Government urged to intervene as clients face huge legal bills after law firm collapse
The collapse of Sheffield-based law firm SSB Law has left hundreds of clients facing massive legal bills, despite being promised a no-win, no-fee arrangement. Clients who were pursuing compensation claims against cavity wall insulation companies have been hit with bills as high as £50,000 after the firm went into administration.
The situation has caused immense stress and anxiety for those affected, with many unable to sleep and living in fear of bailiffs showing up at their doors. Diane Longworth, a 63-year-old from Burnley, used all of her life savings to pay a bill of £7,184.35, leaving her feeling scared and unable to trust anyone.
Taxi driver Jamil Zafar from Halifax was told he owes over £18,900 and has been brought to tears by the situation, with his son expressing fear of ending up homeless. Qurrah Ahmed from Leigh has set up a support group after her father was told he owed £13,000, receiving messages from distressed individuals every day.
Conservative MP Mr. Higginbotham raised the issue in parliament, calling the sums of money demanded “life-changing” and with almost no notice. Commons leader Penny Mordaunt described the situation as “appalling” and pledged to write to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for assistance.
The devastating effects of the collapse of SSB Law on its clients highlight the urgent need for government intervention to alleviate the financial burden and mental health strain faced by those affected.
