Category: Uncategorised

Why do I need photographic evidence to prove my Housing Disrepair Claim?

Posted on July 8, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, Covid-19, Housing Disrepair Claims, Uncategorised

If you are making a Housing Disrepair Claim, you are trying to prove that your landlord has refused to help fix the damages within your council home. It is the responsibility of your landlord to ensure that you live in a habitable home that’s safe enough for you and your family to spend in time.

If the house is suffering from damages, you need to get them sorted as quickly as possible. The longer you leave them, the more likely it is that they are going to get worse, or potentially cause additional damages to your belongings and property. That’s why it is crucial that you take photographic evidence of the damages to prove that you are not exaggerating the extent of the disrepairs. Instead, you should collect evidence of the damages to give to your solicitor to build your case. It’s time for you to receive the compensation that you deserve and to have your disrepairs finally fixed!

Gowing Law Solicitors will be there to support you on this difficult journey. Not only can we provide you with solid advice, but all of our consultations are completely free. If you have any questions about making a housing disrepair claim, you can get in contact with our specialists at any time. Feel free to call us on 0800 041 8350 or use the button below to visit our Housing Disrepair Claims website:

What are the basics of housing disrepairs?

Before we jump into the evidence of your housing disrepair claim, let’s take a moment to discuss the basics of housing disrepairs in general. Whether you live in a council house or a property provided by the housing association, a landlord is responsible for the external structures, internal structures and belongings within the household. This includes any furniture that may have already been in the house. Take a look below at the image to get a better idea of what your landlord is responsible for keeping in good repair within your home:

When you notice a disrepair, it’s crucial that inform your landlord as quickly as possible about it. This is due to the fact that you are required to provide your landlord notice. Ultimately, you need to provide them time to actually assess the damages and find an engineer who can fix this. It may also entail them coming to the property to see the damages for themselves. So, be prepared to give them access to your house. That or you should let them know an appropriate time to come visit.

Photographic Evidence: Why do I need it?

When your home is suffering from disrepairs, the first thing you want to do is prove that you are not exaggerating the extent of your damages. This is why photographic evidence can be crucial when it comes to proving your case, especially if you go on to make a housing disrepair claim. Take a look at the infographic below to learn why photographs are going to be some of the most useful evidence that you have:

By taking a picture, your main objective is to show evidence of the disrepairs in all their glory. You need to prove that they are being ignored by your landlord. That is what will make up the foundation of your housing disrepair claim. After all, if there is an image of the damages then you landlord will not be able to say they are exaggerated. Instead, it may prove the case that your landlord is guilty of negligence. This is due to the fact that they have allowed for the disrepairs to worsen without taking action. They have broken their “duty of care.” Even during the pandemic and recent lockdown, they had a responsibility towards you and need to be held accountable for the disrepairs.

What other types of evidence could I use to prove that I have a housing disrepair claim?

If you are thinking about making a housing disrepair claim to have your repairs finally taken care of by your landlord, it’s important to understand that there is more evidence out there than just photographs to prove your claim. Ultimately, you are looking to claim for different types of damages that you have gone through. This includes physical damages (aka. injuries), property damage, general inconvenience, financial damages, technology damages and loss of opportunity. For each damage you claim, it’s crucial that you have some form of evidence to back it up. So, if you suffered from emotional and physical damages, you may decide to go to a doctor. That way you can receive a medical report or you could speak to a witness who can back up your claims.

The main forms of evidence can include, but are not limited to:

Photographs
Videos
Witness statements
Damaged belongings
Medical reports
Police reports
Receipts
Wage slips
Diary entries
Correspondence with your landlord
The letter of notice about the damages

Once you have found your evidence, make sure to take copies of it and file it away accordingly. That way when you get started on your housing disrepair claim, you can have it sorted out ready for your lawyer to look over.

What will make me eligible for a housing disrepair claim?

We understand that it can be frustrating to be left with disrepairs in your home. You are not responsible for fixing them. It should be your landlord that takes the appropriate steps to pay for the repair work. That’s why you may have decided that the best way forward is to get started on a housing disrepair claim. This is where Gowing Law Solicitors can step in to help you.

Your claim must fall into one of these three categories for you to be eligible for compensation from your landlord:

Keep in mind that it is possible that you fall into more than one of these categories. For instance, if your bedroom was suffering from a mould issue, you could say that the mould damaged your clothes and belongings. At the same time, you found it was impossible to sleep in the room. This was due to the growing mould, meaning that you were inconvenienced. As you suffered from asthma, the mould ended making it worse. That meant you had to go to hospital to have your personal injury sorted by a doctor. In this situation, you can see that it falls into all three categories. That’s why the best person to speak to about your eligibility is your solicitor.

Speak to Gowing Law Solicitors today to get started on your Housing Disrepair Claim

In our most recent Housing Disrepair Claim’s case, it only took us 6 weeks to get our client both compensation the repairs they needed to live in comfort. We want to do the same thing for you. It’s essential that you are able to live in your home without feeling trapped or like the accommodation is a waste of money. That’s why our solicitors can provide you with free advice and consultations. If you are happy to work with them, they can offer their services 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.

Speak to the specialists at Gowing Law today by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claim’s checker. One of our team members will then be in contact to discuss your claim further. Feel free to ask them any additional questions you may have. If your claim is urgent, you can also use our LiveChat on our contact page to get in touch with our law team ASAP.

Want to learn more about Housing Disrepair Claims?

Want to learn more about learn more about Housing Disrepair Claims? Well, the best place to visit is our law blog! We update it every week with brand new content about legal claims, seasonal events and information about our law firm. We even host the occasional competition or giveaway. So, make sure to keep an eye out for them. You can suggest blog topics to us by writing into info@gowinglaw.co.uk. Make sure to also follow our social media by clicking the buttons at the bottom of the blog. After all, we would love for you to keep reading our content.

We look forward to seeing you in our next blog.

Why is it important that I inform my landlord about my Housing Disrepair?

Posted on July 6, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, Covid-19, Housing Disrepair Claims, Uncategorised

As the victim of a Housing Disrepair, your first instinct should be to try and get it fixed. You don’t want to live in a home that is full of problems. By living in a house that is full of disrepairs, it is undoubtedly going to affect your quality of life sooner or later. Worse still, during the lockdown you may have found that some of the rooms in your property were simply uninhabitable. That meant you could not go into the room or else it could cause a personal injury or destroy some of your property. You didn’t deserve to live like this. That’s why it’s crucial that you ask for repairs to be made as quickly as possible. If your landlord refuses to help you, you could be eligible to make a compensation claim.

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we understand that making a compensation claim on your own can be a daunting prospect. That’s why our solicitors are determined to get you the pay-out that you deserve. Don’t leave your claim or repairs till the last minute. Get them sorted now by calling 0800 041 8350 or by visiting our website below:

What do I need to know about Housing Disrepairs?

Unfortunately, if you live in a council house or property from the housing association, it’s likely that it’s going to be very old and built either in the 1950’s or 1980’s. That means it’s more likely to be suffering from disrepairs or from asbestos, mould and damp. You will be renting your landlord. Now, your landlord is responsible for your safety whilst you live in the house. This is known as a “duty of care.” If something ends up breaking, then it is their job to fix it. Take a look at the list below to get a better idea of the things in your home that your landlord is responsible for:

As you can see, all of the things listed will already be in the house or will be a service linked to it, such as security. However, if there is furniture inside your apartment, keep in mind that if any of those fall into disrepair, it will be up to the landlord to have them removed and potentially replaced, especially if they are essential objects like a fridge or a cooker. Your landlord is ultimately responsible for making sure that your house remains in a habitable state. If it does fall into disrepair, they will need to organize the appropriate repair person or engineer come in and assess the damage. If they refuse to help or acknowledge the issues.

What should I do if I have a Housing Disrepair?

If your home is suffering from a housing disrepair, the first thing you should do is speak to your landlord about the issues. Your landlord should be the first person that you inform as they have the power to fix it. Informing your landlord will also be crucial to your housing disrepair claim if you do end up being forced to make one in the future. Make sure to let your landlord know about the disrepair in both writing and through an email correspondence. That way you can ensure that you have proof that you did your best to inform them about the disrepair. You should also take pictures or video evidence of the disrepairs to show that you are not exaggerating what has happened.

From there, it is up to your landlord to assess the damages and to send someone over to have them repaired. They should not ignore your messages or tell you that you are responsible for having them fixed. As they own your apartment or council home, they are the ones that need to ensure the repairs are undertaken in a timely manner. Just keep in mind that you will need to give them enough time to actually go through with the repairs. Do not rush them but do keep in contact to ensure that they are completed.

Why do I need to give my landlord notice about my Housing Disrepairs?

When you tell your landlord about your housing disrepair, it’s essential that you do it as soon as you discover the problem. This is known as “giving notice” to your landlord. It is essential that you give notice to your landlord. That way you can give them the time they need to actually get the repair fixed. Honestly, if you hurry your landlord, this could affect your case. So try to be patient as they do their work.

