just remember to keep safe whilst you do it.

Can I claim any other types of damages?

Now that we have discussed whether or not you could claim for an emotional damage in relation to your mental health and psychological trauma, it’s important that you understand that you could also claim for other types of damages that have affected you and your daily life. Wherever you were hurt, the person who was responsible for you getting injured owed you a “duty of care”. If this duty was not upheld, you will find that you are a victim of negligence. That means you can claim for any damages that you sustained because of your accident. These damages may include:

Physical damages
Financial damages
Technology damages
Loss of opportunity (i.e. Work promotions)

It’s important that you understand that your evidence can be collected before, during and after the accident. But keep in mind that with the current lockdown, you may find it difficult to collect certain pieces of evidence. Your evidence can include:

Photographs
Video/CCTV/ Dash-Cam Footage
Witness Statements
Receipts
Medical Reports
Police Reports
Correspondence
Diary Entries

Your solicitor can help you collect evidence to assist you with your claim. Just remember that your health should come first, especially if you are not well enough to make a claim. Having a lawyer on your side will make sure that your claim is handled quickly and efficiently.

How much could I claim from a work accident claim?

Now, when you make a claim, the amount that you receive will depend on the individual circumstances of your case. For instance, if you ended up with serious damages that had a long recovery period, you would end up with a higher amount of compensation than someone who is suffering from a repetitive strain disorder or a sprained muscle. The best way for you to find out how much you could be owed is through your solicitor. They can help you create a timeline for your case. Your lawyers can then let you know an estimate of how much of a pay-out that you could be owed. This will depend on the extent of your evidence and how much you could get from your settlement agreement.

Be patient and allow your solicitor time to get through your claim. It may also take time to get this claim sorted. So, feel free to speak to your lawyer about any delays that may happen. This is due to the current lockdown and the delay with the UK court system.

Make a work accident claim with Gowing Law Solicitors

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we are always ready to help you with your claim. We have specialists who can give you free advice and consultations. If you are interested in working with our experienced lawyers, they can offer their services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will never need to pay any hidden fees. Instead, we will be upfront about our costs. We will then let you know when you will need to pay your solicitor for their services.

Contact our law firm today to get started with your claim. You can call us at 0800 041 8350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our claims checker to get started.

How can a solicitor help you with a Business Interruption Insurance claim?

Posted on February 11, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, Business Interruption Insurance, Covid-19, Uncategorised

Business Interruption Insurance claims are here to support you and your business when you need it the most. We understand that 2020 was an extremely difficult year for business people all over the UK. Covid-19 has thrown the world on its head. Within four months of its arrival, businesses all over the UK were asked to close in a nationwide lockdown. Since then there have been a number of schemes put out to support business owners, however, many people have been struggling to get a valid pay-out from their insurers. This is because Covid-19 and the unprecedented lockdown were most likely not included within your policies.

We understand if you feel a little unsure about what to do if you have already tried to claim business interruption insurance only to be rejected. This is where Gowing Law’s experienced solicitors can step in to support you. We have corporate solicitors and forensic accountants available to go through your contract with a fine-tooth comb. If they see that you have a valid claim for compensation, they will make sure you get the pay-out you deserve. In some cases, you could be owed £10,000s!

With over 700 policies now eligible to get you a pay-out, you could be missing out if you do not make a claim. Call us up today on 0800 041 8350 or visit our Business interruption insurance claim page below.

Can I make a business interruption insurance claim about Covid-19?

If you have recently opened a business, you will want to keep that business as safe as possible. You cannot predict every disaster that will happen in your shop. For instance, if a work accident occurs or one of your customers gets hurt, you can use your employer’s liability insurance. However, if a bigger disaster happens then you will need the right insurance to recover from the damages. This is where business interruption insurance can help you recover any losses that you have experienced. It is especially useful for those who have lots of stock that may need to be replaced in the event of a disaster.

Here are some examples of what your business interruption insurance can be used for. Don’t forget that you can also ask your solicitor for more information on what you can use your claim to finance.

Now, originally, you may have had trouble actually receiving a pay-out because of the pandemic. It is true that you had to shut down your business for the lockdown and the pandemic, but these clauses may not actually be written into your contract. This is where your insurer may have originally tried to stop you from receiving your pay-out. However, the Supreme Court has now stated (through a test case) that a business interruption insurance claim can have clauses that include pay-outs for losses experienced during the pandemic. You just need to understand which clauses will validate your claim.

Which clauses will make me eligible for a business interruption insurance claim?

Every contract for business interruption insurance is going to be different. After all, every business is different. That means you are going to be focused on certain problems that could affect your business and your employees. You want to keep them safe. If they are off work then this could affect how much your business earns and the overall income of the company. For instance, if you have a lot of expensive products that belong in a warehouse, you may want to focus mainly on criminal activity and pay-outs about stolen stock. However, if you want to claim for any damages caused by the lockdown and Covid-19, there are three clauses in specific that are going to help you. These include the:

According to a report from the FCA about these clauses (and the outcome of the FCA trial case), it is possible that:

“The ‘disease’ and ‘prevention of access’ clauses in the representative sample of 21 policy types provide cover in the circumstances of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, and that the trigger for cover caused policyholders’ losses.”

This shows that if you have either of these clauses, or at least a hybrid clause of the two together, you could get a pay-out. However, it does not mean that you get an automatic win. You will need to provide evidence to show how your business was affected by the current climate and lockdown of the UK.

Evidence may include:

Marketing Forecasts/Reports
Proof of your income
Proof of your expenses
Reports from workers/employees
News & Trend updates

Having a solicitor on your side can help you distinguish what you could eligible to claim in terms of a pay-out. It will also help you avoid any pitfalls in terms of a lack of evidence. If you are unsure about how you can make a claim, or if you are eligible for a pay-out, a lawyer can provide you with the best advice possible on how to move forward.

How can a solicitor help me with my business interruption insurance claim?

