Does anyone have any experience of No win, no fee solicitors after the review panel/appeal/ombudsman route has been exhausted?

My mother, (d.o.b. 24 June 1925) had a stroke in September 2001 which resulted in the paralysis of her right-hand side. She is still unable to use her right hand and her right leg and, as a result, cannot stand, walk, prepare food or drink, eat food which is not prepared in a way that she can find manageable, wash unaided, reach and use the lavatory unaided, dress herself, change clothing nor access any of her possessions which may be out of immediate reach.



She was taken from RD&E Wonford to Exmouth Hospital for some time and also to Exe Bank Rehabilitation Centre, Exmouth before being placed in Knappe Cross Nursing Home in early 2002, a move which was made without any reference to myself, her son and Enduring Power of Attorney.


She is now being cared for at Elmwood Care Home, Swan Hill, Colyford, Colyton
I have a contact through mailto:support@carehomeclaims.co.uk and they tell me that they will not charge me any fees or costs or third party costs (disbursements - does this mean court/defendant's costs?????????) until, the case is won in which case I would pay, on my mother's behalf, 20% plus VAT of the award. Does this sound kosher?
I'd be very glad of any shared experience or pointers to where to see other peoples' notes on this site.

Thnkas

Rob D

Rod D. We are using Hugh James on a no-win-no-fee basis. I think disbursements are letters that they send + costs incurred for hospital records etc. They charge 15% if we win. We are at the stage where the Health Ombudsman has asked the PCT to look at their procedure again and they have been given until June to do it.

We have been fighting the system since 2007 and I couldn't do it anymore after the SHA further denied Mum had a Primary Health Need , this was when I involved HJ'S. I couldn't do it because I have been quite ill so I'm not physically able to do so anymore.

It is purely a personal decision to make. And there will always be a difference of opinion regarding using a Solicitor. To balance my post it may be adviseable for you to also read the stickies links on this forum. I think there is a dedicated one for Solicitors.

Welcome aboard Rob yes definitely read the stickies on solicitors and make your own mind up.

Regards Dee

Hi Bodecia
Is the no win no fee thingy available generally for Hugh James clients - just thinking of next course of action if second attempt to get CHC fails?

GF. Never dealt with them before, and they are based in Wales, we are in South Yorkshire , which I was concerned about at first until they assured me that they have clients all over the country. I just filled in their online questionaire and they rang me up - I think ? It seems so long ago now. They said we had a " reasonable " chance so we went for it instead of just giving up [due to ill health] and allowng the PCT to get away with it. As far as I'm concerned we will use all funds that Mum has left to pursue her case . This is our job as her Attorneys.

GF I would say one thing. Whatever you decide should you go down the No Win No Fee route please make absolutely sure that your costs will be claimed back by the solicitors too and you wont be left out of pocket as a direct result.

Some solicitors state they will do this and make sure any agreements you might enter into that this is clearly agreed.

You should be returned back to the financial position you would have been in if none of this had happened.

Not left with a big legal costs bill to pay.

Regards Dee