template

Letter of Claim (Pre-Action Protocol)

by
Genie Team
Genie Team
Nov, 15 2023

When to use this template

The template for a "Letter of Claim (Pre-Action Protocol)" under UK law is a document typically used by individuals or businesses to initiate a formal legal claim or demand for compensation. This letter is part of the pre-action protocol process, which is a set of rules and guidelines that parties involved in a potential legal dispute must follow before commencing formal litigation in the UK courts.

The purpose of this template is to outline the details of the claim and to convey the intent of the claimant to commence legal proceedings if a satisfactory resolution is not reached. The letter typically begins by introducing the claimant and the defendant, providing their contact information, and stating the nature of the claim.

The template then proceeds to describe the background of the case and the facts supporting the claim. This includes providing a clear and concise summary of events or circumstances that led to the dispute, along with any relevant dates, locations, and parties involved. The claimant may also refer to any evidence or supporting documents they possess to substantiate their claim.

Additionally, the template includes a section where the claimant outlines the specific legal basis for their claim. This involves referring to the relevant UK laws, regulations, or contractual provisions that they believe have been violated by the defendant. It may also highlight any relevant case law or legal principles supporting the claim and establishing the defendant's liability.

In this letter, the claimant is also expected to provide a clear statement of the remedy sought and the amount of compensation they believe they are entitled to. This can include specific monetary figures, damages, or other forms of relief the claimant seeks, such as an apology or cessation of certain actions by the defendant.

Lastly, the template will include a deadline, allowing the defendant a specific period to respond and engage in settlement discussions or negotiations. It may also include a request for the defendant to disclose any relevant documents or information that may assist in resolving the dispute.

Overall, this "Letter of Claim (Pre-Action Protocol)" template provides a structured and official means for claimants to express their intention to pursue legal proceedings if a satisfactory resolution cannot be achieved through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution methods. By adhering to the applicable pre-action protocol rules, the claimant demonstrates their commitment to a fair and transparent legal process.

Key issues covered in this template

  • Acknowledgement and response
  • Breach of Protocol
  • Document request
  • Document retention
  • Insurer's details
  • Meeting to discuss
  • Notify insurers
  • Relevant documents
  • N/A

What to watch out for

  • The Protocol applies to all construction and engineering disputes, including professional negligence claims against architects, engineers and quantity surveyors

  • The Protocol sets out the procedures to be followed by a potential claimant before commencing litigation in the Technology and Construction Court (TCC) or the Commercial Court

  • The Protocol requires a potential claimant to send a letter before claim to the potential defendant, setting out the nature of the claim and giving the potential defendant an opportunity to respond

  • The Protocol requires the potential claimant to give the potential defendant at least 28 days to respond to the letter before claim

  • If the potential defendant does not respond to the letter before claim within 28 days, the potential claimant may commence litigation

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Author

Genie Team

Genie Team

@genieteam
Genie AI Team

The Genie Team consists of lawyers and paralegals. Our aim is to open source the law and provide high quality, regularly reviewed legal documents.

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Additional information

Business categories

Business activities

Contract type

Relevant sectors

Construction

Relevant company sizes

1 - 3

20 - 49

250 - 999

4 - 19

50 - 249

1000 +

Governing law

England and Wales

Language

English UK

Gender neutral

Yes