Here at Gowing Law, we understand that you may be feeling anxious or unsure about how to proceed with your claim. Getting to grips with any sort of insurance contract can be difficult, and with the current stress of the pandemic, you may be struggling to find the time to balance your business as well as an insurance claim. You can use a broker or your insurer to learn more about your eligibility for this type of claim, but we would honestly recommend seeking the advice of an experienced solicitor.

Your business interruption insurance claim solicitor can go through your policy carefully to check for your eligibility and the type of policy you have. As the Supreme Court’s decision is still quite new, you may feel unsure about what it means as a whole and what the new policies are all about. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a legal specialist do this for you. Gowing Law’s solicitors keep updated about the latest information about these types of claims, and how any changes could affect your case.

We can also help you challenge your insurer on your behalf. You may feel defeated if you have already tried to make a claim, only to have your insurer reject you. This is where we can step in to speak to your insurer about their decision. Your solicitor can spend time going through your claim to make an argument that will validate your claim. We can even go to court to get your settlement negotiated quickly and efficiently.

Can a solicitor help me with my claim if I get assistance from the government?

Throughout the pandemic, you may have been seeking assistance from the government in order to sustain your business. It is completely understandable if you have decided to move online and ask your employees to remain on furlough throughout the pandemic. Even if your business remained open, but you needed to implement strict social-distancing regulations to keep it safe, you could make a claim with the help of an experienced solicitor.

Having a Corona Virus grant from the UK government will not change the fact that you need the financial aid to sustain your business. The government will be completely aware that you are trying to make a case against your insurer. So, don’t worry! Your solicitor will make sure to work on your behalf to ensure you get the pay-out that you deserve. They can even contact your insurer on your behalf if they have already rejected you for a pay-out.

Will a solicitor charge me if they help with my business interruption insurance claim?

As Gowing Law’s team work on a “no win-no fee” basis, that means they will never charge you for their services unless they win you your pay-out. There will be no hidden fees and they will always talk about any charges upfront. That means you will always come out on top. If our solicitors do help you collect a successful pay-out, the fees that they will ask for will be 25% + VAT of any money that you receive from your insurer.

How much could I get from my pay-out?

Honestly, this is a question that cannot be answered. This is because every claim’s case is different and the circumstances will affect your overall pay-out. For instance, if you have experienced damages from Covid-19 and the lockdown, as well as a break-in that has affected the amount of stock you have, you could claim for more compensation than someone who needs the money to Covid-proof their office. It will also depend on the type of clauses that are in your contract. This is why it is essential to have an experienced lawyer go through your contract to ensure that you have the correct clauses that can get you a high pay-out.

How long will it take to make a claim?

Again, this depends on the type of case you have and how complicated it is. If you have been rejected for a claim, and are seeking legal guidance, it may take longer than someone who has made their very first claim. You need to be entirely upfront with your solicitor about any problems that may affect your claim. In return, your lawyer will do the same and set out a timeline of how the claim is expected to proceed. However, there may be additional delays due to the current pandemic. Be patient with your lawyer, but feel free to ask any questions!

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors today to help with your business interruption insurance claim

We understand that it can be daunting to take on any sort of legal claim. Covid-19 has changed the world and it is going to be difficult to adjust to this new normality. That’s why Gowing Law Solicitors wants to make sure that you get a pay-out that can help you sustain your business for as long as possible. We can offer you free advice and consultations on your claims. If you are happy to move forward with your claim, we can work with you on a “no win-no fee” basis. As we stated before, this means you will never need to pay a fee to our solicitors unless we win your case for you. So, what’s stopping you from getting in contact with us today?

Reach out to our law firm and call us on 0800 041 8350, email bi@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our claims checker to get started. One of our specialists will quickly get in contact to speak to you. All you need to do is fill out your contact details and we will be in touch as soon as possible.

Ready to read more about your claim?

Why not brush up on your knowledge of business interruption insurance claims by visiting our blog page? We always update our blog with the latest information about insurance, tax and personal injury claims. That way you can understand the basics before you start working with your solicitor. You can also find information about our seasonal events and updates about our law firm. If you have a question that you would like us to address through our blog, why not send in your suggestion to info@gowinglaw.co.uk? If we write about your idea, we will let you know so you can find out what our experts have to say on the issue!

You should also keep an eye on our social media feed. Not only do we have weekly videos about specific claims information, but we update our feed with information about our latest giveaways and seasonal events. For instance, we are hosting a Valentine’s Day giveaway where all you need to do is leave a review, like and tag someone in our social posts. You could win a £30 M&S pamper gift bag! You can find the links below to follow our Twitter and our Facebook.

We look forward to hearing from you soon about your Business Interruption Insurance Claim!

Business Interruption Insurance: Why was I previously rejected for a pay-out?

Posted on February 11, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, Business Interruption Insurance, Covid-19, Uncategorised

If you are reaching towards your business interruption insurance, it is likely because your company has been experiencing hardships during the pandemic. Covid-19 has changed the world completely. In a single year, the unemployment rate has risen to 5% in the UK. That is because the pandemic has forced many businesses to close their doors. Many companies have resorted to continuing online. However, as they are unable to remain open to the general public, they have experienced great financial damages.

The pandemic may have caused great losses within your business that were not your fault. That’s why you tried to make a business interruption insurance claim. If you were rejected, don’t worry, you are not alone! Many business owners have been rejected for a pay-out due to the fact that their policies do not cover for any sort of business losses caused by a pandemic. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced solicitor on your side to give you support and advice with your claim. Gowing Law’s experienced claim solicitors are here to help.

Call us today on 0800 041 8350 or click the link below to begin with your claim:

What is Business Interruption Insurance?

When you create a business, you go into it knowing that there is a chance that things could go wrong. You get employer liability insurance to protect yourself, employees who suffer from work accidents and any customers who get hurt on your premises. However, there is a chance that you could experience more extreme incidents in the future that could force you to make a loss. This includes criminal activities and natural disasters (such as flooding and fires). If you are the type of business that owns a lot of stock you may have invested in this insurance in order to have financial support if the stock needs to be replaced if it is damaged.

