When a case reaches the point where the costs are estimated to exceed £25,000, the provider must register it as a high cost case. A case enquiry should be submitted through CCMS requesting that the case be registered as high cost. Please see the Submitting a Non Case Specific Request guidance for information on how to submit a case enquiry.
If the provider knows from the outset of a case that it is likely to become a high cost case, the provider can provide that information in the merits assessment.
Once a provider has submitted the case enquiry, the LAA will send a case plan action. Click on the Case Plan link to access it.
Click on the Provide Documents or Evidence link to upload the case plan. See the Submitting Electronic Evidence guidance for more information on uploading documents. Once the case plan is uploaded, provide a response to the action and click Submit.
You will then enter into negotiations with the LAA. Once a contract has been agreed, the provider should submit a cost limit amendment and counsel allocations in line with the agreed contract.
When you come to bill for a high cost case, follow steps 1-4 of the Submit LAA Assessed Bill guide.
You will then see this question. If you are billing for pre-contract work answer Yes, if you are billing for post-contract work answer No.
If billing under the Events Model, answer this question with No. You will then be able to bill both pre and post contract work on the same bill.
Click Next.
NOTE: If you are not asked this question you must contact the LAA to make sure that the case is flagged as a high cost case.
If submitting a bill for pre-contract work, you will then submit an interim bill, please see the Submit LAA Assessed bill guide for further information.
If the bill is for post-contract staged work you will see the bill line. Select either the events model, staged bill or disbursements options from the Activity Type drop-down list.
Complete the remainder of the bill form with what has been agreed in the contract. Click Next.
You will then answer the normal billing questions.
When you come to bill for the final stage, upload the outcomes first and then the final option will become available. Please see the Recording Outcomes and Discharge guidance.