To give your landlord notice is to give them time to enter your property, assess the damage and come to a conclusion about whether or not they should send someone over to fix the damage. If you rush them then they could claim that you are not giving them enough time to do their job. This is also why it’s crucial that you let them know about the disrepair in both writing and through electronic correspondence. Quite a few of our clients will let their landlord know about disrepairs through a phone call. However, this may not be enough evidence to show that you gave your landlord notice about the disrepairs.

If your landlord fails to help you with the disrepairs, despite being giving notice and the time to check them over, you could be eligible for compensation through a housing disrepair claim. This includes your landlord ignoring your messages for help or ultimately demanding that you pay for the damages that are their responsibility.

How could I be eligible for a Housing Disrepair Claim?

If you have been told by your landlord that they cannot help you with the damages in your home, or they are demanding that you pay for the damages, you do not have to put up with this. Instead, it’s time for you to start looking into a housing disrepair claim. The amount of compensation that you will receive from this type of claim will depend on how long the disrepairs have existed and the extent of your landlord’s negligence.

To be eligible to claim, you need to fit in at least one of these three categories:

Keep in mind that these categories are interchangeable. So, you could have experienced all three! For instance, a mould problem could mean that you are unable to use a certain area of your house. This is inconvenience. The mould spreads to your furniture and clothing. This is an example of damage to personal belongings. As you have asthma, the mould began to make it worsen. That meant you had to go to the hospital for treatment. This is an example of a personal injury. You should speak through your damages with a solicitor to ensure that you are claiming the highest amount of compensation possible. After all, there are many different types of damages that you could claim for. This includes emotional damages, financial damages, damage to property and loss of opportunity.

Let your lawyer know what you have been through and they will be able to help!

How long will It take to make a Housing Disrepair Claim?

Well, recently we have actually managed to complete a housing disrepair claim in only 6 weeks! We are extremely proud of our housing disrepair team and want to help as many people around the UK with their claims. It will only take one working day to assess whether or not you have a housing disrepair claim. From there, we will work hard to ensure your repairs are sorted in a timely manner. Our triage assessor will provide you with a pamphlet that will answer all of your questions. However, here is the process that you should expect if one of our assessors comes to visit you:

Your landlord does have the right to send over their own assessor to your home. So, expect a lot of company over the course of a few weeks. Just keep in mind, if you do end up getting a notification from track and trace or you end up experience Covid-19 symptoms, you will have to notify your solicitor and landlord as quickly as possible. That way precautions can be taken when it comes to sorting out your housing disrepair claim whilst you are isolating.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your housing disrepair claim!

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we are determined to help as many of our clients as possible all over the UK. If you have a housing disrepair and your landlord is ignoring your pleas for help, it’s time for you to file a compensation claim against them. Our law firm is here to provide you with free advice and consultations. If you are happy to move forward with our specialist staff, we can offer you our services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will never have to pay any hidden fees and will always come out on top even if we do not win your claim.

Talk to our team 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 discuss your claim and any questions you may have about housing disrepair claims in general.

Learn more about Housing Disrepair Claims

If you want to learn more about Housing Disrepair Claims, the best place to go is Gowing Law’s blog. We update it every week with new content. This includes information about different law topics, updates about our law firm, seasonal events and competitions & giveaways! If you have a topic suggestion, feel free to send it into info@gowinglaw.co.uk. We would be more than happy to write about your questions and will let you know when the blog has been completed. Make sure to also follow our social media pages, linked below, for additional updates about what we have been up to.

We look forward to seeing you in our next blog!

Housing Disrepair Claims & Covid-19: What should I do if I have to isolate?

Posted on July 5, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, Covid-19, Housing Disrepair Claims, Uncategorised

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we understand that the pandemic has been extremely difficult for our clients to cope with. Now we are past a full year, it can feeling tiring to adhere to social-distancing guidelines and you may be a bit burned out from it all. However, it’s essential that we try our best to keep going. That way we can protect our loved ones from Covid-19. So, what should you do if you have been told to isolate but are currently looking into Housing Disrepair Claims? Well, the first thing is don’t panic! We can help you sort out this situation so you can still get the repairs needed to ensure that you live in comfort.

To find out more about Housing Disrepair Claims and how you can ensure you can get the compensation pay-out that you deserve, you should speak to Gowing Law Solicitors as quickly as possible. You can do this by calling 0800 041 8350 or by visiting our website below:

The Basics of Housing Disrepair: What do you need to know?

Before we move on to how to protect yourself and our solicitors during the pandemic, let’s take a moment to discuss the basics of Housing Disrepair Claims and what you need to know about them. When you live in a council house or a property provided by a housing association, it is the responsibility of your landlord to ensure that it is in a habitable condition. That means they need to ensure that it is safe for you and your family to live in. Ultimately, this is known as a “duty of care”, meaning they are responsible for your health in relation to the provided home. If they fail to do this then they could be guilty of negligence, especially if you get hurt due to the disrepairs.

Take a look below for a better idea of what areas of your home your landlord is responsible for:

It’s essential that when you notice a disrepair that you report it to your landlord as quickly as possible. This needs to be in both writing and through an email correspondence. You should also include any photographs. This is to prove that the disrepair happened and was entirely out of your control. You could claim your landlord is guilty of negligence if they ignore your messages, refuse to acknowledge the disrepair, allow the disrepair to get worse or even tell you that you need to get the repairs financed through your own pocket. This is when you should go to a solicitor for help.

What could make me eligible for making Housing Disrepair Claims?

If you have been suffering from a Housing Disrepair and there is no indication that your landlord is interested in helping you fix it, it is time for you to start looking into Housing Disrepair Claims. You may be wondering what could actually make you eligible for compensation. Well, there are three main categories that you can fall into. These are:

Now, it’s okay to fall into more than one of these categories. After all, everyone’s living situation is going to be different. For instance, let’s say that there was a damp and mould problem in your home. The mould could have caused damage to your clothing or furniture. However, in terms of personal injuries, it may have also caused you breathing issues that you needed to go to the hospital to get sorted out. This caused an inconvenience to your daily life because not only could you not use the room that had the mould in it, but it also means you have to interrupt your daily schedule to go to the hospital.

Your solicitor can help you understand what you could claim for. Every situation is different and they will make sure that you get personalized advice to ensure you get a positive outcome, including the repairs you need to live in comfort. After all, if you do get a notice to isolate then you don’t want to do this whilst living with a disrepair.

What will happen if I make a Housing Disrepair Claim?

Once you have settled on the idea that you are going to make a Housing Disrepair Claim, you may feel curious about what is going to happen next. After speaking with our solicitors, we will start on the compensation process and will speak with your landlord. At the same time, an assessor will be sent to your home in order to assess the damages. This assessor will provide you with a leaflet that will detail more information about what you could expect in the future whilst making a claim. Here is the process you will find in our leaflet:

What should I do if I have to isolate before I get started on my Housing Disrepair Claim?

This is where things may get a little tricky. The first thing we would like to say is that it is not your fault. You are not to blame for isolating due to Covid-19 or being exposed to someone with Covid-19. However, it is your responsibility to inform your solicitor. You must also tell your landlord that you have been confirmed to have Covid-19 or have received a notification to isolate at home. You cannot have people over at your home if you are isolating from Covid-19. Instead, you will need to be patient and acknowledge that it may take a little longer to have the repairs sorted in your home.

In the meantime, keep taking pictures of the damages and take the advice of your solicitor to prevent any further disrepairs from happening. There is a chance as well that a video tour could be arranged as well that could involve your landlord, their assessor, your solicitor and your own triage assessor. That way the process can still continue but it can be conducted at a safe distance. Any feedback or reports can then be discussed over the video call. They can even be sent to you through email. That way no germs can be spread between person-to-person. You and any third parties involved in the process can continue to work on your claim but remain safe throughout it.

In the meantime, here are some ways that you can make the isolation process a little easier. We know it can be hard if you are stuck inside, especially if you are on your own.

Additional Advice:

Stay away from the affected area of your home as much as you can
Open all the windows to ensure that it is well-ventilated
If you have a garden or balcony, try and spend time on there to get fresh air
Stay warm with hot water bottles
If you are suffering from breathing difficulties, lie on your stomach to try and get some rest
Have your groceries delivered by a friend, relative or a delivery service
Keep your house clean and tidy- That way you can try to stem any mould or damp problems.
Make sure to try and do at least 15 minutes of exercise to keep yourself active around your home

For more advice, make sure to visit the NHS website. That way you can keep updated about the latest advice from the government.

Speak to Gowing Law Solicitors about Housing Disrepair Claims

If you’re ready to get started on your own Housing Disrepair Claim, speak to Gowing Law Solicitors for more information. We know it can be a bit daunting to take on your landlord by yourself. That’s why our solicitors will be here to support you throughout the claim’s process. Not only can we offer you free advice and consultations to get you started. But if you are happy to move forward with our specialist lawyers, they can offer their services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will never have to worry about any hidden fees. You will only need to pay our solicitors if they win your case for you. Therefore, you will always come out on top.

