How to sue someone in the UK?
Asked by: Mr. Trevor Sauer | Last update: May 11, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (6 votes)
You can apply to a county court to claim money you're owed by a person or business. This is known as making a court claim. It often used to be known as taking someone to a 'small claims court'. You can apply online or by post.
Can a US citizen sue someone in the UK?
The answer is yes. Personal jurisdiction over the defendant is essential in international legal disputes, much like it is in domestic ones.
What happens if you sue someone with no money in the UK?
There's a saying in British law, “You can't sue a strawman”, that is to say, don't sue somebody who has no money, since you will end up paying your legal fees and won't be able to recover anything from the person you sued.
How long do you have to sue someone in the UK?
The limitation period for negligence claims (that are not personal injury) is six years from the date of the negligent act. If you only become aware of the negligence much later, you have three years from the date you discovered, or could reasonably have discovered it.
On what grounds can you sue someone UK?
You can make a civil claim about money owed, broken contracts (often called 'a breach of contract'), compensation, and personal injury - including road traffic accidents and workers compensation. You might take someone to the small claims court, or use the fast-track process in a county court.
How to start a SMALL CLAIMS court case – Guide to the money claim online system | BlackBeltBarrister
Is it worth taking someone to small claims court in the UK?
Small claims are for simple cases that don't involve large amounts of money or complicated issues. They're often used to get compensation or your money back if something's gone wrong. Small claims are never usually for more than £10,000.
How to sue an individual in the UK?
You can apply to a county court to claim money you're owed by a person or business. This is known as making a court claim. It often used to be known as taking someone to a 'small claims court'. You can apply online or by post.
Is it worth suing someone with no money?
Essentially, you might think suing someone with no money is futile, but that's not the case. The law protects your rights and allows you to seek compensation if someone causes you harm or loss, regardless of their financial status.
What to do when someone owes you money and refuses to pay in the UK?
You can use a statutory demand to ask for money you're owed from a person or business. If they ignore the statutory demand or cannot repay the money, you can apply to a court to: make someone bankrupt - if you're owed £5000 or more by an individual, including a sole trader or a member of a partnership.
Can US debt be enforced in the UK?
Enforcement in England
Due to the absence of a reciprocal enforcement agreement, a US judgment can only be enforced in England at common law by bringing a new action under which the judgment is seen as a simple contractual debt. New proceedings are therefore issued in the English court for payment of the 'debt'.
What kind of lawyer do I need if I want to sue someone?
Civil litigation lawyers often go to court to represent their clients, including for personal injury claims, contract disputes, and other common civil matters. Likewise, criminal defense attorneys frequently defend their clients in court.
Can you sue someone who owes you money without a contract?
Yes, if you lent someone money and they never paid you back you can sue for the money they owe you. Additionally, you do not need a contract to sue someone for money owed, however, if there is a contract or some type of written agreement or evidence of an agreement this will be useful in court.
Can an American sue someone in the UK?
Yes, you can sue someone who lives in the UK. The process of suing someone in the UK would typically involve filing a claim in a UK court and serving the defendant with the relevant legal documents. The specifics of the process can vary depending on the type of case and the jurisdiction in which it will be heard.
Can you sue for emotional distress in the UK?
This compensation is meant to cover things like the financial loss from an inability to work or the cost of long-term medical treatment of their injuries. However, in addition to compensation for physical harm, UK law also allows victims of medical negligence to claim damages for emotional distress.
Who pays court costs in the UK?
The general rule is that each side has to pay their own legal costs and no-one else's, whether they win or lose. However, if the court decides that the loser has behaved unreasonably, it can order them to pay the winner's legal costs. This only happens very occasionally.
What happens if I sue someone and they can't pay?
The California statute of limitations for filing a judgment is ten years. If the debtor cannot pay or complete payment within this time, you must renew the judgment. The judgment must continue to be renewed to ensure the debtor pays the full amount.
What happens if you ignore someone suing you?
If you don't file an Answer, the plaintiff can file a “Motion for Default,” asking for an automatic win. The court usually grants the Motion for Default because you haven't officially acknowledged the lawsuit. The court enters a default judgment, essentially ruling in favor of the plaintiff without your participation.
What happens if you sue someone and you lose?
In some places, "loser pays," meaning if you file a lawsuit and don't win, you must pay your costs and the winner's costs. One question to ask an attorney or legal aide is how much you might win versus how much you might lose. Then you'll have more facts to help you consider whether you can afford your lawsuit.
How much does it cost to sue someone in England?
The court fee is based on the amount you're claiming, plus any interest. To calculate 5% of the value of the claim, take the amount you're claiming and multiply it by 0.05. If necessary, round down the result to the nearest 1 pence. The fee will be calculated for you if you make your claim online.
What happens if someone sues you and you can't pay the UK?
If you don't, your creditor might take more action to get the money back. For example, they might ask the court to send bailiffs to your home or take money from your wages. After the judgment, your creditor might ask the court to secure the debt against your home - this is called a 'charging order'.
Can you sue someone without a lawyer UK?
You have the right to speak for yourself in court without a solicitor or other legal professional. You may choose to do this because: you think it's better to talk directly to the judge, jury or magistrates yourself.
How long do you have to sue someone UK?
You have six years from the date of breach of contract to issue a claim, subject to certain rules. This is called the Limitation Period.
What is the minimum amount for small claims court in the UK?
How Much Can Be Claimed? You can claim for amounts up to £10,000 in a small claims court, and there is no minimum amount. If your claim is related to personal injury and housing disrepair, you can claim up to £1,000.
Is it worth going to small claims court for $500?
Conclusion: Going to small claims court may be worth it for $500, but it will determine how you weigh your costs versus benefits. At a minimum, it is worth it to send a demand letter.