Claim form and defence

[D87heaven]

I'received a claim form against me and am slightly confuse as to the procedure.
In the defence section do I briefly state I deny the claims and why?
Then am I correct in thinking later on I put a statement together referencing all my evidence and what happend?
Thanks

[ploddertom]

Why not explain what it is all about first?

[D87heaven]

Hi Ploddertom. I did post the following earlier in the week to no avail. I can post a copy of the claim if that's more helpful?

Im a small contractor that has been issued with 4 invoices from a subcontractor all which I dispute (£6k)
Extra hire on equipment caused by their own delays in finishing the work
Damage to their own boards they drove over to get their own vehicles across a grassed area. They allege I agreed to pay in a phone call.
Damage to their sign that didn't have permission to be erected, I removed it informed them by phone , it remained uncollected and was only reported damaged a month after it was taken away.
A charge for 18 weekly visits that never took place of which 2 of the claimed visits I have cctv of no one visiting, no enteries in a sign in register (I dont have a complete register as some weeks have not been kept)

I am counter claiming for damage to a footpath they had clear instruction not to use, damage to the building caused by them removing equipment and equipment left on site (damaged fencing which I had to cut up to dispose of)
Hope that s not too vague? (£3k total)
I have drafted a defence but not sure how much detail I should go into. Do I reference emails, abusive phone calls, cctv etc

[ploddertom]

Not quite straightforward then. Have you acknowledged the Claim yet - I'm not sure of timings but think you get some 30 days or so to do it - and say you intend to defend all. You then have a further period of time in which to lodge your defence - you would need to explain why you think you don't owe it. Others on here know the finer points but it may be worth considering Mediation to see if agreement can be reached without going to Court - it may be that the Claimant is unwilling to pay for a Hearing.