Overall, if you have purchased business interruption insurance, the main aim of it is to put you back in a steady financial position that you would have been in before an unexpected event caused losses. That’s why a lot of companies have now been asking if their policies actually cover Covid-19 and any losses that have come about due to the lockdown and the pandemic.

Why would I be rejected for a Business Interruption Insurance Claim?

Previously, you may have struggled to actually get your insurer’s pay-out due to the fact that they did not believe that your policy covered you for damages within the pandemic. That’s why you may have originally been rejected for a claim. Business interruption insurance contracts cover different things, depending on the type of business that pays for them. However, if you had cover for diseases, you may have struggled to receive a pay-out because Covid-19 was only classified as a notifiable disease on the 5th March 2020. Some companies will only cover very specific diseases, which should be listed in the contracts. Therefore, the wording of your policy becomes important when it comes to getting compensation. A claims solicitor can help scrutinize your contract to see if you could be eligible for a pay-out.

With the supreme court deciding in favour of Covid-19 related pay-outs, it’s important that you take a look at your contract to ensure they fall under the right clauses. Here are the three clauses you will need to be eligible for an insurance pay-out:

As the courts have decided that Covid-19 interruption to businesses could call for an insurance pay-out, these clauses will become an essential part of getting the compensation that you deserve. Before, you may have been rejected because Covid-19 was not classified as a notifiable disease. You may have also been rejected because during the tier system, you closed your business without it being an action enforced by the government (aka. it was a business choice of your own free will.) However, there is a chance now that your claim could be reconsidered if it has already been rejected. That’s why it’s important that you get in touch with a solicitor as quickly as possible about your business interruption insurance claim.

Alternative Reasons for Rejection: Business Interruption Insurance

Building on the previous point, we would just like to reiterate that there could be other reasons why you were rejected for a pay-out outside of Covid-19 and the current pandemic. According to the FCA:

“The test case was not intended to encompass all possible disputes, but to resolve some key contractual uncertainties and ‘causation’ issues to provide clarity for policyholders and insurers.”

This implies that whilst this decision from the Supreme Court to include Covid-19 as a reason for a pay-out does not mean you will automatically receive it. There is still a chance that your own business decisions were the reasons behind your overall financial loss and business interruption. For instance, if your business deals with oil supply, you may find the costs of this product have risen over the course of this year, meaning that there is a chance you may struggle to keep up with payments. However, if you believe that you and your business were ultimately the victims of the pandemic, you have the right to make a legal claim. In some cases, you may even be able to make a co-ordinated legal action against your insurer in relation to non-payments.

What should I do if I have been rejected for a business interruption insurance claim?

It can be incredibly disheartening to be rejected by your insurer in light of the current events. You have tried everything to keep your business afloat during the pandemic. That’s why you may feel as if you have been let down by your insurer and other people who are supposed to be there to help you in your time of need. We understand that it is a very sensitive time for you. That’s why we want to be there to support you throughout your claim.

If you have been rejected for a claim then you do have the right to make an appeal. When you made a business interruption insurance request, it may have been before Covid-19 and the lockdown were classified as genuine reasons for a pay-out. There may also be specific wording in your contract that needs a legal expert to read over in more detail.

Even if you have already been rejected for a claim, Gowing Law Solicitors can help you through this difficult time. Our forensic accountants and corporate solicitors can give you free advice and will be happy to look through your contract. If you have a business interruption clause then you will have a valid claims on your hands. Our lawyers can then start the arrangements to make a claim against your insurer to win you the pay-out that you deserve.

How much could I receive from a pay-out from my business interruption insurance?

When you make a claim to receive business interruption insurance, the amount you receive as a pay-out will depend on your own personal circumstances. You will need to look at the contract you have agreed to and have a solid argument prepared as to why you need an insurance pay-out. Your contract will let you know what could constitute the need for compensation, including criminal activities against you, your employees or general business or natural disasters (such as flooding, fires and infestation). However, you will need to prove that you were not responsible for these “disasters”. Your evidence can include:

Proof of the amount of income you receive from your business (to prove you have lost income)
Your trade history
News, facts and figures about marketing trends
Business/Loss Assessors and Forecasts
Statements from employees and business partners

If you decide to work with a solicitor, they can work through your contract. That way they can provide you with estimates about how much you could be owed if you make a claim. Even if you are already receiving government assistance, you could still make a claim with the help of our experienced lawyers. Just keep in mind that there are a number of pitfalls that you could experience in relation to a pay-out. Here are a few examples that you should be aware of throughout your claim:

Your solicitor can help you avoid these pitfalls by going through your contract with a fine tooth comb. That way you can work with them to get a valid pay-out. You can use it to support your business and employees.

How long will it take to make a claim?

Although it will only take one day to assess whether or not you have a valid claim on your hands, it’s important that you understand that every claim is different. That means that some claims are going to take longer to sort out than others. For instance, a claim that has been previously rejected and has very generalized clauses is going to take longer than a claim that has a very direct disease clause. Be patient with your solicitor and give them the time to build their argument. The more time you allow them, the more likely it is that you are going to receive a pay-out from your insurer. Feel free to ask questions about the progression of your case. Your solicitor will always be willing to talk you through what you should expect in the upcoming weeks.

Gowing Law Solicitors can support you with your Business Interruption Insurance Claim!

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we understand that this is a very sensitive time for a lot of our clients. The pandemic has thrown a lot of business owners on their heads and they need support. Even if you have already been rejected for a claim, we have experienced forensic accountants and corporate solicitors here to help you. They can give you no obligation advice and consultations to start with. That way they can look through your contract. Then they can ensure that all of the support they provide is tailored to your situation. If you are happy to work with them, they can offer their services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will not need to pay any hidden fees. Instead we will always be upfront with our costs to ensure you feel comfortable making your claim.

