Civil Litigation Costs

Costs in Civil Litigation

Civil litigation encompasses the resolution of disputes either through negotiations or legal proceedings within the court system. It spans a broad spectrum of legal matters, often involving claims for compensation or redress. Examples include cases related to housing disrepair, personal injury, or data breaches. While litigation can take various routes, settling disputes outside of court is often preferred, potentially avoiding the need for provisional or detailed assessment hearings.

Why Opt for DMD Costs for Your Civil Litigation Expenses?

Our team of Costs Lawyers and Draftsmen guarantees the meticulous preparation of every Bill of Costs, adhering to industry best practices. We also offer expert advice on identifying and excluding items deemed irrecoverable during assessment.

Here are some key aspects of best practice we adhere to:

- Avoiding claims for irrecoverable items like funding charges.

- Ensuring that brief routine communications are billed at the routine rate.

- Allocating work to the appropriate fee earners and their corresponding hourly rates as per the retainer agreement.

- Phasing work accurately for budgeting and electronic billing requirements.

In most inter partes litigation scenarios, the prevailing norm dictates that the defeated party bears the legal expenses of the prevailing party. This principle applies to civil litigation costs unless specified otherwise in a costs order. Following the reforms spearheaded by Lord Justice Jackson in April 2013, these costs may be confined to CPR 45 fixed costs.

In civil litigation, the incurred costs can vary significantly, contingent upon the nature of the claim, its complexity, and additional factors like court fees or solicitors' charges. Solicitor fees typically align, albeit not invariably, with nationally recommended rates.

Upon the resolution of your claim and disbursement of awarded damages, it becomes imperative to engage costs professionals to navigate the subsequent phase of the matter.

What expenses can be reclaimed?

CPR 47 PD 5.12 offers guidance on the eligible categories for legal cost recovery in inter-partes cases.

Legal costs can typically be reclaimed based on an hourly rate for tasks related to the case, as outlined in the CFA or retainer. While guideline rates often serve as a benchmark for assessment, adjustments may occur to reflect inflation since the 2010 rate establishment, particularly in intricate cases. Certain expenses like funding costs and inter-fee earner discussions may not be reclaimable. For low-value PI claims, costs are typically confined to the fixed costs stipulated in CPR 45.

Moreover, disbursements, including Counsel fees, expert fees, and Court fees, are recoverable and should be itemized in any Bill of Costs presented.

How DMD Costs Can Help You?

The team at DMD Costs possesses a diverse array of skills ready to support across various matters.

Our Costs Draftsmen excel in offering dependable legal guidance and crafting thorough Bills of Costs and Costs Budgets.

For intricate cases, our Costs Lawyers are equipped to provide legal representation at hearings when necessary. They operate under the regulation of the Costs Lawyer Standards Board (CLSB), representing Costs Lawyers in England and Wales. Our team holds membership in the Association of Costs Lawyers (ACL), ensuring adherence to high standards and the values they espouse. Moreover, our Costs Lawyers extend support in navigating complex areas of costs disputes, including clinical negligence, commercial disputes, and fixed recoverable costs cases.

To learn more about how we can be of assistance, please reach out to us at 07503 992804 or via email at info@dmdcosts.co.uk.

Our Approach to Achieving Your Desired Outcomes

Our leadership team consistently oversees the caliber of our work. We attain our objectives by prioritizing the excellence of our output rather than the volume produced monthly.