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How Civil Litigation Can Hold Individuals and Companies Accountable

Civil litigation is the process of resolving a dispute through the court. When mediation cannot resolve a dispute, civil litigation is often used to seek compensation or redress for wrongdoing, as well as to impose legal sanctions on individuals or companies who have acted improperly.

The collapse of BHS, a British department store chain, in 2016 was a prime example of the power of civil litigation in holding individuals and companies accountable for their actions. BHS was sold by Sir Philip Green to Retail Acquisitions, a group of investors led by Dominic Chappell, for just £1, and a year later the company went into administration, leaving 11,000 employees without jobs and a pension fund deficit of £571 million.

Following a public outcry, the UK government launched an inquiry into the matter, which led to the publication of a damning report in 2017. The report accused Sir Philip Green of being "the unacceptable face of capitalism" and of having "plundered" BHS's assets. It also criticised Retail Acquisitions for being a group of "inexperienced and out of their depth individuals" who were "manifestly unsuitable" to run a major retailer.

The collapse of BHS led to an investigation by the Insolvency Service, which announced in 2019 that it would bring proceedings against Sir Philip Green and Dominic Chappell under section 6 of the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986. This section allows the Service to seek disqualification orders against directors who are found to have been unfit to run a company. If the directors are disqualified, they may be banned from acting as directors of any company for up to 15 years.

The ongoing case against Sir Philip Green and Dominic Chappell highlights the role that civil litigation can play in holding individuals and companies accountable for their actions. Civil litigation is the process of resolving a dispute through the court when mediation cannot resolve a dispute. It is often used to seek compensation or redress for wrongdoing, as well as to impose legal sanctions on individuals or companies who have acted improperly.

The process of civil litigation can vary depending on the specific case, but it generally involves filing a claim with the court, serving notice to the other party, and attending court hearings to present evidence and arguments. The length of time it takes to complete a civil litigation case can also vary, but it often takes months or even years to reach a resolution. Similarly, the cost of civil litigation can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of time and resources required.

If you are involved in a civil litigation matter, it is important to seek legal representation from experienced and knowledgeable civil litigation solicitors who can guide you through the process and help you achieve a just outcome. At Ashwood Solicitors, their expert Civil Litigation team is here to assist you in all manner of civil litigation matters, including alternative dispute resolution, breach of agreements, breach of contract, building disputes, clinical and medical negligence, consumer claims, employment disputes, landlord and tenant issues, neighbour disputes, personal injury, professional negligence, property infringement, and boundary disputes, as well as unpaid bills or invoices and property damage claims.

Winning a civil litigation case can result in the award of damages or other forms of relief, but if you lose your case, you may be required to pay the other party's legal fees and other costs. It is therefore important to carefully consider the potential risks and rewards of pursuing a civil litigation case before proceeding.

While it is possible to represent yourself in a civil litigation case, it is highly recommended to seek legal representation from an experienced solicitor who can provide guidance and support throughout the process. Finding the right solicitor for your civil litigation case is crucial to achieving a positive outcome. Look for a solicitor who has experience in the specific area of law related to your case, and who has a track record of success in similar cases. It is also important to choose a solicitor who you feel comfortable working with and who is responsive to your needs and concerns.

It is worth noting that civil litigation can also be used to seek non-monetary remedies, such as injunctions, which are court orders that require a party to stop or start doing a certain action. For example, in a dispute between two businesses, one party may seek an injunction to prevent the other party from using their trade secrets or confidential information. In some cases, an injunction may be the most effective way to protect a party's rights and interests.

In addition to seeking remedies through the court system, civil litigation can also be resolved through alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation or arbitration. Mediation involves a neutral third party who helps the parties negotiate and reach a settlement, while arbitration involves a neutral third party who makes a binding decision in the case. Alternative dispute resolution methods can often be quicker and less expensive than going to court, and can allow parties to maintain a more amicable relationship.

Overall, civil litigation is an important tool for seeking justice and holding individuals and companies accountable for their actions. Whether you are a business owner seeking to enforce a contract, an employee seeking compensation for a workplace injury, or an individual seeking redress for a personal injury, civil litigation can provide a means to achieve a just outcome. However, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and rewards of pursuing a case, and to seek legal representation from an experienced solicitor who can guide you through the process.

At Ashwood Solicitors, our expert Civil Litigation team has extensive experience in a wide range of civil litigation matters, and we are committed to helping our clients achieve the best possible outcomes in their cases. We provide personalised and strategic advice, and work closely with our clients to develop effective legal strategies that meet their needs and objectives. 

If you're facing a legal dispute with another party, whether it's a business or an individual, you may require expert legal representation to help you navigate the complex legal system. Ashwood Solicitors can provide valuable services in civil litigation to help you achieve a favourable outcome.

Ashwood Solicitors' team of solicitors in Manchester and their solicitors in Blackburn can provide tailored services across England & Wales to support you through your civil litigation case. Civil litigation cases can involve disputes over contracts, property, personal injury, professional negligence, and more.

By seeking the services of Ashwood Solicitors, you can receive guidance and support to understand your legal rights and options. Their team of solicitors can help you to navigate the legal process, gather evidence, negotiate with the other party or their solicitors, and represent you in court if necessary.

Ashwood Solicitors can provide the legal representation you need to achieve the best possible outcome for your civil litigation case. Contact them today to learn more about how they can support you through your legal dispute.


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