Fast legal assistance with legal expenses insurance

Questioner

I have legal expenses insurance, so I made a report via Das, I got an answer that they would usually give an answer within 6 days, but because it was a bit busier now it could take longer! My question is, do I have to wait for Das, or can I get another lawyer in the meantime, because there is a need for urgency! And can I then get a pro bono lawyer?

Lawyer

This depends on the urgency of the legal assistance. If waiting six weeks will not harm the case, you can wait. If this is not the case, you would be wise to hire a lawyer. You can check whether you are eligible for subsidized legal aid, the so-called addition, on the website of the Legal Aid Board (www.rvr.org). If you have any questions or would like legal assistance in this case, please feel free to contact me without obligation.

Lawyer

That the DAS gives a substantive answer within 6 days, that (almost) never happens. Those 6 weeks seem to be standard. I hear that from all my clients, who are dissatisfied with the DAS. The largest, certainly not the best legal expenses insurer. Based on the case law of the Court of Justice of the EU and the Supreme Court, you have the right to a lawyer of your own choice in a procedure. The DAS must pay the costs thereof. I therefore advise you to ask the DAS for permission to engage an external lawyer at their expense.

Lawyer

The free choice of lawyer applies in principle only if legal proceedings have to be initiated, but you can of course try. Perhaps DAS is prepared to outsource the case to a lawyer of your choice, given the apparent busyness.