Ashok brings a claim against Zebedee Hotels Ltd for personal…
Ashok brings a claim against Zebedee Hotels Ltd for personal injury sustained while staying in Zebedee’s hotel in Brighton. Ashok lives in the United States. He has instructed solicitors in London to deal with his claim which is valued at approximately £11,000. Liability and quantum are both in dispute. Significant cross-examination of Ashok is likely to be required as there are some issues of credibility. Ashok has been advised that he has about a 66% chance of succeeding at trial. Ashok is reluctant to travel to the UK just to attend the trial. He is worried about the expenses he will incur. The cost of the flight is likely to be £2,500 return. He will also need to take time off work and stay in a hotel. The parties have been sent Directions Questionnaires to complete. What is the best advice to give Ashok in relation as to how he should give evidence? Ashok should seek a direction permitting him to give evidence by live video link from the United States. Ashok should seek a direction for his evidence to be given by deposition. Ashok should attend Court and give evidence. Ashok should seek a direction for his evidence to be given by way of a pre-recorded cross-examination so that he does not have to incur the expense of attending Court personally.