Business Disputes and Claims
Dealing with the stress of Business Disputes and Claims
Are you owed money or unhappy with a supplier’s substandard goods or services?
Is a co-director’s or shareholder’s unreasonable behaviour damaging your business or interests?
Or are you being unfairly pursued by a customer or client?
Business disagreements, whether internal or with suppliers or customers can drain your energy, time and finances.
They distract you from running the business and take an emotional toll on your well-being.
Yet when all efforts to find a reasonable resolution are exhausted, legal action is your only option. Failing to act quickly and take control can cause the situation to worsen.
At times like this, you need an experienced Solicitor in your corner.
Lauren and her team at Tierneys Solicitors will take the time to unravel your situation and advise you on the best path forward. She will help you separate your emotions from the facts, your fears from your options.
As a first step, click on a button below to arrange a time to talk, either face-to-face or online.
Meet Lauren, our
Partner responsible for Business Disputes and Claims
Lauren Lancaster
Partner and Head of Property and Litigation Services
Contractual disputes
Have you contracted a business for goods or services that haven’t matched the standards agreed?
If the terms of your agreement have not been fulfilled, it can have a detrimental impact on your business.
For instance, if the goods are not fit for purpose or the service provided falls significantly short of the expected quality, it’s likely to impact the value you provide to your customers or clients.
Before long, the fallout can have a devastating effect on both your business and your reputation.
The first is step is to talk to your supplier, explain why you are unhappy and ask them to remedy the situation. However, if your complaints are not being addressed you need to know your legal options.
At this point, it may be necessary to explore formal dispute resolution options to protect your interests and mitigate further damage.
The most common questions we’re asked about Business Disputes and Claims
How long do I have to bring a contractual claim?
Do I need a Solicitor for a commercial dispute?
While it is not mandatory to have a Solicitor, using one can save you time, anxiety and money. A Solicitor can provide expert advice, navigate complex legal procedures, and help in negotiating or litigating the dispute.
Acting as a Litigant in Person can save costs but may lead to procedural errors and sanctions.
What possible remedies are there for a Breach of Contract claim?
If you are successful in a breach of contract claim, possible remedies include:
– Repudiation: Terminating the contract and claiming damages.
– Damages: An award of money to compensate for losses suffered.
– Specific Performance: A court order requiring the other party to fulfill their contractual obligations.
What costs are involved with resolving a commercial dispute?
The costs can be significant and include Solicitors’ fees, court fees, and other expenses.
We can discuss funding options with you and explore any Legal Expense Insurance you have or look into After the Event Insurance, depending on the nature and circumstances of your case.
Is a client or customer in dispute with you?
Being accused of providing substandard services or products can harm your reputation and finances.
When a client refuses to pay or demands compensation, you need expert legal support to protect your business and professional standing.
By reviewing the validity of the complaint and challenging any unreasonable demands, we can help you.
Your Business Disputes and Claims team at Tierneys Solicitors
Lauren Lancaster
Partner / Head of Litigation & Property
Joined Tierneys in 2011
Russel Raslan
Solicitor
Joined Tierneys in 2023
Adele Dowdall
Legal Assistant
Joined Tierneys in 2006
Are you being pursued for money you allegedly owe?
Being pursued for money can be incredibly overwhelming.
Whether you dispute the debt entirely, disagree with the amount being claimed, or are simply unable to pay, you need expert legal advice to protect your interests and understand your options.
Why You Need Legal Support:
• Debt claims can escalate quickly, leading to court action or enforcement proceedings.
• Creditors may add substantial interest and legal costs to the original sum.
• Without proper advice, you might end up paying more than you legally need to.
• When you are being pursued for a debt you need someone in your corner working to protect your interests.
• There may be valid defences or counterclaims you’re unaware of.
How We Can Help:
• Review the validity of the claim against you.
• Challenge incorrect or unfair charges.
• Negotiate manageable payment plans.
• Defend court proceedings if necessary.
• Protect you from aggressive collection tactics.
• Help you understand all available options, including insolvency if appropriate.
Don’t Face It Alone
Many people make the mistake of ignoring debt claims or trying to handle them without legal support. This can lead to judgment being entered against you by default or missing crucial defence opportunities. Our experienced Solicitors will help you understand your position and guide you through the best course of action.
Contact Lauren today for a confidential discussion about your situation.
The sooner you get legal advice, the more options you’ll have available.
Are you owed money?
Being owed money can be stressful and unpleasant. The damage it causes to your cashflow can lead to difficulty paying your suppliers and team members.
If you have delivered your side of the bargain and despite your reminders, no payment is received, your only reasonable course of action is often the legal route.
Irrespective if it is a large or small debt, we aim to recover your money owed as swiftly as possible. Transferring the worry to us will help reduce your stress and get the result you need.
Legal Services to protect you
and your business
Commercial Property
Whether you are a landlord or a tenant negotiating terms, click on the link below to read how we can speed completion and reduce your risk.
Debt Recovery
Quick, cost-effective debt recovery.
Helping you get back what you’re owed from an outstanding debt to a folder full of overdue invoices.
Employment Disputes
Protecting your interests with secure employment contracts and procedures, to settlement contracts and employer tribunal representation.
Problems with co-directors or shareholders
If you run a business with colleagues or family members, you expect opinions to differ occasionally. While that’s a natural and healthy part of any business relationship, if it gets out of control it can threaten the business.
Simmering Resentment
When concerns aren’t addressed they can fester to a point where resentment and anger spill over to full-scale conflict. Even well-intentioned efforts to clear the air can fail to make progress.
It doesn’t take long until the business suffers: employees lose interest, service levels drop and sales tumble.
Is a co-director failing to pull their weight?
If your co-director loses interest in the business or is distracted by other issues their lack of effort usually leads to conflict. The problem is compounded when they step back from their usual duties but expect the same financial rewards.
Suspected Fraud
Have you recently discovered a co-director or shareholder has withdrawn unauthorised funds from the business?
If money is taken from your business account or goods have been removed without your agreement, you should act fast to protect your interests.