If you want to contact us, you can call us on 0800 041 8350, email us at bi@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our claims checker. From there, one of our lawyers will be in contact to discuss your claim. Feel free to direct any questions towards them!

Ready to read more?

Don’t forget that you can read more about business interruption insurance from Gowing Law’s blog page. We are proud of all of our content as we update it weekly with new information about UK legal claims. This includes information about tax claims and personal injury claims. You can also learn about our latest seasonal giveaways, events and updates about our law firm. If there is topic you would like us to cover in our blog, feel free to let us know. You can send in your suggestions to info@gowinglaw.co.uk. One of our law writers will let you know that they are going to write about your ideas. We will also let you know when the blog has been uploaded.

Make sure to also follow our social media pages for our latest videos and giveaways. Right now, we are hosting a Valentine’s Day giveaway where you could win a £30 pamper gift bag. All you have to do is leave a review of our firm, tag someone and share our post. We will then draw a winner randomly. It’s that simple to get involved, and we tend to host these competitions, alongside our normal content, quite regularly. You can find the links to our Twitter and Facebook below.

We wish you the best of luck with your claim and look forward to helping you soon!

Covid-19 & Business Interruption Insurance: Have you heard the latest updates?

Posted on February 10, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, Business Interruption Insurance, Covid-19, Uncategorised

If you have bought business interruption insurance, you may have done so in order to protect your firm. You need to be prepared just in case you experience damages that interrupt your business as a whole. Normally, this would be in relation to flooding, criminal damage or gross loss of income due to unexpected events. Naturally, what you are insured for depends on the policy you have signed with your insurance provider. However, due to the current pandemic, a decision has been made by the supreme courts. It has been decided that insurers should pay companies that have been financially affected by the enforced lockdown. The entire pay-out depends on the insurance that has been taken out.

If you are one of these companies that has taken out business interruption insurance, you could be owed compensation from your insurer. Unfortunately, you may be having trouble claiming your insurance pay-out due to the fact that your insurer is simply refusing to pay-out. As the Supreme Court has ruled in favour of insurers providing damage pay-outs to those with the appropriate policy, you may need legal assistance to ensure you get a pay-out that can support you through this difficult time.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help support you through this difficult time and get the compensation that you deserve. Our solicitors are experts in the field and will be able to give you personalized advice to help with your claim. Call us on 0161 464 4444 to get started or learn more from our business interruption insurance claim’s page:

What is Business Interruption Insurance?

If you have opened a business, it’s logical that you are going to want to claim as much protection for it as possible. You have raised your business from the ground upwards, therefore having a safety net in case of a disaster (such as fires, flooding and criminal activities) can give you peace of mind in the face of adversity. This is what business interruption insurance is all about.

The types of cover this insurance will provide depends on the writing in your contract. Every business is different and therefore requires different types of security. To locate what is covered in your own policy, make sure to take a look at the “basis of settlement” agreement. This will show you how much you should get as a pay-out if your business is forced to close or experienced losses outside of your control.

The amount you will receive will also depend on your turnover and the amount of you normally pay in work wages. This will then be used to figure out your overall profits. Therefore, it will provide a basic understanding of how much of an insurance pay-out you will need in order to keep your business afloat during difficult times.

What will my business interruption insurance cover?

If you have taken out business interruption insurance, you have made the right decision. You are preparing for the worst and have most likely taken out third party insurance as well just in case an accident happens in the workplace. You should read your policy carefully before you sign anything, that way you can make sure that you pick the right contract that will fully support you throughout any disasters that occur in the future. Have a look at the infographic below to get an idea of what you could claim for:

These are only a few examples of what you could receive if you decide to make an insurance claim. Make sure to analyse your contract and see what will happen if you experience a certain type of disaster and how you would be compensated for your losses. So, if you went through a burglary and lost some equipment due to thieves, the pay-out from your insurance would be to replace the equipment and any damage that was done to your property.

If you feel concerned that your policy does not concern the things that are important to you, make sure to speak to your insurer or lawyer. They can let you know about how you can include the policies that are important to you and your business.

Business Interruption Insurance: What is the update about Covid-19 pay-outs?

Right now, if you own a business you may have had to close your doors unless you are providing an essential service. This is due to the pandemic and the UK lockdown. In order to lessen the spread of Covid-19, the government has issued a nationwide lockdown to protect its citizens. Unfortunately, this may have had an extremely negative affect on your business. After all, if you cannot open up your business for customers, how are you expected to generate money? This has had a knock-on effect for most businesses and employees in the UK. If a business cannot open, there is no work for an employee. Therefore, they cannot go to work and earn money. As you can see, the lockdown has very severe consequences for businesses around the country. This has got to the point where numerous businesses have actually ended up closing down as a result.

Now, as a last resort, many businesses have been trying to sustain themselves by reaching out to their insurer to claim for their business interruption insurance. After all, their businesses have been disrupted by a disease that was completely out of their control. In order to protect employees from a “work accident”, they have been told to shut down their doors.

Right now, the supreme court and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) have announced that insurers. The policies for most insurance claims are written in language that is extremely unspecific about the actual things they cover. The main way to see if you are eligible is to see you are eligible for compensation is to have a “non damage” clause in your contract.

An example of these clauses could include:

If you fall into one of these clauses, it is likely that you could have a claim. The FCA have ruled in favor of businesses receiving support from their insurers. Therefore you have the chance to claim a pay-out that could support your business throughout the pandemic.

Why would my business interruption insurance claim be denied?

Here at Gowing Law, we understand that you want to make a claim because you want to support your business and your employees. 2020 has been a difficult year for all of us. That’s why it’s important to get financial aid when you need it the most. It is not your fault that your business was interrupted. Now you have to bare the financial brunt of what has happened.