Contact our team of specialists today by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claim’s checker. We will then be in touch to answer all of your questions.

Learn more about Housing Disrepair Claims

Don’t forget that if you want to learn more about Housing Disrepair Claims, the best place to visit is Gowing Law’s blog page. We update our blog on a weekly basis. You can find all of the basic information about different claim’s information here! We even update our blog with facts about our law firm, seasonal events and the occasional giveaway/competition. If there is a blog topic you would like to suggest to our content team, send it to info@gowinglaw.co.uk. We would be more than happy to write about the topics that interest you. Make sure to also follow our Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to find our latest content.

We look forward to seeing you in our next blog!

Can I make a Criminal Injury Claim if I don’t know who did it?

Posted on June 30, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Criminal Injury, Uncategorised

By making a criminal injury claim, you are looking to receive justice for what has happened to you. Out of all the types of injuries you can suffer from, criminal injuries can be extremely traumatic. You never wanted to get hurt. The fact that it was not an accident can leave you feeling emotionally scarred and vulnerable. It can take months, sometimes even years to recover from the physical and emotional damages. When you don’t know who was responsible for your damages, it can leave you feeling frightened of leaving your own front door step. That’s why it’s crucial that you get the help you need to ensure that you get justice and compensation for your damages.

Even if you do not know who was responsible for your damages, you could still claim compensation from CICA. Gowing Law Solicitors are here to help you get a pay-out whilst you recover. It’s a daunting prospect taking on a legal claim on your own, especially a criminal injury claim. That’s why our solicitors will make sure you are entirely at ease whilst they contact CICA on your behalf and help you through the claims process. To learn more about making this type of claim, contact our law firm by calling 0800 041 8350 or by visiting our website today:

What are classified as criminal injuries?

When we think about criminal activity, our minds tend to jump to house invaders or people looking to start a fight on a night out. Truth be told, criminal injuries can happen at any time and in any place. They could happen to you when you go out with friends or they could happen if you cross the road. Sometimes it all depends on being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Some criminal injuries that you sustain may only be small, but at other times they can be life-changing. Some examples of criminal injuries can include:

Physical assault
Sexual assault
Stalking
Terrorism attacks
Kidnapping
Group attacks
Domestic Violence
Property destruction
Vandalism

As you can see from those listed, the types of criminal activities will vary in their destruction and damages. No matter what type of criminal injury you have suffered from, you have the right to compensation. Keep that in mind when you start your claim. You were the victim and you did not deserve to get hurt. That’s why it’s crucial that, even if you do not know who hurt you, you are able to go to CICA to get justice and to help you recover with the help of a compensation pay-out.

What type of injuries could I suffer from?

As you have survived an assault or an attack, the main reason behind your criminal injury claim is to claim compensation for any injuries you have suffered from. These are also known as “damages”. Before we jump into physical injuries, in the legal world, damages mean a lot more than just suffering a cut, laceration or bruising. There are additional types of damages you can suffer from, including emotional damages, property damages, technology damages and financial damages. However, to claim for these, you will have to have suffered from physical damages from your attack. Take a look at the infographic below to get a better idea of the type of criminal injuries you could have suffered from:

As you can see, there are a range of injuries you could suffer from due to criminal activity. It’s important to understand that whether you have just been involved in a small fight or someone has attacked, mugged you and left you with severe head trauma, your damages will make you eligible for compensation. It is entirely up to you to decide whether or not you think it is worth moving forward with the claim. Your solicitor will be able to help you understand how much you could be owed as compensation. However, the final decision is entirely up to you.

What if I don’t know who was responsible for my criminal injury?

It can be a traumatic experience to get hurt due to a criminal activity. This can only be made worse if you don’t know who was responsible for it. After all, you may be too scared to come forward if you can’t put a face to the person responsible for your injuries. You may think your claim will not be taken seriously or that it could be dropped if they cannot find the person who hurt you. But this is certainly not the case. You can make a criminal injury claim even if you don’t know who was responsible for your injuries. Even if you do not find out who hurt you, your compensation will be paid directly from CICA.

Your solicitor will always take your claim seriously if you have suffered from criminal injuries. They understand that you may be struggling to come to terms with what has happened. That’s why we want to ensure that we support you throughout your claim. We can provide you advice and consultations, as well as handle any tricky paperwork. Put your faith in Gowing Law’s solicitors and they will always be there to get you the outcome you deserve.

Can I make a criminal injury claim if I already have a criminal record?

Although this may be taken into account if it is relevant to your case, having a criminal record should not impede your claim. If you are a victim of an attack or crime, you deserve to be compensated for your damages. Speak to your solicitor about any criminal record you may have. It is always better to be open and honest about these type of things .That way your lawyer can find the best way to help you.

How long do I have to make a criminal injury claim?

Once you have had your investigation concluded by the police, you will have two years to make a claim. That’s why it is essential that you get in contact with a solicitor as quickly as possible. That way you can give them the maximum amount of time to sort out your claim. Your solicitor can then work out a time line to ensure that your claim goes smoothly. Just keep in mind that the current pandemic may mean that there are delays. Be aware that things may change quickly!

How much could I claim for making a criminal injury claim?

The amount of compensation that you are owed depends on the complexity of your damages and the type of injuries you have experienced. In our experience, pay-outs can range around £1,000 – £500,000. Again, this entirely depends on your own personal circumstance. Every injury claim is different. That’s why it’s important to speak to a solicitor to get a rough estimate of how much you be owed.

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

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we understand that going through any type of criminal injury can be extremely traumatic. We want to help you through this difficult time by providing you the legal advice you need to move forward. Our solicitors can offer you free consultations to get you started. If you are happy to work with them, they can offer their services 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.

Speak to Gowing Law Solicitors to get started on your claim. Call 0800 041 8350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our claim’s checker.

Learn more about making a criminal injury claim

If you are interested in learning more about making a criminal injury claim, the best place to get information is Gowing Law’s blog. We update it every week with brand new content. This content is about different law claims, seasonal events, updates about our legal firm and the occasional competition/giveaway. You can even suggest topics that we can write about on our blog. Send in your ideas to info@gowinglaw.co.uk. Make sure to also follow our social media pages to find out what we have been up to recently.

We look forward to seeing you in our next blog!

What would make me eligible for a Business Interruption Insurance Claim?

Posted on June 30, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, Business Interruption Insurance, Covid-19, Uncategorised

If you are thinking about making a business interruption insurance claim, it is most likely because your insurer has refused you a pay-out on the grounds of Covid-19 and the current pandemic. As all business owners know the last year has been extremely rough for companies across the UK. The lockdown has meant that customers have not been able to visit stores and in most cases, the stores themselves have been shut down to protect them. The pandemic was a disaster that could never have been predicted. That’s why the Supreme Court has decided to allow business insurance claims to go through that are about Covid-19 and the lockdown.

If you have been affected by the pandemic, and have taken out business interruption insurance, there is a chance that you could be owed compensation for your losses. You may be asking yourself whether or not you are eligible to make that type of claim. This is where Gowing Law’s expert solicitors can step in to help you. Call us today on 0800 041 8350 or by visiting our website below:

What is a business interruption insurance claim?

When you open up a business, you may have a physical shop where customers can visit you and buy your products. You may also have decided to hire employees in order to help you handle daily activities. The first thing you want to consider when you open a company is how you are going to protect it. You cannot control everything that happens inside your store. That’s why you may want to take out business interruption insurance in order to protect it from:

Criminal activity
Fires
Flooding
Storms
Natural disasters
Essential equipment breakdowns
Property destruction

All of the things listed above affect how your business makes a profit. For instance, if you cannot open your business then you may not be able to sustain it by earning money from your customers. Even if you have an online store, you still have bills to pay and employees that require a wage. That’s why if you do experience any of these “interruptions” for your own business, you can use your business interruption insurance to pay for the damages and any financial obligations you may have. If you are still feeling confused, take a look at the case study gif below to understand your eligibility:

Case Study: Liam’s Bakery

Unfortunately, for those affected by Covid-19, previously, insurance firms refused to accept these types of claims. However, for general damages, if the damages are written into the clauses of your contract then you should be able to get a pay-out from your insurer. You can personalize your contract in order to protect you against more specific type of damages. After all, everyone’s career is different. If you work in an antique shop then you may need insurance for expensive products or your shop front, however if you work on a construction site then you may need to focus on insuring the equipment. Keep this in mind when you go to take out business interruption insurance.

Why couldn’t I make a business interruption insurance claim for Covid-19 damages?

Originally, when businesses began to ask insurers for help with Covid-19 related damages, the insurers’ first reaction was to decline the request. This was due to the fact that Covid-19, the pandemic and the lockdown in general were not listed in the clauses of the contract. However, this may now have changed due to the recent decision by the UK’s supreme court.

