Free Initial Assessment

Direct lawyer contact

No hidden costs

Prompt response

Fully accredited

Disputes and Litigation

Part 36 Offer

A Part 36 offer is an offer to settle a claim under Part 36 of the Civil Procedure Rules. If you are making or defending a civil compensation claim, such as a personal injury claim making a Part 36 Offer is often recommended. If you are making a claim our experienced solicitors can negotiate the maximum amount of compensation you deserve while settling your dispute as quickly as possible.

Call us 0808 304 7471

What is a Part 36 offer?

Personal injury and most civil compensation claims can be settled without going to court under Part 36 of the Civil Procedures Rules.

In personal injury claims when an offer for compensation is made under Part 36, the amount should compensate you for the value of your injuries (called ‘general damages’) and any other financial losses you have suffered as a result of your injuries (‘special damages’).

A claimant or a defendant can make a Part 36 offer.

Get in touch

Contact our expert team today and receive your free initial assessment

What happens if a Part 36 offer is rejected?

If one party does not accept a Part 36 offer, then the claim may go to court.

The party who rejected what the Court deems to be a ‘reasonable offer’ as they did not obtain a better outcome than the Part 36 Offer will typically be ordered to pay an additional liability, which can include:

  • Payment of additional compensation by way of uplift on the amount awarded.
  • Interest on the compensation award.
  • Additional costs.

If a claimant rejects a ‘reasonable offer’, the Court will often determine they have acted unreasonably, resulting in greater legal costs incurred whereby they should be liable for the additional legal costs.

If a defendant rejects an offer made by the Claimant, they may have to pay additional compensation to the Claimant plus legal costs.

How do you make a Part 36 offer?

A Part 36 offer can be made at any time before the Court makes a judgment. However, once a trial has commenced, the Court’s permission will need to be sought before a Part 36 offer can be accepted.

If you make a Part 36 offer as a claimant, it is important to ensure it is the right offer. An offer should only be made after all evidence to support your claim has been thoroughly analysed and assessed. It may not be in your interests to make an offer if the potential amount of compensation cannot be assessed, upon which our solicitors can advise you.

To be valid, an offer under Part 36 must be:

  • Made in writing.
  • Clearly specify that it is made under Part 36.
  • State whether the offer is for whole or part of the claim.
  • Specify a period of 21 days or more within which the offer can be accepted (this is called the ‘relevant period’). If an offer is accepted after the relevant period, then the party who accepted the offer may be liable for the costs incurred by the other party between the end of the relevant period to the date of acceptance.

The party who made the Part 36 offer may require permission to change or withdraw an offer during the ‘relevant period’.

Once an offer is accepted, the Defendant has 14 days from the date of acceptance to pay the Claimant the settlement sum agreed in full.

Can you negotiate a Part 36 offer?

You are free to negotiate a Part 36 offer. Making an alternative offer is an important aspect of Part 36 negotiation tactics.

If your counter-offer does not result in a settlement agreed, you still have the option to accept the original offer unless it has been withdrawn or it has expired. Our solicitors can advise you about the outcomes of accepting an offer and the merit in making a counter-offer.

An offer to settle under Part 36 is made ‘without prejudice’. This means that any communication between you and the other party to try and settle a dispute cannot be used as evidence in court except in rare circumstances.

How Davisons solicitors can help

Our solicitors are strategic negotiators who will seek the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries.

We have a thorough legal knowledge of Part 36 offers, and we will explain the likely outcomes so you can make informed decisions throughout negotiations.

Have any questions or need any help?

Our team of specialist lawyer are experts in their field. Be confident in their advice and decisions to help get the right outcome for you. Contact us today to see how we can help

WordPress Cookie Plugin by Real Cookie Banner