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Japanese knotweed expert witness service
Mathew Day is an experienced Japanese knotweed expert witness. Contact him today to discuss your case and appraise its merits.
The role of a Japanese knotweed
Expert Witness
In the UK, legal expert witnesses specialising in Japanese knotweed play a vital role in resolving disputes related to the presence and management of this notorious species. These experts possess in-depth knowledge of Japanese knotweed biology, ecology, and control methods, as well as a thorough understanding of relevant legislation and case law.
The presence of Japanese knotweed can significantly affect property transactions, development projects, and legal liabilities. Therefore, the expertise of legal expert witnesses specialising in Japanese knotweed is increasingly sought after. Experts provide informed guidance and assistance in resolving disputes and mitigating associated risks.
Japanese knotweed expert witness services include;
- Assessment and Identification: Expert witnesses are tasked with accurately identifying Japanese knotweed and assessing its extent and potential impact on properties and surrounding areas.
- Risk Assessment: They conduct risk assessments to evaluate the likelihood of Japanese knotweed causing damage to structures, land, or ecosystems.
- Legislation and Regulation: Expert witnesses provide guidance on the legal obligations of property owners, developers, and other stakeholders regarding the presence and management of Japanese knotweed. They are knowledgeable about relevant legislation such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and the Control of Invasive Species Regulations 2019.
- Expert Testimony: In legal proceedings such as civil litigation, expert witnesses provide testimony based on their specialised knowledge and expertise to assist courts in reaching informed decisions.
- Mediation and Dispute Resolution: Expert witnesses can also contribute to mediation or alternative dispute resolution processes, offering impartial advice to help parties reach mutually acceptable resolutions.
Typical disputes
Disputes regarding Japanese knotweed are surprisingly common. The three most common scenarios are:
- Knotweed encroaching from one parcel of land to another, resulting in civil claims in private nuisance.
- Provision of false or misleading information relating to the absence/presence of Japanese knotweed during property sale/purchase resulting in misrepresentation claims.
- Surveyors not identifying Japanese knotweed and being sued for professional negligence.
Thankfully most of these disputes are resolved out of court.
A more in-depth look at these scenarios can be found here.
Mathew Day's background with Japanese knotweed
Finance and Technical Director Mathew Day, BSc is recognised as a leading expert in the field of Japanese knotweed.
He has the academic and practical skills to absorb the facts of a case and to give a clear professional opinion on his area of expertise.
He is actively involved in the day-to-day running of Environet, hence keeping a practical hands-on approach to any developments, myth or otherwise, within the specialist field of knotweed eradication.
He has acted as an expert witness in several high-profile cases.
Has a claim been made against you?
If litigation is looming and you need assistance, Mathew can provide Japanese knotweed expert witness services in accordance with Civil Procedure Rules (CPR 35). Please note that his duty will be to the Court, and he will provide a truly impartial and independent opinion, based upon the evidence provided.
Are you the victim of encroachment, misrepresentation or professional negligence?
If you think you are the victim of encroachment, misrepresentation or professional negligence then please give us a call. For small claims with a strong case we can put you in touch with legal representation who may act on a “no win, no fee” basis, to give you a good chance of recovering some of your costs without incurring any risk.
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Contact us
Our team of experts is available between 9am and 5:30pm, Monday to Friday to answer your enquiries and advise you on the next steps
Want a survey?
If you already know you have an invasive plant problem, you can request a survey online in less than two minutes by providing a few brief details. A member of the team will swiftly come back to you with further information and our availability.
Need quick plant identification?
Simply upload a few images of your problem plant to our identification form and one of our invasive plant experts will take a look and let you know, free of charge what you are dealing with. We’ll also be there to help with next steps where necessary.