The Supreme Court has decided that insurers should accept any claims that are in relation to Covid-19 and the current pandemic. However, the claimant does still need to have specific clauses in order to be eligible for compensation. Don’t worry, if you’re feeling concerned that you may not fall into the eligible bracket, Gowing Law Solicitors can help you. Our legal team are specialists when it comes to making a business interruption insurance claims. They can keep you on the right track. That way we can ensure you full understand the type of compensation claim you are making. That way you can decide for yourself whether or not you think it is worth it.

How could I be eligible for a Business Interruption Insurance Claim?

When you make a business interruption insurance claim, you are holding your insurers responsible for helping you in your time of need. Your contract stated that you would be protected in the event of a disaster outside of your control. That’s why it’s important that they uphold their end of contract and provide you with a pay-out.

Now, the supreme court has stated that there has to be at least one of three categories that your insurance contract falls into. In other words, they need to have one of the three following clauses. These clauses are:

As you can see, there is a chance that the clauses you have in your contract are going to be interchangeable. For instance, if you have both a disease and prevention of access clause in your insurance contract, you may be able to claim for both of those “damages.” You should be protected against these types of problems. Just keep in mind that if you have a hybrid clause then you may need to point out where exactly the protection is against diseases and lack of access to your facility. Your solicitor can help you do this if you are feeling concerned that you are not eligible for a pay-out. They can do all of the hard work and ensure that you get the pay-out that you deserve.

Can I make a claim even if I received a Covid-19 grant from the government?

Yes, you can! Honestly, this is a very weird time for everyone. The UK government’s grants are there to help you immediately. This is to help you if you are struggling and are on the point of collapse. They are still in place even now to help people get a pay-out to sustain their business. One of the things the government will know is that business owners will be trying to make a Business Interruption Insurance Claim. This is in order to get a pay-out from their policies. That means you can still make a claim with the help of our law firm. That way you can get the compensation that you deserve.

Gowing Law Solicitors is ready to help you with your Business Interruption Insurance Claim

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we are proud that we are able to provide our clients’ support. That way our clients can get the compensation that they deserve. You need to be able to sustain your business during these difficult times. That’s why your insurer should be supporting you and paying you for your losses. Our solicitors can speak to your insurer on your behalf and can fill out any tricky paperwork. They can offer you free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy to move forward with your claim, you can work with our solicitors 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.

Contact our law firm today by phoning 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claim’s checker. One of our specialists will then answer all of your questions.

Learn more about making a Business Interruption Insurance Claim

Don’t forget that if you want to learn more about making a business interruption insurance claim, the best place to go is Gowing Law’s blog. We update it every week with brand new content. These are about different legal claims, information about our law firm, seasonal events and the occasional competition or giveaway. If you want us to cover a certain topic, feel free to send it in to info@gowinglaw.co.uk. You can also search our social media for more updates or information about what we have been up to. Click on the buttons below to visit our Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

We look forward to seeing you in our next blog.

What should you do if your home is suffering from property disrepairs?

Posted on June 22, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, Housing Disrepair Claims, Uncategorised

Property disrepairs are more common than you may think, especially if you are living in a council house or a property from the housing association. According to the latest English Housing Survey, there are around 76,814 homes that are in a “non-decent” state. That means that the property is not suitable to be lived in by any renter or their family. It can be a tricky situation to negotiate with your landlord, especially if they either ignore you or demand that you fix all of the repairs with your own money. Your landlord is responsible for the upkeep of your home. That’s why they should be the one to organize the repairs and ensure that you are safe and secure in your own home. If they do not do this then they could be guilty of negligence.

When it comes to property disrepairs, or housing disrepairs as they are more commonly known as, it’s important that you reach out to your landlord as quickly as possible to get them sorted. That way if your landlord is guilty of negligence, you can file a housing disrepair claim against them. Having an experienced solicitor on your side can ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve. But before you file your claim, it’s important to understand what to do if your home is suffering from disrepairs. That way you may be able to get the disrepairs sorted before they become an issue that affects your health, comfort and overall happiness.

Don’t forget that if you want to know more about Housing Disrepair Claims, call Gowing Law Solicitors on 0800 041 8350 or visit our website below:

What type of Property Disrepairs are there in the home?

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, our main aim is to get you the compensation and justice that you deserve. That way if you need repairs made on your home, you can get them sorted quickly and efficiently. You can only make a housing disrepair claim if you still live in the property, which is why it is crucial that you establish the disrepairs to your landlord as quickly as possible. With that being said, there are many different types of property disrepairs. Some can only be small, such as painting chips or minor cracks in the flooring, however, there are times when the disrepairs can be more severe. Your landlord is responsible for these disrepairs, whether they are big or small. Some examples of these disrepairs can include:

As you can see, your landlord is responsible for quite a lot of your rented accommodation. After all, they own the property. If something goes wrong inside your home, it’s your landlord’s responsibility to ensure that it is fixed in a reasonable amount of time. Even during the lockdown, if a problem occurred then your landlord should have had an engineer sent out to assess the damages. Your landlord is responsible for fixing the damages in your home. They cannot turn around and tell you that you are responsible for the damages and their costs. This is because you do not legally own the property. You simply live in it and are renting it from the home owner. That means they need to take responsibility for the repairs. If they refuse then they could be guilty of negligence.

I have noticed some property damage: What should I do?

One of the most essential things you need to know about property disrepairs is that they were not your fault. Whilst your use of the accommodation may have exacerbated the problem, it does not mean that it was your fault. Instead, it may have been essential equipment that has broken down. You couldn’t avoid using this essential equipment. Therefore, it was likely that it was going to break eventually through constant use by yourself and previous residents of the council home.

We understand that property disrepairs can be extremely frustrating, but try to keep as calm as you can. The first thing that you should do is try your best to collect evidence about your disrepairs. Evidence can include:

Photographs
Videos/CCTV
Witness Statements
Diary Entries
Medical Records
Police Records
Receipts (i.e. for disrepair payments or for replaced belongings)

You should take copies of this evidence and send it to your landlord. Make sure to do this through both written letters and email. That way if your complaints are ignored then you have proof that you tried different mediums to inform your landlord of the disrepairs. Your landlord should then come over to assess the damages for themselves. Prepare your house for them and arrange a time for them to come view the disrepairs. They will then organize the repair work. That way an engineer can come over to have the disrepairs sorted. If all progresses smoothly, your disrepairs can be sorted quickly and you can live in comfort once more.

When should I start considering making a housing disrepair claim?

Property disrepairs can be extremely unsettling, especially if you are trying to keep a regular routine in your home. You may feel embarrassed to show off your home to guests if there are obvious disrepairs that could make visitations uncomfortable. Worse still, the state of the disrepairs may be having an effect on your general quality of life. For instance, if there is mould and damp in your bedroom, that may mean that you can’t sleep in your bed and need to sleep in your living room or in a different house entirely. Although there may be delays in the repair work on your house, sometimes your landlord may completely ignore your disrepairs or try to force you to pay for them yourself.

If your landlord does this then this is an example of negligence. They have ignored their “duty of care” towards you and have pushed the blame onto you. That’s why it’s important that you hold them accountable for your property disrepairs, especially if you live in an old building that may have been created in the 1950’s or 1980’s. If you are thinking about making a housing disrepair claim, you could be eligible for compensation if your damages fall into at least one of these three categories:

Keep in mind that you can fall into several categories, depending on the extent of your damages. Falling back onto our previous example of mould/damp in a bedroom, this could exacerbate breathing problems. That means you could suffer from a personal injury. The mould was in a bedroom and so that stopped you from using the bed and getting a good night’s sleep. This is an example of inconvenience. If the mould has spread to your clothes, bedsheets and furniture coverings, this could be an example of damage to property. So, as you can see, there is a high chance that you could experience several damages that could increase the amount of compensation that you are owed. Speak to your solicitor for more information about your eligibility.

How much compensation could I claim for through property disrepairs?

Housing Disrepairs are unique for every resident. Some people may only experience minor disrepairs, others may have to live in terrible conditions. That’s why it’s essential that a housing disrepair claim is made to ensure that the tenant can have the repairs fixed and that they can get the compensation that they deserve. In our experience, compensation pay-outs tend to be around £1,000-£20,000. However, it depends on how long the negligence has been going on for, your landlord’s reaction and the extent of the damages. It’s essential that you speak to your solicitor about all of the damages in your home. That way they can use this as evidence when they speak to your landlord about a settlement agreement. For a specific estimate of your compensation, speak to your lawyer directly. They can help you figure out how much you could be owed.

How long will it take to make a housing disrepair claim?

If you are suffering from property disrepairs, we would highly recommend that you get in contact with a solicitor as quickly as possible. Once you move out of the property, you will no longer be able to make a claim. That’s why it’s crucial to let your solicitor have the maximum amount of time to get the disrepairs sorted out on your behalf and speak to your landlord. It will take them one day to assess the damages. From there, the time scale will depend on the complexity of your case. For instance, if your landlord refuses to admit their responsibility or ignores a meeting with your solicitor, this could mean it may take longer to have the disrepairs sorted out.

