As part of the Prisons and Court Bill, the Ministry of Justice has announced plans to increase the small claims limit for personal injury claims from £1000 to £5000 for all road traffic accidents and the limit for all other personal injury claims from £1000 to £2000.
There are also plans to introduce fixed tariffs to cap whiplash injury claims that last up to two years.
Both the Law Society in England and Wales and many legal firms across the country are concerned that these plans will totally undermined the rights of ordinary people to receive full and proper compensation from those that have injured them.
Jeannette Suckling, Chartered Legal Executive in the Clinical Negligence & Personal Injury Department at Alsters Kelley Solicitors says, “The consequences of these plans for clients is nothing short of disastrous. It could result in people trying to bring claims themselves without any proper legal advice and ultimately being under compensated for injuries sustained through no fault of their own. If the defendants refuse to accept liability it is also likely to lead to a further strain on the Court system with an influx of litigants in person.”
She adds, “One welcomed change however, is the ban on defendants making offers before medical evidence has been obtained.”
Whilst there is presently no timetable for the Bill, the Government’s aim is that all the changes are implemented as a package on 1 October 2018.
If you need any help or advice about Personal Injury claim, then please contact Jeanette Suckling on 01926 3566027 or email jeanette.suckling@alsters.kelley.com
Call now 01926 356 030 to arrange a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers at any of our six offices.