During the business interruption insurance test, conducted by the FCA, 21 case types proved that business owners with a policy deserved a pay-out. These policies detailed “disease” and “prevention of access” clauses would be able to claim for a pay-out to support their businesses. However, there is always the chance that your insurance firm may try to find a reason not to provide you with a pay-out. Here are some examples of some of the pitfalls that you could encounter:

Examples include

A lack of evidence does not prove you experienced a disaster in your business
There was a limit on your own indemnity period
There was a liability limit on how much your insurer will pay-out

One prime example of how your insurer may try to avoid paying you is through the lockdown itself. Although you were asked to shut your doors during the lockdown, when the country was in the tier system, you may have had the opportunity to re-open. If you chose to remain shut during this, then your insurer may use this as an excuse. They could say you made the choice on your own instead of being forced. This is why it is so useful to have a lawyer on your side to ensure that you get the pay-out that you deserve. They will go through your contract and make sure to help you with any specific information that you affect your claims case.

Will I immediately be awarded a pay-out if my business has suffered from the lockdown?

Unfortunately, just because you have experienced losses because of the pandemic does not mean that you are automatically entitled to a compensation pay-out. Be aware that you will need to work with a solicitor. That way you can provide appropriate evidence. This evidence will show that the problems with your business have not come about by a fault of your own. It is estimated that around 370,000 people will be able to use their notifiable diseases cover in order to help get compensation. This will hopefully help keep this business afloat.

You will not be automatically entitled to a pay-out. However, you will be able to go through your contract. This is in order to make notes on how you could be eligible to receive a pay-out. How much you receive will depend entirely on your own circumstances, as well as how much income you make through your business. Do not exaggerate how much you could be owed. Instead, go through your paperwork carefully and note down everything you think is important. You solicitor can help you understand what you could be owed. Feel free to ask them any questions you may have!

Who should I use to make a claim?

If you are thinking of claiming for your business interruption insurance, you may be wondering if it would be wise to have an experienced specialist on your side. That way you can get the pay-out that you deserve quickly and efficiently. Now, most people would recommend that you speak with your insurer or you find a broker to give you advice. However, we would recommend that you speak with a lawyer. They understand that claims can be complicated. Therefore they are ready to go through your contract with a fine-tooth comb. That way you can get a valid pay-out. It may also be useful to speak with a forensic accountant or corporate solicitor.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help with your Business Interruption Insurance Claim!

We understand that making any sort of insurance claim can be complicated. That’s why Gowing Law’s trained business interruption insurance claim solicitors are here to support you. It’s important that you get support throughout this difficult period. That way you can get a pay-out that can help you, your workers and your business. All of our lawyers are extremely experienced with insurance claims and can give you personalized advice. We can offer you no-obligation consultations to discuss your claim. If you are happy to move forward with our solicitors, we can work with you on a “no win-no fee basis”. That means you will always come out on top. You will never need to pay any hidden fees.

To get started with your claim, call us today on 0800 041 8350, email us at bi@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our claims checker. A specialist will then be in contact to give you more information on how to move forward with your claim. Feel free to ask them any questions!

Learn more about Business Interruption Insurance on our blog!

Don’t forget that if you want to learn more about business interruption insurance claims, you can visit our blog! We update our blog with the latest information about different types of claims, including tax claims and personal injury claims. Don’t forget to check in every week to learn what we have been up to. We also talk about our seasonal events, latest giveaways and updates about our law firm. If you have a topic that you would like us to address in our blog, feel free to let us know! You can email your ideas to us at info@gowinglaw.co.uk.

We would highly recommend that you take a look at our social media channels below for new videos and updates. You may even spot one of our seasonal competitions that you can take part in. Click the links below to visit our Twitter and Facebook. That way you can find out the latest things that we have got up to!

Gowing Law Solicitors wishes you the best of luck with your claim. We look forward to seeing you in our next blog!

Could my job status affect my PPI Tax Claim pay-out?

Posted on February 8, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, PPI Tax refunds, Uncategorised

Did you know that you could make a PPI tax claim from the safety of your home? We understand that as we are currently under lockdown, you will not want to leave your home unless it is for essential reasons. However, Gowing Law Solicitors can help you get your pay-out for this tax claim from the safety of your home.

With all that going on, we understand that you may feel unsure about whether or not this is the right time to actually make a claim. You could be between jobs or perhaps struggling with your own business right now. Either way, your job status may make you feel like the claim simply isn’t worth it. It’s understandable that you don’t want to waste your time if you feel unsure about whether or not you get a pay-out. Instead, you need expert legal advice to feel secure that you are eligible for making a claim. Well, this is where our expert solicitors can step in to help you.

Call Gowing Law Solicitors today to get help with your claim at 0161 464 4444 or use the link below to visit our PPI Tax claims page.

What is a PPI Tax Claim all about?

Before we jump into how a job status could affect your PPI tax claim and pay-out, let’s go back to basics. That way you can understand precisely why you could be owed compensation. PPI actually stands for ”payment protection insurance”. Originally, it was used to protect people who took out loans or financial obligations. This included credit cards, mortgages and catalogue payments. Unfortunately, in most cases, a PPI pay-out did not actually cover the payments. Instead, you will find that the majority of cases actually had PPI mis-sold to them, as it did not suit their situation. Take a look at our infographic below to learn how you may have sold PPI:

If you have been mis-sold PPI then it is likely that you received a pay-out from HMRC to get your money back. Unfortunately, it is likely that you did not receive the entirety of your pay-out due to the tax being taken away from it. So now your question should be, why was the tax taken away from your PPI pay-out? Most likely, it was automatically deducted because of your bank or the potential that you would be pushed over your personal savings allowance (PSA). Let’s learn more about what PPI Tax is all about!

Why was tax taken away from my PPI pay-out?

So, now that you know more about what happened with PPI and the HMRC pay-out, you may be considering why you had PPI tax taken away from you in the first place. Now, in quite a few cases, the deduction was automatically completed by your bank. In this case, you would simply need to prove that the PPI tax was mistakenly taken away.