Your lawyer will always keep you updated about where your case is and how it is being handled. Feel free to ask them any questions that may be on your mind.

Gowing Law Solicitors is here to help you with your property disrepairs

Here at Gowing Law, we understand that making any type of housing disrepair claim on your own can be a daunting prospect. We want to ensure that your house’s disrepairs are taken care of. That way you can get on with your life and feel as if you can feel comfortable at home again. That’s why our law firm is here to offer you free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy to move forward with your claim, we can offer our services on a “no win-no fee” basis. This means you will never need to pay any hidden fees. Instead, you will only need to pay our solicitors if they win your case. Therefore, you will always come out on top.

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors today by phoning 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claim’s checker. Our team of specialists will then be in contact. The can help answer any additional questions you may have about making a claim.

Want to learn more about Housing Disrepair Claims?

If you want to learn more about different type of legal claims, the best place to go is Gowing Law’s blog. We update it every week with brand new content for you to enjoy. This includes information about the basics of legal claims, seasonal events, updates about our law firm and the occasional giveaway/competition. Feel free to send in any blog requests to info@gowinglaw.co.uk. We would be more than happy to write about your questions. You can also follow our social media pages below. Click on the buttons to visit our Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.

Gowing Law looks forward to seeing you in our next blog!

The Top Five Most Common Housing Disrepairs

Posted on June 17, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, Housing Disrepair Claims, Uncategorised

Being faced with housing disrepairs can be a daunting prospect, especially if you live in a council home. If the damages are severe, you may find that the repair work needed can be extensive. In some cases, it can take more than a few months to fix. That’s why it is essential that you landlord is ready to work with you in order to have your damages fixed in a timely manner.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Landlords can be tricky to deal with. In some cases, they may ultimately ignore your requests for help. Worse still, there may be times when your landlord tries to stick you with the bill of these repairs. Let’s be clear: your landlord is responsible for the damages that happen to your council home. When something goes wrong, they need to have it fix. If they fail to do this then they could be guilty of negligence.

There are many different types of housing disrepairs that you can encounter during your stay in a council home. Some are more common than others. Make sure to keep an eye out for small damages. These can quickly turn into more severe problems that will require extensive treatment. Don’t forget, if your landlord refuses to help with these damages, you can make a Housing Disrepair Claim in order to ask for compensation and for their co-operation in getting the damages fixed. Gowing Law Solicitors can help with this. Call us on 0800 041 8350 or click the link below to visit our website:

The Basics of Housing Disrepairs & Landlords

Before we talk about the most common housing disrepairs, let’s take a moment to talk about the responsibility of a landlord. When you move into a council house or a property owned by the housing association, it’s important to understand that your landlord is responsible for the majority of your property. They are responsible for your safety when you live in your house and need to make sure that it is habitable for both you and your family. This is known as your landlord’s “duty of care”. If they refuse to help you then this is a sign of negligence, especially as they may be putting you at risk of an accident.

Some examples of the areas of your home that your landlord is responsible include:

If there are problems in your house that require fixing, you should report them to your landlord as quickly as possible. That way the damage can be sorted and you can get your house back to a liveable condition. Make sure to send the alert to your landlord in both writing and in an email format. If they ignore you, or demand that you pay for the damages, that’s when it’s time to start making preparations to make a housing disrepairs claim. This includes documenting evidence for your solicitor to use during your settlement agreement.

What could make me eligible for compensation?

The main priority of any home owner is to ensure that their home is habitable for themselves and their family. That’s why it’s understandable that you will want the disrepairs sorted by your landlord as soon as possible. If these disrepairs have been left for a long time, there is a chance that you could suffer from damages that affect your quality of life. It is these damages that will make you eligible for making a Housing Disrepairs compensation claim. Take a look at the infographic below to get a better idea about the three main categories of eligibility:

If any of the following have happened to you, you could be eligible for a pay-out to compensate you for your damages. Keep in mind that you may have experienced more than just physical damages or damages to your belongings. You may also have experienced emotional damages. The stress of the situation may have made a current mental health condition worse, or perhaps your landlord is making you feel anxious about the disrepairs altogether. Either way, the extent of your damages could increase the amount of compensation that you are owed.

Housing Disrepairs: The most common problems in a council house

When it comes to housing disrepairs, it’s important to understand that some are going to be worse than others. Whether you are suffering from small damages to your wall or perhaps have lost electricity in your house or some other large hazard, you are going to have to inform your landlord as quickly as possible to get the repairs sorted. Even during the Covid-19 lockdown, they were still required to do an inspection to find out what repairs needed to be made to fix the damages. They may have even sent over a qualified repair worker to check out the damages. Some types of disrepairs are going to be more common than others. That’s why we are going to take a little time now to address the top five most common housing disrepairs you may find inside a council home or a property provided by the housing association.

1. Mould and Damp

Unfortunately, a lot of the council properties in the UK were created in the 1950’s or 1980’s. That means there is a higher chance that they are going to have asbestos in them or suffer from a damp or mould problem. A recent investigation by ITV has shown that there is a mould and damp with the majority of council properties across the UK. Unfortunately, in most cases, landlords will simply say the way to deal with mould and damp is to keep the flat well-ventilated and to make sure that you open your doors and windows to help with the problem. However, they don’t send over the appropriate repairmen to go to the root cause of the mould. That means it will keep on coming back time and time again.

Black mould and fungus can cause serious health problems, especially if you are already suffering from asthma or bronchitis. Worse still, it can spread to clothes and your belongings. That’s why it’s crucial to get rid of it as quickly as possible. If your property is damaged because of the mould, you could be owed compensation for your losses.

2. Pests, Infestations and Vermin

It can be embarrassing to have an infestation problem in your home. Even if it’s just a single rat that lives in your home, there is a chance that it could spread disease if it bites you, your other family members or leaves its droppings around the house. Of course, there are other types of infestations. This includes fleas, bedbugs, mice, flies and bugs in general. Sometimes, if there is a dead animal on your property, this can attract vermin, in particular flies and fleas, to your home. It can be difficult to live in these types of properties and it’s likely that you may end up getting sick due to the infestations. That’s why your landlord needs to involve pest control as quickly as possible to get it resolved.

3. Leaks and Flooding

Whether you live in a flat or a council house, if a pipe bursts, your gutter is clogged or the plumbing is faulty, it is likely that you could experience a leak that could lead to flooding or water damage. Not only could this damage your personal property, but it can also damage the house itself. This can start off with it just being staining on the ceiling or walls. However, these can develop into mould, cracks and damp if it’s not treated as quickly as possible. As we said before, mould and damp can cause serious health problems. That’s why you need to let your lawyer see the damages. You can also try to have a repair team locate the leak and repair the damages. The faster it is sorted, the less likely it is that you will experience damp or further flooding in the future.

4. Cracks in the external/internal structure

Sadly, as a house ages, it’s very likely that it’s going to experience some cracks or structure disrepair. If you spot a crack in your wall, ceiling or perhaps a small hole or broken segment, we would recommend that you speak to your landlord as quickly as possible. A structure problem could have a serious effect on the safety of the building as a whole. That’s why it is needs to be assessed and sorted as fast as possible.

Not only does it indicate that additional damage is just on the horizon, cracks and holes are the perfect place for mould and fungus to grow. This could weaken the structure of your home and cause additional damage. By alerting your landlord quickly, you can help them get the defect repaired. They will appreciate avoiding having to pay a large amount of money for a repair. It will also be less of a headache for you in the long run, as you will not have repair workers coming in and out of your house for a long time!

Keep don’t forget that cracks can also start to happen on the external structures as well, including your roof and outside walls. Sometimes this could be due to general weather or exposure, however in other times it could even be due to plant life. Speak to your solicitor to get these damages assessed as quickly as possible.

5. Faulty Electricity

Faulty electrical wiring, outlets and appliances are some of the most dangerous disrepairs in a tenant’s home. Whilst it’s one thing for a light bulb to go out, if the real problem is the electrical outlet, there is a chance that you could be shocked or suffer from burns that need a hospital trip to fix. It’s your landlord’s responsibility to ensure that all of the objects in your home are safe. This includes being able to hide away wiring. You should also ensure that you understand how to handle the electrical products in your home. This type of problem may seem small, but it can get worse, especially if you have small children living in your council home. Don’t leave it to get worse. Speak to your landlord to get it sorted as quickly as possible.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your Housing Disrepairs Claim

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we are proud that we are able to help our clients all over the UK. We understand that housing disrepairs can be difficult to deal with on your own. That’s why if you’re thinking about making a claim, our law firm is here to support you through it. Our specialists can offer you free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy to move forward with your claim, we can offer you our services 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. Instead, you will only need to pay our lawyers for their services if they win your claim for you. So, what’s stopping you from getting started?

