Client Story: How we secured compensation for septic tank solicitor negligence
Rob Godfrey discusses a recent case where it was discovered that the septic tank discharges to a watercourse and so did not comply with the regulations.
Our Client
In 2019, our client was purchasing a new home, in which a septic tank serves the property. She had instructed conveyancing solicitors to act for her on the purchase. During the conveyancing process the solicitors carried out the standard searches against the property, which included sending the vendors septic tank enquiries.
The solicitors failed to question whether the septic tank that serves the clients property meets the requirements under the General Binding Rules 2020. Under the General Binding Rules, it is a requirement that all septic tanks comply with the regulations and are either upgraded or replaced to meet the requirements if they discharge directly into surface water.
The solicitors advised the client that a septic tank serves the property and further advised the client that there were no issues, and she can go ahead and complete the purchase.
After having moved into the property, our client discovered that the tank discharges to a watercourse and so does not comply with the regulations. She was told that she must pay over £10,000 to rectify matters.
How Been Let Down Helped
Our client approached Been Let Down for professional legal guidance around her conveyancing negligence case.
Upon reviewing the evidence and looking into the searches made, Been Let Down discovered that the solicitors had failed to raise appropriate septic tank enquiries that would have provided the client with the knowledge to determine how to proceed with the purchase.
Been Let Down obtained quotes to determine the cost of rectifying the matter and used these to negotiate a settlement for the client.
Been Let Down was able to successfully obtain £12,000 compensation and our client was delighted with the result of the case and used the money to fund the replacement of the septic tank, making sure it now complies with the regulations.
How Been Let Down could help you
The Been Let Down team have a team of legal experts that specialise in septic tank solicitor negligence claims. If you think a past case may have been dealt with negligently by a solicitor, read more here, or get in contact with Been Let Down today.
You can make an online enquiry, request a callback at a time that suits you, or call us on 0800 234 3234
*The name of the claimant has been changed to protect their identity