There are a whole host of circumstances where we could help you.
Court processes can be daunting and difficult to navigate and we are here to make your life easier. Usually, for our clients, having a professional deputy appointed is the last step in a long process.
Whilst the application process to have a deputy appointed can be pretty straight-forward, once we have been approached, the particular circumstance may require certain steps to be taken prior to our appointment.
Clinical Negligence/Catastrophic injury claims – Pre settlement
In certain circumstances the court and/or claim dolicitor may decide that a professional deputy is required to manage interim payment funds during the course of a clinical negligence or catastrophic injury claim.
Always remember that you have a right to decide which firm represents you. You do not always have to use the firm who is processing your claim or the firm they recommend.
Do your research to decide which deputy is best for you based on location and reputation, and the belief that you and your deputy or the deputy of your loved one could maintain a lifelong relationship.
Speak to your claimant solicitor to express your wishes and feel free to contact us to discuss the matter directly.
Clinical negligence/catastrophic injury claim – Post settlement
If your matter is post-settlement and a deputy has already been appointed, it can be the case that the appointed deputy is not the right fit for you.
If you have any concerns about a current deputy your first point of call is to try and talk it through with them to understand each other’s point of view.
You may also contact the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). The OPG is a government body who supervise the work of Attorneys and Deputies in the UK. You should report any concerns to them in order for a visit or enquiry into actions if required.
Should the OPG agree that the deputy should be discharged or they cannot satisfactorily resolve the matter, please feel free to contact us. It may be possible for us to apply to the court to be appointed as deputy in their place.
Please note we do not only act for clients who lack capacity. If an injury claim as a result of a catastrophic accident has left you with a large award which you do not feel you can protect/secure, we may be able to represent you as Professional Trustee.
Abuse of a Power of Attorney
Unfortunately financial abuse of the vulnerable occurs. If you know someone who has appointed a Power of Attorney and you believe their role is being abused in any way, we would again recommend that you contact the OPG for advice or to prompt an investigation into the matter.
If the OPG find evidence of abuse of finances/power, they can often ask a Panel Deputy to apply to take on the role of deputy.
If any of the above circumstances apply to you, a client or a loved one and you believe that our team would to suitable to act in the best interests of them, please contact us in order to discuss whether we can help. Call us on 0151 282 1700, request a callback at your convenience or message us your enquiry.