Contact Gowing Law today by phoning 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk. or by using our claim’s checker. One of our specialists will be in contact to answer any additional questions you may have.

Learn more about Housing Disrepairs

Don’t forget that if you want to learn more about Housing Disrepairs Claims, our law blog is the place to get started. We update it every week with brand new content about legal claims, seasonal events, competitions and giveaways. So, make sure to keep checking back to see what our latest updates are. If you want to send in a suggestion for our blog, feel free to do so by emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk. You can also follow our social media to see what we have been up to recently.

We look forward to seeing you in our next blog.

The Top Five Most Shocking Housing Disrepair Statistics in the UK

Posted on June 10, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, Covid-19, Housing Disrepair Claims, Uncategorised

A Housing Disrepair can happen at any time and to any type of home owner. We understand that these type of problems can be extremely frustrating. After all, things in your home break down and you will take the necessary steps to have them fixed. But what would you do if you lived in a council house and found out that your landlord was making the appropriate fixes? Worse still, your landlord may insist that as you lived in the house during the time of the damages, you should be responsible for any repair fees. That is completely out of line, especially if you live in a council property or a property from the housing association. It is the responsibility of your landlord to finance any repairs and make sure you are living in suitable environment.

ITV has proven that there is a housing scandal going on right now. That’s why if you are currently living with Housing Disrepairs, you could be eligible for compensation if you decide to make a Housing Disrepair Claim with Gowing Law Solicitors. This blog is going to discuss some of the worst Housing Disrepair statistics in the UK right now. However, don’t forget that if you want help with your own compensation claim, Gowing Law Solicitors will be here to provide you free advice and consultations. Call us today on 0800 041 8350 or use the button below to visit our website:

Tell me more about Housing Disrepair Claims

Gowing Law does have a blog dedicated to this topic, however are happy to catch you up on the basics of Housing Disrepair Claims before we jump into the statistics. When you live in a council house or property from the housing association, the majority of the property is going to fall under the responsibility of your landlord. This includes any external or internal structures, security, mould and damp, fire safety, water, heating, sanitation and essential furniture. Occasionally, you may find that these areas of your home may breakdown or need repair. That’s why you should report these damages to your landlord.

Your landlord owes you a “duty of care”. Ultimately, this means that they are responsible for your safety when you are living in the residence. If they ignore your requests for assistance, refuse to pay for damages or demand that you pay for the repairs, this could be a sign of negligence, especially if you get hurt due to the state of disrepair. This is when you should consider making a Housing Disrepair Claim. You could be eligible for compensation if your claim falls into one of three categories:

Housing Disrepair Categories:

Your claim can fall into more than one of these categories, however, keep in mind that you will have to make your claim before you leave your residence. You must also keep on paying rent or else there is a chance that your landlord could make a counter claim in order to evict you from the residence. The best way to discern whether or not you could be owed compensation is to speak to your lawyer for more information.

With that being said, let’s jump into some of the more shocking facts about housing disrepairs. They are guaranteed to shock you about the state of council housing all over the UK. If you are in a council home that is in an extreme state of disrepair, it’s important that you speak with a lawyer as quickly as possible.

1. The English Housing Survey has shown that there are 76,814 “non-decent” properties in the UK

This study was undertaken last March by the English Housing Survey, and showed that a high amount of council owed properties were in a state of disrepair. Overall, this was a major rise in disrepairs by around 5,500 homes since 2019. Worse still, it is 6,500 more properties since the survey taken in 2018. It has been speculated that this has been due to budget cuts by the UK government and a lack of housing available for residents to safely move into quickly.

Over the last year, residents may have been forced to stay in these types of residents due to the lockdown and pandemic. This may have had an extreme effect on their mental health, due to stress and anxiety about the damages, but also personal injuries. For instance, if they were forced to live in a house full of mould or damp, there is a chance that this could cause breathing problems or enhance respiratory problems. A personal injury experienced due to the disrepairs could increase the amount of compensation that is owed from the landlord.

Take a look at the case study below for a better idea of how “non-decent” properties can affect their residents:

2. One in Seven Council Homes do not meet the National Standard

As we stated previously, all council homes provided by the housing association or rented out by landlord must adhere to strict health and safety standard. This means they have to be in decent repair, be free from any serious hazards, contain modern facilities and have workable heating and insulation. If there are consistent failures that reoccur in the property, for instance, if there is a mould problem or the electricity does not work, it is likely that the property will not be put up for rent. The same could be said if the property has a not been upgraded in a very long time, so does not contain modern necessities.

Around 1 in 7 homes are failing this national standard and yet are still on the market for people to rent as council homes. If you are forced to live in this type of home, you could be eligible for compensation. After all, you could get hurt or the state of your home could have an impact on your general quality of life. Speak to a solicitor quickly to find out more information about making a Housing Disrepair Claim.

3. Damp/ Mould issues are some of the most common problems in Council Houses

If your council house is suffering from mould problems, know that you are not alone. It is estimated that around 205,000 council estates suffer from mould in at least one of the rooms.

Mould and damp issues can cause serious respiratory problems and can make issues like Asthma and Bronchitis much, much worse. Mould can also leave a room feeling extremely damp and uncomfortable to live in. It have a very distinct smell and can ruin your wall-paper. Mould can even stain your clothes and furniture. You could make a claim for damaged belongings. Just keep in mind that they will be replaced by second-hand products that you will be expected to find.

4. 48% of people in council houses feel ignored about their Housing Disrepair issues

According to Shelter, a homelessness charity, around 48% of families and people in council housing do not feel safe in their own homes. Instead, they feel as if the disrepairs have threatened their safety. However they have no means of getting their landlord to listen to them. Unfortunately, landlords and housing associations tend to blame the tenant for any damages. Therefore, they need to pay for any damages that occur. Overall, this can make the resident feel small and worried about the damages. They may feel as if they are fully responsible for everything that has gone wrong and therefore may need to pay for it. The landlord may even be expecting the resident to pay for it.

Ultimately, this should not happen. If a housing disrepair does occur then it is the responsibility of the landlord can have it fixed. Gowing Law’s solicitors can speak to your landlord on your behalf. That way you don’t need to feel threatened or intimidated by them. Instead, you can work with your solicitor to create a settlement agreement that can be sent to them.

5. 244,000 Council Homes in the UK have at least one serious housing disrepair/ housing risk

When it comes to the safety of a council home, it’s important to understand that there are different categories of housing disrepair. Some may only be minor damages and so may not require fixing. For instance, some cracks in the paint on your wall may be inconvenient but they are not going to cause you any damage. Instead, you may just need to disguise the cracks with a painting or ask to repaint the wall. However, there are others that may require more serious repair services. These are known as category 1 risks. Some examples of these risks include faulty/exposed electrical wiring, dangerous electrical sockets, infestations, broken/leaky roofing or walls, inadequate security or extreme mould.

You should report these damages in writing to your solicitor as well as send an email. That way you can leave a trail behind you about the damages and show that you did your best to get them sorted. If your landlord refuses to acknowledge your claim, take pictures of the damages and provide evidence. That way if they still refuse to help you, you can go to a solicitor and ensure that you get your housing disrepair claim started with an experienced legal expert.

Make a Housing Disrepair Claim with Gowing Law Solicitors

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we understand that being the victim of a housing disrepair can leave you feeling vulnerable and scared. This is where our lawyers can step in to help you get the compensation that you deserve. Our housing disrepair specialists can provide you with free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy to move forward with your claim, we can work with you on a “no win- no fee” basis. That means you will always end up on top and will never have to pay any hidden fees. Instead, you will only need to pay your solicitor if they win your case for you. So, what’s stopping you from getting in touch?

Contact our Housing Disrepair solicitors today by phoning 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claim’s checker. You can then let us know if you have any questions. We would be more than happy to help you understand the basics. That way you can feel confident with moving forward with your claim.

Want to read more about Housing Disrepair Claims?

Don’t forget that if you want to learn more about Housing Disrepair Claims, you can visit our blog for more information. We update it every week with brand new content. This is all about legal claims, law firm updates, seasonal events and the occasional competition/giveaway. If you want to suggest a blog topic, feel free to send it to info@gowinglaw.co.uk. You can also follow our social media for our latest updates.

We look forward to seeing you in our next blog!

What do I need to know about Mis-Sold Pension Claims?

Posted on June 9, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, Pension Claims, Uncategorised

Mis-sold Pension Claims are there to protect older, vulnerable people who have sadly become victims of pension scams. Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we understand that it can be extremely disheartening to have your pension pot put at risk, especially if you have spent years building it up in order to have a comfortable retirement. There are unscrupulous financial advisors and pension advisors out there whose main objective is to try and make a commission on your investment. That’s why it’s essential that you remain vigilant and try to avoid these types of scammers. If you have already fallen victim to a mis-sold pension or a mis-sold SIPP scam, it’s important that you claim compensation for your losses. This is where Gowing Law Solicitors can step in to help you.

