James Fay Solicitors

30/08/2026

INJURED AFTER TRIPPING
ON A DEFECTIVE FOOTPATH?

It can happen to anyone. A raised paving slab, pothole or other defect can cause a fall and leave you with a nasty injury.

If the accident happened on a public footpath or road in Northern Ireland, you may have a claim against the authority responsible for maintaining it, including the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).

Whether you have a successful claim will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the condition of the footpath. Evidence of the defect, how long it had been there and whether the authority had been made aware of it can all be important.

If possible, take photographs of the defect as soon as you can. Try to show the size and position of the defect, as well as the surrounding area. This can be valuable if you decide to make a claim.

Public authorities also have certain statutory protections, so these claims can sometimes be more complicated than they first appear.

If you have been injured after tripping on a public footpath, get in touch with us. We can look at what happened and advise you on your next steps.

Call: 02887658155
Email: [email protected]
www.jamesfaysolicitors.com

27/08/2026

**Job opportunity - Solicitor – Conveyancing & Private Client**

Explore the pathways to becoming a solicitor, including transfer options for barristers and solicitors, along with the key regulations and oversight involved.

23/08/2026

⚖️ LEGAL MYTH OF THE WEEK ⚖️
“I’m on benefits, so I automatically get Legal Aid.”

Not necessarily. Legal Aid in Northern Ireland is not one single scheme. There are different types of Legal Aid, and the rules depend on the type of legal matter you are dealing with.

👮 Police Station: If you are arrested or attend a police station as a voluntary attender for interview in connection with a suspected offence, you can obtain free legal advice and assistance, regardless of your financial circumstances or the merits of the case.

⚖️ Criminal Court: This is different. Criminal Legal Aid generally involves consideration of both your financial means and the interests of justice.
The interests of justice test can include factors such as whether you are at risk of losing your liberty or livelihood, as well as the complexity and circumstances of the case.

🏠 Civil Legal Aid: Civil Legal Aid is generally subject to both a means test and a merits test.

So, receiving benefits does not automatically mean you qualify for Legal Aid.

If you’re unsure about your legal position, get advice early. It can save you time, stress and money later.

Call: 02887658155
Email: [email protected]
www.jamesfaysolicitors.com

16/08/2026

🚨ARRESTED? IT DOESN’T MEAN
YOU’RE GUILTY🚨

Being arrested does not prove that you have committed an offence.

If the police believe you may have been involved in an offence, you can be arrested while they investigate what allegedly happened.

The police will investigate what has happened and, if they feel there is sufficient evidence, you may be charged with an offence.

Being charged does not mean you are guilty either. It means the police feel they have sufficient evidence to take the matter to court. The court then decides whether you are guilty or not guilty.

If you are arrested and taken to a police station, you are generally entitled to free advice and representation from a solicitor throughout your time at the police station, regardless of your financial circumstances.

In some cases, getting early legal advice can make a significant difference to what happens next.

If you or someone close to you has been arrested, contact us for advice and representation at the police station.

Call: 02887658155
Email: [email protected]
www.jamesfaysolicitors.com

09/08/2026

CARELESS DRIVING:
Could a momentary lapse
cost you your licence?

Having an accident does not automatically mean you have committed an offence.

In Northern Ireland, the offence is driving without due care and attention (often referred to as careless driving).

It can arise from something as simple as:
🔹 Failing to see another vehicle
🔹 Misjudging a junction
🔹 Changing lanes without proper observation
🔹 Being distracted for a moment

You don’t have to be speeding or driving recklessly.
A momentary lapse in concentration can result in police taking action.

If convicted, you could receive penalty points, a fine and, depending on the circumstances, be disqualified from driving.

If you’ve been involved in a collision and the police are considering a careless driving charge, don’t assume it’s a foregone conclusion.

Feel free to contact James Fay Solicitors for a free initial conversation to discuss your options.

Call: 02887658155
Email: [email protected]
www.jamesfaysolicitors.com

02/08/2026

⚖️ LEGAL MYTH OF THE WEEK ⚖️
“IF I’M INNOCENT, I DON’T NEED A SOLICITOR”

This is a very common myth — and it is not correct.

In fact, some of the most important legal advice is given to people who maintain they have done nothing wrong.Whether you are innocent or guilty, you are entitled to legal advice before and during a police interview.

Many people worry that asking for a solicitor will make them look guilty. It won’t.

A solicitor’s role is to protect your legal rights, ensure the interview is conducted fairly, and advise you on the best course of action based on the circumstances of your case.

You are also entitled to speak to your solicitor in private before any interview takes place. That conversation is confidential and is there to ensure you understand your rights before making any decisions.

What you say during a police interview can be important. Obtaining legal advice at the earliest opportunity helps you make informed decisions and ensures your rights are protected throughout the process.

If you are ever invited to attend a voluntary interview or arrested by police, contact us as soon as possible for legal advice before answering any questions. In most cases, police station legal advice is provided free of charge.

Call: 02887658155
Email: [email protected]
www.jamesfaysolicitors.com

26/07/2026

🚗 Car Crash: “The other driver’s insurer has just been in touch.
They seem really helpful…”

If you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be contacted by the other driver’s insurer shortly afterwards.

They may offer to arrange repairs, provide a replacement vehicle or deal with your claim directly. That can sound like the quickest and easiest option.

It’s important to remember that the other insurer is acting on behalf of its policyholder while also protecting its own commercial interests. Its aim should be to resolve the claim as efficiently and economically as possible for itself and its policyholder.

That may not always be the outcome that is best for you.

Before deciding how to proceed, it’s worth taking independent legal advice so you understand all of your options. A short conversation at the start of a claim can often help you make an informed decision and avoid potential issues later on.

If you’ve recently been involved in a road traffic accident and would like independent advice about your options, feel free to get in touch for a free initial chat.
Call: 02887658155
Email: [email protected]
www.jamesfaysolicitors.com

10/07/2026

Office closure - Reopening 9am Monday 20/07/26

05/07/2026

⚖️ LEGAL MYTH OF THE WEEK ⚖️
“The other driver admitted the accident was their fault, so their insurance company has to pay my claim.”

Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple.

What is said at the scene of an accident and what is later reported to an insurance company can be very different. A driver who accepted responsibility at the roadside may later give a completely different version of events.

That’s why evidence matters.

📸 Take photographs of the vehicles, damage and road layout.
👥 Get the contact details of any independent witnesses.
🎥 Secure any available footage, including CCTV, dashcam or video doorbell footage.
📝 Make a note of what happened while it is still fresh in your mind.

Even when fault seems obvious, an insurer can still dispute liability. Evidence gathered at the scene may prove crucial to your claim.

If you have been involved in a road traffic accident, we can advise you on the claims process and deal directly with the insurance companies involved on your behalf.
📞 Contact us for a free initial consultation.
Call: 02887658155
Email: [email protected]
www.jamesfaysolicitors.com

02/07/2026

Proud to have sponsored a sign for Dungannon Thomas Clarke GFC