Wrongful Dismissal

penman sedgwick solicitors watford wrongful dismissal new watford college

There are factors that could make a Wrongful Dismissal case more complex.

Complexities of Wrongful Dismissal claims
  • If it is necessary to make or defend applications to amend claims or to provide further information about an existing claim

  • Defending claims that are brought by litigants in person
  • Making or defending a costs application
  • Complex preliminary issues such as whether the claimant is disabled (if this is not agreed by the parties)
  • The number of witnesses and documents
  • If it is an automatic unfair dismissal claim e.g. if you are dismissed after blowing the whistle on your employer
  • Allegations of discrimination which are linked to the dismissal
Key Stages of a claim
  • Taking your initial instructions, reviewing the papers and advising you on merits and likely compensation (this is likely to be revisited throughout the matter and subject to change)

  • Entering into pre-claim conciliation where this is mandatory to explore whether a settlement can be reached
  • Managing the preparation of your claim or response (typically the drafting work may be carried out by Counsel instructed by us on your behalf)
  • Reviewing and advising on claim or response from other party
  • Exploring settlement and negotiating settlement throughout the process
  • Preparing or considering a schedule of loss with input from Counsel
  • Preparing for (and attending) a Preliminary Hearing
  • Exchanging documents with the other party and agreeing a bundle of documents
  • Taking witness statements, drafting statements and agreeing their content with witnesses
  • Preparing bundle of documents
  • Reviewing and advising on the other party’s witness statements
  • Agreeing a list of issues, a chronology and/or cast list
  • Preparation and attendance at Final Hearing, including instructions to Counsel

See our pricing policy for pricing information on Wrongful Dismissal claims.

The stages set out above are an indication and if some of stages above are not required, the fee will be reduced. You may wish to handle the claim yourself and only have our advice in relation to some of the stages. This can also be arranged on your individual needs.

How long will my matter take?

The time that it takes from taking your initial instructions to the final resolution of your matter depends largely on the stage at which your case is resolved.

If a settlement is reached during pre-claim conciliation, your case is likely to take 2 – 6 weeks. If your claim proceeds to a Final Hearing, your case is likely to take x-x weeks.

This is just an estimate and we will of course be able to give you a more accurate timescale once we have more information and as the matter progresses.

Penman Sedgwick's opening hours:

Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.30pm