Buying faulty items, receiving a poor service or being owed money can be frustrating – especially when the person or business you hold responsible refuses to put things right. In these cases, making a claim is often the only way to put things right and to get your money back.
At Thornton Jones, our small claims solicitors can advise you about making a claim and support you through the claims process.
Our expert dispute resolution team have wide experience in settling disputes and have attained an excellent track record of success in helping clients resolve small claims and secure the recompense they rightly deserve.
Our dispute resolution and small claims expertise covers:
- Compensation for poor service
- Compensation for faulty products
- Refund disputes
- Disputes with landlords e.g. over failure to carry out repairs
We know it can be difficult deciding whether or not to make a claim against someone, never mind working out how much money you might be entitled to.
Our small claims team have extensive knowledge and experience when it comes to trader disputes and can give you clear guidance and advice on your rights.
We will take the time to understand the circumstances of your disagreement, so we can advise you of your options and the best way to resolve your dispute either through negotiation or formal court action.
With wide expertise across a range of sectors, we have achieved an enviable reputation for securing small claims settlements and ensuring the correct level of compensation is achieved by quick and cost-effective methods.
If your dispute does require a hearing, our small claims court solicitors will fight your corner with robust representation and by building a strong and clear-cut case.
Talk to us about a small claim today
For expert advice, please speak to our small claims solicitors at our offices in Wakefield, Ossett, Garforth, Sherburn in Elmet or Mapplewell, West Yorkshire.
Have a quick question or want to request a call back? Use our online enquiry form.
Our expertise with small claims disputes
When something goes wrong during a business or consumer transaction, making claims or money claims against a trader can be a way of getting refunded or compensated.
We can help you with a claim, even if its simple and straightforward or is complex and involves a large amount of money.
Our small claims lawyers are skilled and experienced in methods of alternative dispute resolution and mediation which are generally considered the best ways of resolving matters amicably.
Wherever possible, we will help you avoid court proceedings with the aim of settling through negotiation.
We can help you with a wide variety of consumer disputes and small claims matters including:
Compensation for poor service or faulty products
Consumer disputes can arise when businesses selling goods and services fail to ensure that what they are selling meets with Trading Standards regulations.
If you have had a problem with goods or services that you have paid for or you have paid for something which you never received, we can help you make a claim up to the value of £10,000.
Refund disputes
If you have attempted to get a refund for goods or services that did not turn out as expected or for goods and services not received, and the trader won’t refund you, we can help you negotiate or make a claim.
Disputes with landlords
If you are a tenant having problems with landlord repairs, we can help you with claims for compensation that cover issues such as inconvenience, stress or extra costs to you.
Unpaid Invoices
If you are self-employed and are owed money for work you have done, we can help you with debt disputes and claims up to £10,000.
For disputes or claims in excess of £10,000, please find out more about our full range of dispute resolution services.
Our small claims resolution methods
When someone owes you money for an unpaid invoice or when a trader refuses to rectify the problem of poor services, faulty or missing goods, you may have grounds to make a claim.
Before you start a claim, we can help you to try to resolve the problem in other ways such as with a formal letter of complaint or mediation, which can be a low cost way to get a prompt resolution before it goes to court.
Where this is not possible, we can help you start your claim. This is sometimes all it takes to get the individual or business you are claiming against to pay, therefore avoiding further action or court proceedings.
If matters cannot be resolved in these ways, we can advance your claim and guide you through the claims process.
You will need good evidence, such as documents and photographs which will support and strengthen your claim.
We will help you evaluate the strength of your case by reviewing your evidence and advising you on whether it is a good idea to go ahead or not.
Our money claims solicitors will work with you with the aim of getting a fast and fair resolution to your case. We will help you:
- Evaluate the likely cost of your claim and help you to determine whether or not it is worth pursuing
- Explore possible funding and payment options to suit your circumstances
- Draft a letter before action
- Prepare your small claims form with content including: a summary of your complaint, what you want the person or business to do about it and how much money you want for replacement or repair etc.
- Represent you in court, where necessary
Small Claims / Money Claims FAQs
Negotiation is a discussion aimed at reaching an agreement between parties to resolve a dispute over money without going to court. It involves communicating directly or through intermediaries to find a mutually acceptable solution.
Negotiation can save time and money, reduce stress, provide more control over the outcome, and foster better relationships between the parties involved.
Negotiation can be faster, less formal, and more cost-effective than litigation. It also allows for more flexibility in finding a solution that works for both parties and can help preserve relationships.
You can initiate negotiation by reaching out to the other party directly, either in person or in writing, to express your desire to resolve the matter amicably.
Before negotiating, gather all relevant documents and evidence, outline your position and desired outcome, and anticipate the other party’s arguments or objections.
Use active listening, stay calm, and be respectful. Clearly communicate your position, be willing to compromise, and explore creative solutions that may satisfy both parties.
If the other party is unwilling to negotiate, you may consider sending a formal demand letter outlining your claim and suggesting negotiation. If that fails, you might need to explore other dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or litigation.
While verbal agreements can be enforceable, they are harder to prove than written agreements. It’s advisable to put any agreement in writing and have both parties sign it to ensure clarity and enforceability.
Yes, parties can negotiate at any stage of a dispute, even if a court case has been filed. If an agreement is reached, it can often be presented to the court for approval.
If you reach an agreement, document the terms clearly and ensure both parties sign it. This written agreement should outline the details of the settlement and any timelines for payment.
Contact our small claims solicitors in West Yorkshire
If you have more specific questions or need guidance tailored to your situation, contact us. For small claims legal advice, speak to a small claims solicitor in our offices in Wakefield, Ossett, Garforth, Sherburn in Elmet or Mapplewell, West Yorkshire today.
Have a quick question or want to request a call back? Use our online enquiry form and one of our team will contact you promptly.
Contact Us
☎️ Call our Wakefield office on 01924 290 029
☎️ Call our Garforth office on 0113 246 4423
☎️ Call our Sherburn in Elmet office on 01977 350 500
☎️ Call our Mapplewell office on 01226 339 009
☎️ Call our Ossett office on 01924 586 466
