Free Legal Advice for Flood Victims

A Carlisle solicitors firm is offering free legal advice for the city's flood victims.

Burnetts Solicitors is providing a free, hour-long legal session for people who are frustrated by the very firms they have paid for help – namely their builders and insurance companies.

Like hundreds of other local householders, Burnetts Managing Partner, Tom Leach was only able to move back into his home near Warwick Road at the end of December. He is not surprised that Communities Reunited is reporting that flood victims are suffering high levels of stress caused by builders.

Tom said, "I have been very lucky with my builder, but I can understand the upset and stress some of my neighbours have felt. I'm sure some are wondering what they can do to have shoddy work rectified or to push along the insurance company. Our intention is that they will be able to get some much needed reassurance about their legal positions."

Expert advice will be provided by Alex McKnight an Associate Solicitor who specialises in litigation. In his previous post, Alex spent more than five years advising the insurance companies.

He said, "Burnetts is already acting for one family whose claim is being held up by over zealous loss-adjusters. Having seen this process from both sides, I'm in a strong position to help clients move forward and I'm confident we can be a real help."

The one hour's free legal advice is available to anyone who is still suffering as a result of last year's floods. For further information or to book an appointment, call Alex McKnight on 01228 552222.

Note to Editor:

Alex, 33 was recently promoted to Associate Solicitor. He studied law in Manchester and qualified in 1998 before joining Beachcroft Wansbroughs, Leeds where he was a commercial litigator acting for public authorities, insurance companies and the Catholic Church.  He joined Burnetts in 2004.

30th January, 2006