A pay-out from a mis-sold pension claim can help you rebuild your life and some of the funds you have lost. Although you may not be able to get your investment back, you can at least know that you will get justice for your losses. Before you jump into making a compensation, read this blog to learn more about mis-sold pensions. You can then get in contact with Gowing Law to start working with our solicitors. Call us on 0800 041 8350 or visit our website below to get started on your claim:

Everything that you need to know about Mis-Sold Pension Claims

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we will always do our best to provide you with expert advice to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. Our lawyers can help you with any complicated paperwork and can even speak to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on your behalf. That way simple mistakes can be avoided that could invalidate your claim and you will have a legal expert on your side. Don’t forget that if you cannot find the question that you want answers for in this blog, feel free to direct it towards your solicitor. They can speak to you about the specifics of your case and ensure that you get the best advice for you and your situation.

With that said, let’s find out more about mis-sold pension claims and what you can do to avoid getting scammed by malicious financial advisors in the future:

What type of pension schemes are there?

Ultimately, when you get to around 65 years old it may be time for you to start planning your retirement. Of course, in some circumstances you may be allowed to retire earlier, or you may decide to retire later on in life. It entirely depends on you, how much money you have saved or how much money your employer has put into your pension scheme. Whilst you can invest your money into a SIPP scheme to grow your pension pot, ultimately there are three main forms of pensions that you can consider. These are:

Of course, there are other options for you to consider, especially if you want to grow your pension pot by investing it in a scheme abroad or in the UK. By going to a pension advisor, you can speak to them about the specifics of how you would like to invest your money. You can pick from a range of low risk- high risk schemes and get their advice on what would best suit your needs. A financial advisor/pension advisor should have the investment experience needed to provide you with a suitable scheme that can help you grow your pension pot. Unfortunately, this may become problematic if the financial advisor does have ulterior motives.

Why would a financial advisor scam me out of my pension?

Sadly, not all financial advisors will do their work with “you” in mind. Instead, their real motivation may be money. Sometimes, financial advisors may be hired by specific investment companies or scheme to encourage pension owners to join. These types of advisors tend to make a commission if they successfully get people involved in a type of scheme. To do this, they may not tell their clients all of the full details of the scheme. Instead, they may downplay some of the risk or may even get them to contact other advisors, who are working under the same scheme, to make it seem more trustworthy. In other cases, they may be the ones behind the pension scheme scam in the first place, so are receiving the entire investment.

Each mis-sold pension scheme comes with different circumstances, however, they each are mainly motivated by money. The best way to avoid falling into a scam is to ask the right questions and keep an eye out for the red flags. You have the right to ask for information from your financial advisor, including for evidence about their credentials and the scheme they are suggesting. If you get a bad feeling about them, go with your gut and find someone new. It is your right to say no to investing in a pension scheme.

What sort of red flags are there for mis-sold pension scams?

Now that you understand that not all pension providers have your best interests at heart, it’s important that you understand what red flags there are that you can keep an eye out for. Every mis-sold pension scheme will have warning signs that should identify them as crooked. The best way to discern which could be problematic is by doing your own research. If something appears to be a bit general and vague, it is more likely to be a scam than a pension scheme where the financial advisor will give you tons of information, a detailed contract and sources to back up their findings. Take a look at the infographic below to get a better idea of the warning signs of a scam pension scheme:

It’s essential that you get a contract when you get involved in any type of investment. The contract demonstrates that you are involved in the investment and can serve as evidence. Overall, if you were given bad financial advice, you could be eligible for compensation. This is because you thought there was less risk than there actually was. It’s worth getting in contact with a solicitor for more information.

What could make me eligible for a mis-sold pension claim?

As we said before, the main way that you could be eligible for a mis-sold pension claim is to prove that you were a victim of bad advice. Your financial advisor /pension provider has a responsibility towards you and your investment. This is known as a “duty of care.” They need to make sure that they are giving you the best advice possible and that you know everything about the investment. That way the decision can be yours as to whether or not you put your money into the scheme. If they give you little information or lie to you about the risk of the scheme, you can prove that you are a victim of bad advice.

Make sure to keep evidence to prove that you were a victim of bad advice. That way you can show that it was not through a fault of your own that you lost your investment. Evidence can include correspondence with the financial advisor, photographs, videos, letters, witness statements and the lack of a contract. If you believe that you are eligible then you should report the financial advisor and their firm to the FCA. You can then write a complaint to the company. It’s important that you then move on to speak with a solicitor about making a compensation claim. Your lawyer will then move forward with your case and work with the FCA to get you the pay-out that you deserve.

Will I be able to get my investment returned to me?

Unfortunately, you will not be able to get your investment returned to you from your pension scheme. If you decided to invest your money in a certain scheme, that was your choice. Therefore, if the investment went bad, and the money spent then you cannot get this returned to you. Whilst you cannot get this money back, you can get compensation for your losses. It may not be the full amount you invested into the scheme. However it will be enough to help you through this difficult time and get you back on your feet.

What should I do if I am the victim of a Mis-Sold Pension Scheme?

If you can pull out your investment from the scheme as quickly as possible, there is a chance that you could regain some of the funds that you have lost. There is still a chance you will be able to focus on getting a little bit of your money back. The same goes for if you notice that the pension scheme you are investing in seems a little shifty. If you get a bad feeling about it then withdraw and invest in a different scheme altogether. You have the right to do this and to feel safe in your investment.

With that said, what should you do if you have already been scammed by a bad financial advisor? The first thing you should do is stop investing and sending money. Instead, focus on collecting information that you can use as evidence against their scheme. You should then speak to the FCA in order to get their attention. They can start an investigation into the pension scheme. It is then crucial to make an official complaint to the financial advisor and their pension scheme firm. Once the complaint is made, you can then go to a solicitor in order to start on your compensation claim. Your solicitor can speak to your pension plan provider on your behalf. They can let them know that you intend to sue for compensation.

How much could I be owed from mis-sold pension claims?

The amount of compensation that you receive from this type of claim will depend on the extent of your damages. Your damages may include emotional and financial distress. However, keep in mind that the complexity of the case may affect the overall amount that you receive. For instance, if you have lost nearly all of your pension pot, you could be owed a lot more than someone who knew more about what they were getting into.

In some cases, you could be owed up to £50,000 for your losses. The best way to discern an estimate of how much you could be owed is to speak to your solicitor. They can calculate your damages and let you know a rough estimate. Moreover, this can be used as a settlement agreement that can be offered to the other party involved.

How long do I have to make a mis-sold pension claim?

Overall, you should have three years from the time you realized that you were involved a pension scam. However, this may be changed if you experience exceptional circumstances. It’s essential that you go and speak to your solicitor as quickly as possible. That way you can give them the maximum amount of time to look into your case. More importantly, this will be extremely helpful as there may be potential delays due to the current pandemic and the backlog of the UK court system.

How long will it take to get compensation from my pension provider?

Again, this will depend on the complexity of your case. It will also depend on whether or not your pension provider is still in business. It will only take a few working days for our team to discern whether or not you are eligible for compensation. From there, it may take a few months (or perhaps longer) to work through your case. We will also need to collect evidence and work with the FCA to get you the compensation that you deserve. Speak to your solicitor about a potential timeline. That way you can always be kept in the loop.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with Mis-Sold Pension claims

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we understand that mis-sold pension schemes can have a major impact on their victims. Our clients have experienced major financial and emotional damages that can never fully be healed. That’s why we are determined to get you the compensation that you deserve. Our expert pension specialists can provide you free advice and consultations to get you started. From there, if you are happy to work with our law firm, we can offer our services 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. Instead, you will only have to pay our solicitors if we win your case for you.

Get in touch with our solicitors today by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claim’s checker. From there, one of our specialists will talk you through your claim. Above all, they will be there to answer any additional questions you may have.

Learn more about mis-sold pension claims

If you’re interested in learning more about mis-sold pension claims, the best place to go is Gowing Law’s blog! We understand that it can be a bit of a daunting experience to start a claim without understanding the basics. That’s why we hope that our basic blogs can help you get the information you need to get started. Our last basics blog was all about Housing Disrepair Claims, so make sure to go have a read of that after you have finished reading this blog.

Our blog is updated every week with new content. This is about different law topics, seasonal events, information about our law firm and giveaways/competitions. Moreover, feel free to your own topic suggestions to info@gowinglaw.co.uk. We would be more than happy to write about it. Please use the same address if you are interested in signing up to our newsletter.

We look forward to seeing you in our next blog!

What are the consequences of a Data Breach?

Posted on June 7, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, Data Breach, Uncategorised

A data breach can happen at any time and any place. Not only is it a complete invasion of privacy, but it can leave you feeling vulnerable and scared, especially if your financial data has been exposed to malicious individuals who are interested in stealing your credit card. Nowadays, data is actually more valuable than oil. That’s why it is so important that you keep your data as safe as possible. Unfortunately, there are third parties you may work with in the future that could inadvertently expose your data or share it without your consent. If you are the victim of a data breach, you could receive compensation if you make a data breach claim This is where the specialists at Gowing Law Solicitors can help.