Unfortunately, in other circumstances, it may have been taken away because of your PSA. It’s important to understand that your PPI pay-out is made up of three things:

The payments you made for your PPI
Any interest that was added on from your bank for your PPI
A statutory interest of 8% per year

The only thing that can be taxed from these categories is your statutory interest. If it was believed that the pay-out could have pushed you over your PSA then it is likely that the statutory interest would have been taxed. That means you would have lost out on part of your pay-out. Now, in most cases, you wouldn’t have gone over your PSA. Instead, it was just assumed that you would have gone over the amount you were expected to be at. This is why you can claim your tax back if you can prove that you did not go over your PSA and instead are owed your full pay-out.

Will my job status change the validity of my PPI Tax claim?

If you have decided to go through with your PPI tax claim, you may be worried about your job having an impact on the amount you get as a pay-out. Throughout the pandemic, many people have been experiencing job changes or have been put on furlough in order to keep getting a wage. The entire pandemic has turned the world upside down, therefore you may not want to consider what else a career change could affect.

The first thing we would like to say is that your job will not affect whether or not you receive a pay-out. Whether you are on a zero-hour contract, are self-employed or are working full-time, you could be eligible to receive a PPI tax claim pay-out. You paid for PPI and were entitled to receive a full pay-out when it was returned to you. If you can prove that you did not go over your PSA after you received your PPI pay-out, you have the right to have your overall pay-out returned to you. Your job status will not affect how much you receive. The only reason why you may not be eligible for pay-out is because your job’s wage and the amount of tax you pay has pushed you over your PSA.

Will I get a successful PPI Tax claim pay-out if I am currently working abroad?

Again, this falls under the same category as most job statuses do. In some cases, you may have taken out a loan (which included a PPI policy) to start a business abroad. Right now, if you are still abroad, you may feel worried that you are unable to get a valid pay-out. However, we would like to state that you will be able to get a pay-out with the help of a solicitor. You will be able to claim for your PPI tax if you have already received a PPI pay-out. The only difference is that your solicitor will need to use a different form to send to HMRC. Apart from that, you will receive the same advice that any other client would get.

Keep in mind that it also may take a little longer to get your pay-out as the cheque may need to be sent abroad. With the current pandemic, there may be delays. Therefore just be patient with your solicitor and with our law firm. We will do the best we can to get you the pay-out that you deserve.

How much could you get from a PPI Tax pay-out?

Another thing you may be considering is the amount of pay-out that you could receive from the PPI Tax pay-out. Everyone receives a different type of pay-out when it comes to their PPI tax claim. It entirely depends on the amount of PPI you paid into or how far over your personal savings allowance you are. The pay-out you receive may also depend on the amount of tax you have already paid into. Take a look at the estimates for a pay-out below:

Basic Rate Payers at 20%: £1000 tax free
High Rate Payers at 40%: £500 tax free
Top Rate Payers at 45%: Unfortunately you are not eligible for a pay-out

These are only a few estimates when it comes to the amount of pay-out that you could receive. The best way to figure out how much you are actually owed from your PPI tax pay-out is to speak to a solicitor about how much you could be owed. They can look at your personal circumstances and help you figure out whether or not you are eligible. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions about what you could be owed. Gowing Law’s tax specialists will always be here to help you get the pay-out that you deserve.

How long will it take to get a PPI tax pay-out?

Another question that you may have about your PPI tax is how long it may take to get a pay-out. Now, this is where things get a little tricky. We would say that the usual timeline for a PPI tax claim is around 6-8 weeks. However, with the current lockdown, it is likely that your PPI tax claim will take a little longer than expected. This is due to a backlog of UK court cases. It is also due to the fact that the majority of people are currently working remotely in order to avoid spreading Covid-19. Please be patient with your solicitor, however feel free to ask them for updates about your claim. They would be more than happy to answer any additional questions you may have about PPI tax claims in general.

How could a PPI Tax solicitor help me with my claim?

One of the best things about having a tax claim solicitor on your side is that they can work with HMRC on your behalf to ensure that you get the pay-out that you deserve. That way small mistakes can be avoided and you can get the pay-out that you deserve as quickly as possible. An experienced tax solicitor can also give you advice and free consultations to make sure you understand what could make you eligible for a certain claim. Even if you have already been rejected by HMRC, they will make sure that you get a second chance. Filling out paperwork can be tricky, that’s why we are here to ensure that it is all filled out properly. That way you know that your claim is in safe hands.

You can always ask for an update about how your claim is going from our firm. Our experts will be available at any time to talk you. So, feel free to keep checking in to see how it is progressing. Working on a PPI tax claim alone can get very demoralizing. That’s why it can be useful to have someone with the right legal experience encouraging you and giving you the right help. That way you can get your claim sorted as quickly as possible. Your PPI tax cheque will then be sent out to your home.

Gowing Law Solicitors is here to support you with your claim

No matter what sort of claim you need help with, Gowing Law Solicitors will be here to support you through it. Not only do we have tax specialists employed to help with your PPI Tax and Marriage Tax Claim, but we also can help with will-writing, financial mis-selling and personal injury claims. Feel free to contact us for free advice and consultations to start your claim. If you are happy to work with our specialists, our solicitors can offer their skills on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will always come out on top and will never need to pay any hidden fees. You will not need to pay your solicitor unless they win your case. This means that all costs will be entirely upfront.

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors today by calling 0161 464 4444, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our new claims checker. From there, one of our lawyers will be in contact. They will discuss your claim and make sure you get the support you need. Feel free to talk to them about your claim. You do not have to immediately work with them. Instead, find out the information that you need. Your solicitor can let you know how to proceed, if you are happy to do so. We look forward to helping you with your claim soon!

Learn more about PPI Tax Claims

Don’t forget that if you want to learn more about tax claims, all you need to do is visit our blog! We are proud that we are able to update it every week. This is with brand new content about legal claims, seasonal events and information about Gowing Law’s latest projects. You can write into us if you have a topic that you would like us to discuss on our blog. Send in your suggestions to info@gowinglaw.co.uk. You should also follow our social media in order to see our latest giveaways and competitions. We update it with links to our blogs and videos. You can find the links to our Twitter and Facebook below. Please follow them to learn more about our company and latest updates.

