 The Ministry of Justice are currently looking at reforming the personal injury claims process, in order to make it more efficient and to cut costs. However, before this process is decided, many insurers are taking the opportunity to criticise solicitors, possibly doing this with a chance to obtain decisions more favourable to them.
In the lead up to the announcement for reforms in the personal injury claims process, insurers have made it very clear that they believe solicitors’ are largely at fault for the cost of claims and the slow process of claims. The Association of British Insurers launched a scathing attack on the lawyer profession, stating that the costs were unequal and too high, compared to the level of work that is produced. However, solicitor’s were quick to swipe back, pointing out that the ABI’s own report previously stated that the legal costs had remained constant for the last ten years. So which party is best to side with?
Solicitors charge at an hourly rate, and are paid as they do the work. However, personal injury lawyers claim that they are not paid until the very end of a case, and often accept less for their costs than the amount of hours they have put in working on a case, ensuring that their clients benefit from a true ‘no win no fee’ package.
Insurers often state than another reason for the costs being so high is that lawyers are not time efficient and take too long. However, what they do not mention is that insurers can take weeks, even months to respond to requests for information, often resulting in a delay in the process.
A personal injury solicitor can help with making a claim for any sort of injury whether it is a physical injury as a result of poor maintenance on a public road or to nursing home neglect. The term ‘personal injury’ covers such a diverse sphere, and it is vital to insure that whatever lawyer is chosen, that they have experience in dealing with any problems.
A personal injury solicitor will try to a case according to tort law which protects citizens against any civil wrong doing, damages to a person’s property, rights or reputation. The problems personal injury solicitors deal with have usually come about as a result of negligence, this may come under bullying, abuse of failure of the government to protect its citizens.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is an independent body establishment, who’s responsibility it to monitor which firms specialise in which area of law, for the purpose of helping the public find representation.
When choosing a personal injury solicitor or lawyer, it is worthwhile to go online and search through a claims company, by using the SRA or by contacting a local Citizen’s Advice Bureau; you can get independent advice on local representatives. Once you have chosen a recommendation, you should contact the firm in question and enquire as to whether they are aware of current legal trends that link to your case, and ask how much it will cost.
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