Compensation industry hits back
Leading officials in the
compensation claims industry have hit back at negative stories associated with no-win no-fee lawyers.
Martin Bare, outgoing president of the Association for Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), denied there is a
compensation culture and that lawyers increase their fees for no-win no-fee claims.
"There is no gravy train. The perception arises because people don't think that for the cases that you win, there's another that you lose, for which you get nothing," added Mr Bare.
His statements are backed up by evidence released from the Compensation Recovery Unit of the Department for Work and Pensions. Figures show that claims across all areas, including
clinical negligence and
accidents at work have fallen since 2001.
Statistics show that the only area to have an increase in claims was those for motor accidents.
Mr Bare said misperception arises from a few cases making the news such as individuals slipping on fruit and making a claim.
Another factor giving the incorrect impression that a compensation culture is rife is the rise in personal injury awards but this does not equate with an increase in claims, said the Association of British Insurers.
Updated on 15/05/2008