Could I make a marriage tax claim if I am retired?

Posted on February 5, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, marriage tax, Uncategorised

A marriage tax claim is a great way to get a pay-out on any excess tax you have paid over the last few years, as well as a discount on any future tax that you will need to get sorted. There are only a few categories that you need to fulfil if you are going to make a valid claim. However, if you have already retired then you may feel a bit unsure about whether or not you could still be eligible. You are going through your golden years, therefore you deserve to be able to settle down and have enough money to relax with your partner.

If you are considering making a marriage tax claim, it’s important that you have the right legal assistance to make sure you feel confident that you are undergoing the right process to get your pay-out. Gowing Law Solicitors can give you advice to put your mind at ease when you make a tax claim. We understand that they can feel complicated, but our lawyers can use their experience to help you get the compensation that you deserve.

Click the link below to get started on your marriage tax claim today:

Why would retirement affect my marriage tax claim?

If you have recently retired, the last thing you will be considering is a marriage tax claim. Instead, you may be considering the type of pension you pick, as well as how you can avoid becoming the victim of a mis-sold pension scheme. There are three types of pensions that you may be considering. These include:

Once you have chosen your pension, or perhaps have started to receive money through it, you may change the amount of tax that you actually receive. This could affect the outcome of any marriage tax claim that you make. However, keep in mind that even if you do retire, you are still eligible to make a claim. Whether you are employed (or not) will never affect your actual job status. Instead, you will just need the help of an experienced tax specialist to get personalized help to ensure it won’t affect the validity of your claim. Before you think about whether or not your pension could affect the outcome of your claim, let’s get to grip with the basics of marriage tax claims. That should help you make an informed decision about whether you could be eligible for a pay-out.

What is a marriage tax claim?

As you can see from our case study, the success of a marriage tax claim depends on the amount of tax you pay, as well as the amount of wage you earn. A marriage tax claim is also known as a tax break. Throughout your life, you are going to be paying tax in order for it to go towards public services, like public transport and the NHS. However, if you are married then you and your partner may be paying too much tax. This is when you may want to make a marriage tax claim in order to reduce the amount you pay.

There are three categories that you and your partner will need to fit into. Take a look at our infographic below to get a better idea about how you could be eligible for this type of tax claim:

The reason why you and your partner need to fall into different tax bands is due to the fact that the lower earner needs to transfer their excess personal savings allowance (PSA) to the higher earner. This will allow the higher earner to pay less tax. This means that they will be able to get a discount on any future tax and will potentially be able to get their excess repaid to them.

How much could I get from a successful marriage tax claim?

Compared to making a PPI Tax Claim, marriage tax claims work a little differently in relation to their pay-outs. The purpose of this type of tax break is to get you an overall discount on any future tax that you and your partner pay. However, if you get a pay-out, it is likely because you are having any excess tax returned to you. This can be done by backdating your previous payments from the last 4 years. These can be added together and you will be given the overall total of your pay-out. Have a look at the excess you could earn over the last few years:

2015-2016: £212
2016-2017: £220
2017-2018: £230
2018-2019: £238
2020-2021: £250

Overall, you could be owed around £1150 if you backdate your claim for the previous four years, and for this year. However, you may be owed even more depending on the personal circumstances of your claim. Speaking to a solicitor can give you some peace of mind and help you to figure out a more precise estimate about what you are owed. They can also answer any additional questions about these types of tax breaks that may be playing on your mind.

How do the conditions of a marriage tax claim change when it comes to my retirement?

Now that we have discussed the basics of making marriage tax claims, let’s go onto the question in hand. Could a marriage tax claim be affected by my retirement status?

The first thing we should say is that being retired will not be the determining factor when it comes to making any sort of tax claim. You could be in full employment, on a zero-hour contract or self-employed. What matters really is the amount of wage you make and how much tax you pay. Even after you have retired, you will still need to pay tax from your retirement earnings. Depending on how much of a retirement fund you have, you may stay in the same tax bracket and therefore have nothing to worry about. If this is the position you are in, then you will be eligible to make a tax claim depending on whether you and your partner both fall into one of the tax brackets discussed. You will be eligible for a pay-out.

But how could it make me ineligible for a successful claim?

Unfortunately, if your retirement means that you start to earn less than what you were getting through your wage, it could mean that you end up changing how much tax you pay. Overall, this means that it could affect the validity of your marriage tax claim. The best way to determine whether or not you could be eligible is figuring out what type of tax you are paying alongside your partner. Remember, one partner must be paying basic tax whilst the other must not be paying tax. Another way of determining what you could be eligible for is to look at the amount of money you are earning. Earning over £12,500 will mean that you will most likely be paying basic tax. If you earn under £12,000 then you will not be paying tax at all.

Once you have retired, keep an eye on how much you earn. You can use this to see if you will be eligible to make a claim. If you are struggling to understand whether or not the change in circumstances has changed your marriage tax claim, Gowing Law’s solicitors can help you figure out if you could be owed a pay-out.

How can a marriage tax claim solicitor help me with my claim?

If you have just recently retired, you may be feeling concerned about how you can proceed with your claim. It can be daunting to make a claim. After all, you may not have the legal knowledge to understand whether or not you’re going to be eligible for the claim. This is where our solicitors can jump in to help you. They are experienced tax claims specialists. Our lawyers can give you all the information that you need to move forward with your claim.

A marriage tax claims solicitor can work with HMRC on your behalf to make sure all the paperwork needed for your claim is completed efficiently and mistake-free. That way an expert can ensure that you support you throughout the claim. They will make sure that you know exactly how much of a payment you are owed and how long it will take to get you.

We understand that you will want to remain remote during the lockdown. You should not be leaving your house unless it’s for an essential reason. That’s why our solicitors can make sure they can help you without exposing you to a public environment. Instead, all communication about your claim can be handled remotely by phone, email or video call. That way you can remain safe but still get the pay-out that you deserve. Our lines are open 24/7, meaning that you can contact us at any time for help. No matter what type of claim you have, our lawyers will be here to help you.