Gowing Law’s expert data breach claims specialists are here to provide you with expert advice and consultations. We can support you throughout this difficult time and make sure you get the compensation you deserve for your damages. Find out more by 0800 041 8350 or by clicking the button below to visit our data breach claims website:

What do I need to know about experiencing a Data Breach?

A data breach occurs when you have had your personal/sensitive information exposed or sent to another party that does not have the right to see it. Sometimes this may have been by mistake, but other times it may have been done entirely on purpose. A data breach can also occur if data has been destroyed or sent over social media if you have not given permission. These types of breaches can leave you feeling stressed, embarrassed or worried, especially if you are frightened about criminals accessing your financial data. Any third-party that you work with has a responsibility to you, in other words they owe you a “duty of care” to ensure that your data is always kept secure.

No matter what type of data they are working with, they must take every security measure possible to ensure your data is handled responsibly. This includes having strong passwords and ensuring it is only kept between the relevant parties.

There are many types of data that you may want to between you and a third party may include:

Financial data
Tax information
Personal information
Bank details
Important passwords/security details
Location details
Investment information

These are only a few examples of the types of data you could want to keep private. If any of these data categories are breached. If you do end becoming the victim of this type of breach, it’s important that you understand that you are not alone. There are legal specialists who can help you get the compensation you deserve for your damages. It’s important that you reach out to them as quickly as possible to begin your Data Breach Claim.

Take a look at the case study below to get a better idea about how data breaches and these types of claims work.

How could I have experienced a data breach?

Just like any other type of legal claim, the circumstances of your breach may affect the amount of compensation that you are owed. That’s why it’s essential that you understand how you could be eligible and how it could affect you in the long-run.

Obviously, some data breaches are going to be bigger than others. In some cases, you may think that the breach was only small and simply isn’t worth chasing. However, in other cases you may have experienced a breach that lead to extreme financial losses and emotional damages. For instance, if your bank sent your credit card details to an incorrect address, there is a chance that the person who receives the information could use the money in your bank account. Another example could be that a journalist received personal information about you that was not there’s to disclose. Not only is your safety compromised, but you may feel embarrassed or even a little ashamed about the type of data that was exposed.

Take a look at the infographic below to get a better idea about what type of data breaches could happen:

As you can see, there are several ways that you could have your data breached. However, there are additional ways that it could be breached that could affect both you and your family. For instance, if you have adopted a child and have had your social services documents breached, this could put you and your child at risk as it may reveal their previous family and also any locations and addresses. This information is supposed to be confidential, therefore you have every right to make a compensation claim. The chart below contains more information on how much compensation you could be owed for different types of data breaches:

What could happen if you suffer from a data breach?

When it comes to any type of claim, you are going to have experienced damages that have affected your general livelihood. Although the effects of a data breach don’t tend to occur until around 3-6 months after the breach has occurred, this can cause a lot of emotional and financial trauma.

Your information was confidential. That means that no one else other than the company you work with should have access to it. If the data was breached, this may make you feel as if you cannot trust anyone. You may feel paranoid or anxious about future investments or business opportunities. There is such a thing as “loss of opportunity.” The impact of the breach may have been so big that you simply feel like you cannot get involved in such business deals in the future. This is a legitimate feeling that you may need the help of a mental health expert to overcome. Overall, this could cause even more financial damages as you will need to pay your medical expenses.

In terms of financial damages, not only could you lose your savings due to credit card fraud, there may be different damages in terms of fees or payments for extra security in the future. In some cases, a data breach can severely impact an individual’s life. That’s why it’s important for you to get the compensation that you deserve by making a data breach claim.

How long will it take to make a Data Breach Claim?

This depends on the extent of the data breach and how badly your damages have been. You will have three years from the time of the breach to make a claim. That’s why it’s essential that you get in contact as quickly as possible. If you are happy to work with our team of specialists, it will take one day to establish whether or not you have a claim. From there, your solicitor will speak to you. This will include information about a timeline and how long it will take to get the compensation you deserve. Be patient a there may be delays due to the UK court backlog and current pandemic.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your Data Breach Claim

Here at Gowing Law, we understand that making a Data Breach Claim can be complicated when you are doing it on your own. That’s why we want to help you as much as possible to get the compensation that you deserve. We can offer you free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy to move forward with your claim, we can work with you 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. Instead, you will only need to pay our solicitors if we win your case.

Contact our solicitors today by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claim’s checker. One of our specialists will then be in touch to answer any additional questions you may have.

Want to read more about Data Breach Claims?

If you’re interested in learning more about Data Breaches and their impact on claimants, you should visit our blog for more information. We update it every week with brand new content about different legal claims, seasonal events and the occasional competition/giveaway. We also write about our law firm’s latest updates. Our blog writers are always open to suggestions, so if you would like to see a specific topic written in a blog, feel free to send it to info@gowinglaw.co.uk. We would be more than happy to include it.

Gowing Law looks forward to seeing you in our next blog!

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What are the basics of housing disrepairs?

Photographic Evidence: Why do I need it?

What other types of evidence could I use to prove that I have a housing disrepair claim?

What will make me eligible for a housing disrepair claim?

Speak to Gowing Law Solicitors today to get started on your Housing Disrepair Claim

Want to learn more about Housing Disrepair Claims?

What do I need to know about Housing Disrepairs?

What should I do if I have a Housing Disrepair?

Why do I need to give my landlord notice about my Housing Disrepairs?

How could I be eligible for a Housing Disrepair Claim?

How long will It take to make a Housing Disrepair Claim?

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your housing disrepair claim!

Learn more about Housing Disrepair Claims

The Basics of Housing Disrepair: What do you need to know?

What could make me eligible for making Housing Disrepair Claims?

What will happen if I make a Housing Disrepair Claim?

What should I do if I have to isolate before I get started on my Housing Disrepair Claim?

Additional Advice:

Speak to Gowing Law Solicitors about Housing Disrepair Claims

Learn more about Housing Disrepair Claims

What are classified as criminal injuries?

What type of injuries could I suffer from?

What if I don’t know who was responsible for my criminal injury?

Can I make a criminal injury claim if I already have a criminal record?

How long do I have to make a criminal injury claim?

How much could I claim for making a criminal injury claim?

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

Learn more about making a criminal injury claim

What is a business interruption insurance claim?

Case Study: Liam’s Bakery

Why couldn’t I make a business interruption insurance claim for Covid-19 damages?

How could I be eligible for a Business Interruption Insurance Claim?

Can I make a claim even if I received a Covid-19 grant from the government?

Gowing Law Solicitors is ready to help you with your Business Interruption Insurance Claim

Learn more about making a Business Interruption Insurance Claim

What type of Property Disrepairs are there in the home?

I have noticed some property damage: What should I do?

When should I start considering making a housing disrepair claim?

How much compensation could I claim for through property disrepairs?

How long will it take to make a housing disrepair claim?

Gowing Law Solicitors is here to help you with your property disrepairs

Want to learn more about Housing Disrepair Claims?

The Basics of Housing Disrepairs & Landlords

What could make me eligible for compensation?

Housing Disrepairs: The most common problems in a council house

1. Mould and Damp

2. Pests, Infestations and Vermin

3. Leaks and Flooding

4. Cracks in the external/internal structure

5. Faulty Electricity

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your Housing Disrepairs Claim

Learn more about Housing Disrepairs

Tell me more about Housing Disrepair Claims

Housing Disrepair Categories:

1. The English Housing Survey has shown that there are 76,814 “non-decent” properties in the UK

2. One in Seven Council Homes do not meet the National Standard

3. Damp/ Mould issues are some of the most common problems in Council Houses

4. 48% of people in council houses feel ignored about their Housing Disrepair issues

5. 244,000 Council Homes in the UK have at least one serious housing disrepair/ housing risk

Make a Housing Disrepair Claim with Gowing Law Solicitors

Want to read more about Housing Disrepair Claims?

Everything that you need to know about Mis-Sold Pension Claims

What type of pension schemes are there?

Why would a financial advisor scam me out of my pension?

What sort of red flags are there for mis-sold pension scams?

What could make me eligible for a mis-sold pension claim?

Will I be able to get my investment returned to me?

What should I do if I am the victim of a Mis-Sold Pension Scheme?

How much could I be owed from mis-sold pension claims?

How long do I have to make a mis-sold pension claim?

How long will it take to get compensation from my pension provider?

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with Mis-Sold Pension claims

Learn more about mis-sold pension claims

What do I need to know about experiencing a Data Breach?

How could I have experienced a data breach?

What could happen if you suffer from a data breach?

How long will it take to make a Data Breach Claim?

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your Data Breach Claim

Want to read more about Data Breach Claims?