6 minute read
Workplace disputes, particularly those involving unfair treatment, can be highly stressful. Concerns about job security and income stability are at the forefront of concerns felt by employees facing such issues. While being confident in one’s legal standing is reassuring, the potential financial burden of legal proceedings adds a significant layer of anxiety.
Many employees do not realise that they might already have legal expenses insurance as part of their existing home insurance policy.
Legal expenses insurance, often an add-on or an integral part of home insurance policies, provides coverage for the costs of legal advice and representation during the course of proceedings. Further, this coverage may extend to covering expert opinions needed during the course of such proceedings, including medical and actuarial reports. While such insurance is predominantly known for its application in property disputes or personal injury claims, it is increasingly becoming a tool for employees involved in employment disputes.
If you have a home insurance policy, you should check your policy documents to see if legal expenses cover is included.
If it is not included, you may want to keep this in mind when it is time to renew your policy.
Please note that even if you no longer have legal expenses insurance on a current policy, if you are complaining about an event in the past, at a time when you did have legal expenses insurance, you may still be able to rely on the policy in place at that time (subject to any exclusions or time limitations).
In the context of employment law, legal cover can be invaluable. It typically includes support for issues such as unfair dismissal, discrimination at work or disputes related to employment contracts.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to challenge an employer’s decision or defend your rights in the workplace, this cover can provide essential legal support.
While the principles of legal cover are generally consistent across the UK, there might be regional variations in how policies are implemented. In Northern Ireland, as in other regions, it’s important to check the specifics of your policy. Not all policies will cover every type of legal dispute (equal pay for example being one area that is not universally covered by such policies), so understanding the limitations and exclusions is important.
Before initiating any kind of employment claim, you should seek independent legal advice from a solicitor. During the very first conversation with an employment solicitor, you should let them know that you have a home insurance policy that includes legal expenses insurance.
If you do not have such a policy, your solicitor will explain the funding options available to you.
Following an initial discussion, your solicitor can advise you on the next best steps. One such step would likely be to inform your home insurance policy provider of your intention to instruct a solicitor to help you with your employment dispute.
Initially, insurers may propose using their panel solicitors (those solicitors who have been pre-approved by the insurance provider to act on your behalf). However, policyholders in Northern Ireland have the right to choose their legal representative, especially once proceedings commence or when a conflict arises.
Our employment team at McCartan Turkington Breen Solicitors have vast experience in dealing with insurance providers and are happy to assist and direct you in an application for coverage.
At McCartan Turkington Breen, we offer free initial consultations with seasoned employment law experts who can evaluate the merits of your claim quickly. Even if you’re uncertain, it’s always worth seeking advice.
Discover more about our services at Employment Law Claims or Contact Us directly for an initial consultation.