Don’t forget that Gowing Law Solicitors also helps with mis-sold pension claims!

As we have been talking about pensions and retirements, it’s important that we also let our clients know that we can also help them with any sort of mis-sold pension or SIPP claim. We want to make sure that you can retire in comfort and security. If you have suffered from a mis-sold pension scheme, this could impact you for the rest of your life. Unfortunately, you will not be able to get your investment back. However we could still help you get compensation for your losses.

Our mis-sold pension/SIPP page details a lot information about many different companies. This includes firms that have engaged in mis-selling SIPP schemes and pensions. If you are concerned that your own investor or financial advisor is on our list of unscrupulous firms, make sure to use our search function. That way you can learn more information about the company in general. This can alert you before you come to our experienced solicitors to start helping you make a claim.

Use our helpful form to get started today!

Learn more about Marriage Tax Claims from Gowing Law’s Solicitors

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we are proud to be able to offer our clients top-notch legal service. That’s why we are ready to help with any sort of marriage tax claims. We endeavour to get our clients the highest pay-out possible in an extremely reasonable amount of time. If you are feeling curious about making a claim, why not contact us to learn more? We can offer no-obligation advice to get started. This can all be undertaken remotely to ensure you remain safe whilst you have a consultation with our specialists. Our tax specialists can offer their services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means there will be no hidden fees. Instead, you will only need to pay for our services if we win your case.

To find out more information about Gowing Law’s tax specialists, please contact 0161464 4444, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our claims checker. One helpful law team will then be in contact to answer any questions that you may have.

We look forward to helping you with your marriage tax claim soon.

Learn more about marriage tax claims in our blog

If you are ready to learn more about making a marriage tax claim, why not visit our blog for more information? We update it with the latest content surrounding UK legal claims. However we also talk about seasonal events and updates about our law firm in general. We also use it to display our latest videos and competitions. It’s normal for us to hold seasonal competitions, so make sure to keep an eye on our socials as well. Our Twitter and Facebook are often updated with our latest content and news. Follow us and you should be able to get involved in our competitions and giveaways.

Don’t forget, if you want to learn more about a certain topic, we are happy to write about your questions. Send in your suggestions to info@gowinglaw.co.uk! To get started and one of our legal writers will update our blog as quickly as possible. That way you can find the answers you are seeking.

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Fill out the form to start your claim today!

How do I know if I have a valid accidents at work claim?

What could have caused my accident at work?

What counts as negligence?

Office Accidents: Repetitive Strain Injuries

What type of injuries classify for an accident at work claim?

What should I do if I have had an accident at work?

How could the pandemic affect my work accidents claim?

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your accidents at work claim

Read more about accidents at work claims

The Basics of Visas

Social Justice, Human Right Visas and Deportation

What is the points-based system?

What can I do if I am destitute and cannot afford a Visa?

World Day of Social Justice: Illegal Deportation and Human Rights

Racism in the Criminal Justice System

What can you do to help your solicitor with a claim?

Gowing Law Solicitors is here to help you with your claim

Learn more about legal claims!

How do I know that I am eligible for a personal injury claim?

But could I make a personal injury claim if I am hurt?

What sort of injuries count in a personal injury claim?

Why will a medical report help my personal injury claim?

What should I do if I have not yet received a medical report?

Are there any other reports that I could use to support my claim?

Will the pandemic affect my personal injury claim?

How much will I receive from a pay-out from my personal injury claim?

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your personal injury claim!

Read more about personal injury claims

Why did I need to pay PPI Tax in the first place?

Why did I lose some of my pay-out?

How much could I get from a PPI Tax refund?

What about my own estimate?

Will my tax bracket affect the amount of pay-out I receive from a PPI tax refund?

Can I make a PPI Tax refund claim if I wasn’t paying any tax during the year?

How will a solicitor be able to help me with my PPI tax refund?

How long will it take to make a PPI Tax claim?

Speak to Gowing Law Solicitors today about your claim

Learn more about PPI Tax claims

Making a work accident claim: Emotional Damages

What could cause psychological issues or stress in the workplace?

Should my employer should be checking up me during lockdown?

Mental Health & Work Accident Claims

Can I make a work accident claim if I get injured at home?

Can I claim any other types of damages?

How much could I claim from a work accident claim?

Make a work accident claim with Gowing Law Solicitors

Read more about work accident claims!

Can I make a business interruption insurance claim about Covid-19?

Which clauses will make me eligible for a business interruption insurance claim?

Evidence may include:

How can a solicitor help me with my business interruption insurance claim?

Can a solicitor help me with my claim if I get assistance from the government?

Will a solicitor charge me if they help with my business interruption insurance claim?

How much could I get from my pay-out?

How long will it take to make a claim?

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors today to help with your business interruption insurance claim

Ready to read more about your claim?

What is Business Interruption Insurance?

Why would I be rejected for a Business Interruption Insurance Claim?

Alternative Reasons for Rejection: Business Interruption Insurance

What should I do if I have been rejected for a business interruption insurance claim?

How much could I receive from a pay-out from my business interruption insurance?

How long will it take to make a claim?

Gowing Law Solicitors can support you with your Business Interruption Insurance Claim!

Ready to read more?

What is Business Interruption Insurance?

What will my business interruption insurance cover?

Business Interruption Insurance: What is the update about Covid-19 pay-outs?

An example of these clauses could include:

Why would my business interruption insurance claim be denied?

Examples include

Will I immediately be awarded a pay-out if my business has suffered from the lockdown?

Who should I use to make a claim?

Gowing Law Solicitors can help with your Business Interruption Insurance Claim!

Learn more about Business Interruption Insurance on our blog!

What is a PPI Tax Claim all about?

Why was tax taken away from my PPI pay-out?

Will my job status change the validity of my PPI Tax claim?

Will I get a successful PPI Tax claim pay-out if I am currently working abroad?