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Hi, First time posting !
I run a small family business and supplied services to a solicitor in 2019. Unfortuantely the solicitor didn't pay for the services and we had no alternative but to enter a County Court Claim for £2000.
All of our staff including Directors have been in furlough since March 2020 and where unaware that the court had sent an email asking for directions. The Court received our standard out of office notification so the Court knew where shut and unable to response. As we did not reply the claim was struck out and an award made to Solicitor (Defendant) for their costs. Not only where our offices closed but I lost an inlaw and my mum during this period so obviously I was not accessing the office.
I have now returned to work and have received the offical court documenation and a letter from the solicitor. The solicitor has stated they will only tell me costs if I pay £1200 for a fromal bill of costs or £600 for them to prepare a detailed costs stement.
I attempted to try to resolve over the phone but after 30 years of supplying to solicitors I have never been spoken to in such a conderscending and rude manner, he was not preapred to discuss. He eventually sent me an email and demanded a payment of £4800 for his costs. The original claim entered was for £2000.
I've explained that due to Covid/family berevement we are not in a position to pay this. I've just received another threatening email that if we don't pay myself and other directors will be held personally liable.
I understand costs have been incurred but the way the court have handled this seems very unreasonable and we have not been able to present this case. Is this a easy way for Solicitors to charge what they want? Is there a way we can appeal this case?
I run a small family business and supplied services to a solicitor in 2019. Unfortuantely the solicitor didn't pay for the services and we had no alternative but to enter a County Court Claim for £2000.
All of our staff including Directors have been in furlough since March 2020 and where unaware that the court had sent an email asking for directions. The Court received our standard out of office notification so the Court knew where shut and unable to response. As we did not reply the claim was struck out and an award made to Solicitor (Defendant) for their costs. Not only where our offices closed but I lost an inlaw and my mum during this period so obviously I was not accessing the office.
I have now returned to work and have received the offical court documenation and a letter from the solicitor. The solicitor has stated they will only tell me costs if I pay £1200 for a fromal bill of costs or £600 for them to prepare a detailed costs stement.
I attempted to try to resolve over the phone but after 30 years of supplying to solicitors I have never been spoken to in such a conderscending and rude manner, he was not preapred to discuss. He eventually sent me an email and demanded a payment of £4800 for his costs. The original claim entered was for £2000.
I've explained that due to Covid/family berevement we are not in a position to pay this. I've just received another threatening email that if we don't pay myself and other directors will be held personally liable.
I understand costs have been incurred but the way the court have handled this seems very unreasonable and we have not been able to present this case. Is this a easy way for Solicitors to charge what they want? Is there a way we can appeal this case?
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