How a Complex £500k Intestate Estate Was Resolved

Why Making a Will Matters

When our client first stepped through the doors at PSR Solicitors, he hadn’t expected to become responsible for sorting out a half-a-million-pound estate. His elderly uncle had recently passed away — never married, no children, and, as it turned out, no Will.

It started with a simple sense of duty. The uncle’s only surviving sibling had lost mental capacity and couldn’t manage the estate. No one else seemed willing to take it on. So, the nephew volunteered. He thought it would be a straightforward process - clear the house, handle a few bits of paperwork, and move on. What followed was three years of navigating legal red tape, family expectations, and a deeply complex probate process.

The Hidden Cost of No Will

With no Will in place, everything had to follow the rules of intestacy. That meant identifying and contacting all entitled relatives, not just siblings, but the children of siblings who had passed away. By the end of it, more than 30 people were legally entitled to inherit, many of whom had never even met the deceased.

Because the surviving sibling lacked capacity, the Probate Registry required proof that our client was the right person to apply for Letters of Administration. There were delays, paperwork hurdles, and, thanks to the COVID backlog, long waits just to get applications reviewed. Meanwhile, the house had to be cleared, sold, and its value added to the estate alongside around £300,000 in savings.

How PSR Helped

From the moment we were instructed, our job was to lift the burden. We managed the entire estate, applying for probate, liaising with banks, arranging the house sale, and making sure every distribution was legally correct. Calculating shares when siblings had passed away and their children became beneficiaries is no small task, especially with such a large group involved.

Fortunately, our client was proactive. He handled most of the contact with beneficiaries, many of whom became impatient once they knew money was coming. For him, it was a stressful, drawn-out experience. For us, it was about ensuring he never had to face it alone.

The Final Outcome

Nearly £500,000 was successfully distributed among dozens of people. The surviving sibling received the largest share, and the rest went to nieces and nephews across the family tree. Our client didn’t benefit financially; he simply wanted to make sure things were done properly.

A Lesson in Planning Ahead

This case is a stark reminder.  If you don’t make a Will, you lose control. Your estate could end up in the hands of people you barely know. And those closest to you may be left with years of legal complexity and emotional strain.

A Word from PSR Solicitors

"People often assume telling someone their wishes is enough — but it isn’t. A Will is the only way to make sure your estate goes where you want it to. It protects your family, simplifies the process, and gives peace of mind."

If you've been putting it off, now is the time. Making a Will is one of the simplest ways to look after the people you care about most.

Successful Claim for Birmingham Cyclist Injured in Road Collision

A 56-year-old cyclist from Birmingham has successfully secured £30,000 in compensation following a serious road traffic collision that left him with long-term injuries. The client, Mr M, contacted PSR Solicitors shortly after the accident for expert legal guidance, and our personal injury team worked diligently to ensure his injuries were properly recognised and his financial losses fully recovered.

What happened

On 12th February 2023, around 6:30pm, Mr M was cycling along the A38 Bristol Road — a busy thoroughfare in Birmingham — when he approached a T-junction. As he continued with right of way, a vehicle emerging from the side road failed to stop. The driver, in clear breach of the Highway Code, pulled out directly into Mr M's path, causing a sudden and forceful collision.

The impact was significant. Mr M had no opportunity to avoid the crash. He was thrown from his e-bike, suffering serious injuries as a result. Witness accounts and the road layout confirmed that the other driver had failed to give way, and was entirely at fault for the accident.

Injuries sustained

The collision left Mr M with a series of painful and debilitating injuries. These included trauma to his right foot and thigh, damage to his left leg and ankle, and injuries to his right shoulder and upper arm. Most significantly, he developed deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition medically determined to be caused by the accident and one that he will live with permanently. This led to long-term changes in his health and lifestyle.

Medical experts determined that the DVT was not only a direct result of the accident, but would also have permanent implications for Mr M's health. He would now require long-term management of the condition, including daily medication and the use of compression stocking, both of which imposed new financial and lifestyle burdens.

How PSR Solicitors managed the case

Mr M reached out to PSR Solicitors through our online enquiry form shortly after the incident. From the outset, we prioritised a comprehensive approach, ensuring that both the immediate injuries and the emerging long-term medical issues were properly documented.

Initially, the claim was submitted via the Rapid Claims Portal under the Pre-Action Protocol for low-value personal injury claims. Liability was admitted at an early stage by the defendant, which allowed us to focus on establishing the full extent of the injuries and building a robust claim.

As the complexity of Mr M’s condition became clearer, our legal team obtained four expert medical reports. These included opinions from an orthopaedic surgeon and a vascular specialist with experience in DVT cases. The medical evidence was essential in proving that the DVT was caused by the collision and would lead to long-term health implications.

In addition to the medical documentation, we gathered full evidence of financial losses, including:

• Replacement cost of the e-bike damaged in the accident
• Costs of prescription medication since the incident
• Estimated future costs of compression garments and ongoing treatment

To ensure that the claim was appropriately valued, we also sought written advice on quantum from a barrister. Their opinion confirmed that the defendant’s initial offers underestimated the true value of the claim.

Negotiations and outcome

As the value of the claim exceeded £25,000, the matter was removed from the portal and managed under the standard litigation track. Early settlement negotiations began in April 2025, but the defendant’s initial offer of £21,000 did not reflect the full extent of Mr M’s suffering or long-term care needs.

Following continued negotiations and detailed submissions from our legal team, the defendant eventually agreed to settle the claim for £30,000 in August 2025. This sum included general damages for pain and suffering, as well as special damages to cover Mr M’s long-term medical costs and financial losses.

A positive resolution for the client

The compensation Mr M received has enabled him to replace his e-bike and recover losses for his past and future medical needs,  including the cost of daily medication and compression therapy.

Mr M has described the settlement as providing both closure and peace of mind. The funds have also helped alleviate the anxiety caused by the sudden and permanent changes to his health and lifestyle.

Comments from the legal team

“While the facts of the collision were straightforward, proving the causation between the accident and the subsequent development of deep vein thrombosis required a detailed and medically-informed approach. We were able to demonstrate the link clearly through expert evidence and secure a settlement that properly reflected the long-term nature of the injury. This case is a strong example of how thorough legal and medical handling can make all the difference.”

Client feedback

Mr M provided heartfelt thanks following the successful conclusion of the case. He expressed particular appreciation for the clear advice, regular updates, and supportive communication he received throughout the process. His feedback is a reflection of our commitment to client care and to achieving the best possible outcome in every case we take on.

Speak to our specialist road traffic accident team

If you have been injured in a road traffic accident that was not your fault, whether as a cyclist, pedestrian, passenger or driver, PSR Solicitors are here to help. We will take the time to understand your situation, provide clear legal advice, and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.

We work on a No Win, No Fee basis, meaning there is no financial risk to you. With offices in Wrexham, Chester, Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, Shotton and Ellesmere Port, our team is here to support clients across North Wales, Cheshire, Merseyside and beyond.

To find out how we can help, call us today or fill in our online enquiry form to request a call back from one of our personal injury solicitors.