Henry Denchfield
Lincolnshire-based Rural Consultant Henry Denchfield is urging anyone involved in a legal dispute to take advice from an expert witness at an early stage to avoid paying unnecessary legal fees.
Henry who is a member of the Academy of Experts and a Partner at JHWalter in Lincoln says many people are forking out large sums of money to pay for a solicitor before finding out if they have a valid case or not.
"Whether you are a farmer who has suffered crop or livestock loss, an agricultural labourer who has been injured in the workplace or a residential property owner in dispute with a land owner you will, sooner or later find yourself in a solicitor's office and possibly on your way to court," said Henry.
"Seeking an expert opinion on a matter that relates to a technical and not a legal issue before committing to a solicitor may well save on what could be wasted legal costs."
As well as finding out if you have a valid case or not the evidence provided by an expert witness can determine the success of your court case.
The Academy of Experts was founded in 1987 with the objective of providing a professional body for experts to establish and promote high standards of excellence. Members of the Academy cover numerous occupations and work on small as well as multi-million pound disputes.
According to Henry the main advantage of making sure that your solicitor uses an academy approved expert is that you will get an independent 'warts and all' expert opinion.
He said, "As an expert witness it is my duty to explain the good points of your case but also the bad points. No stone will be left unturned and the result will be an opinion that will enable you to make the right decision.
"If the opinion is pessimistic you will be able to extricate yourself from the legal process quickly and if the opinion is optimistic you will be able to press the matter forward with confidence."