WARNING ON NO WIN NO FEE FIRMS AS CLIENTS LEFT WITH HUGE DEBTS

Hundreds fear losing homes as insurers send in bailiffs

- JOHN SIDDLE and PHIL CARDY

BAILIFFS are hounding hundreds of clients of "no win, no fee" lawyers for up to £35,000 after their legal firms went bust.

At least 1,500 households have court bills averaging £20,000 after Pure Legal and SSB Law collapsed owing millions.

We joined some 100 clients at a victim support group this week to hear their shocking stories.

Many have no savings and fear being made insolvent or losing their homes.

Claimants turned to the firms to try to win compensation after installation of wall cavity insulation - as part of a Government-backed initiative - failed, leaving homes damp and mouldy.

After losing their cases, they thought they would be covered by the law firms insurance. But insurers are now using debt collectors to recoup their costs.

Yusuf Patel - told he owes £28,500 after a county court judge threw out his claim - said: "I am scared I will lose my home. I can't think, I can't sleep.