Legal firm launches division for Covid claims

A BIRMINGHAM law firm has secured funding to support the launch of a new division specialising in supporting coronavirus-related claims.

The move has also enabled RLK Solicitors to hire five new staff with a further five to be recruited in the coming months.

The firm, which has offices in Edgbaston and Kings Norton, said it had established the business interruption insurance team after being contacted by more than 6,000 customers from across the country for support during the coronavirus outbreak.

Lloyds Bank has provided an undisclosed funding package to enable the firm to offer support to these clients on a contingency basis to ensure no further costs are imposed on businesses affected by the pandemic.

RLK said it was now expecting a further uplift in cases over the coming months after the Supreme Court ruled in January that insurers were obligated to pay out on claims related to the pandemic. In addition to adding ten new faces to its 22-strong team, the new funding will support the refurbishment of the business’ office in Kings Norton including the installation of a new IT system.

Director Satish Jakhu said: “A number of businesses, including ourselves, have been affected by the events of the past year but we have been committed to doing what we can to help them.

“Our specialist business interruption insurance will help even more businesses up and down the country claim the compensation they are entitled to.”

Andrew Woolman, relationship director at Lloyds Bank, added: “RLK Solicitors is an excellent example of a business that’s evolved during the pandemic, demonstrating resilience and an innovative mindset, to adapt to the changing landscape while supporting the wider business community through their efforts.

“We will remain by the side of RLK Solicitors as it continues to grow in the months and years ahead while looking for more ways we can support businesses across the West Midlands.”