Personal Injury Lawyers Slam Unfair Government Proposals

    LANCASHIRE, ENGLAND, March 15, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Government-led proposals to force personal injury cases to be decided in the small claims court have been slammed by lawyers throughout the UK. Now, the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers has declared the proposed moves to be unfair and have questioned whether the Government has taken the interests of the victims into consideration.

The President of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, Karl Tonks, revealed:

"Government proposals to force claims through the small claims court will result in injured people on their own in court against a defendant insurer. That is simply not fair. The vast majority of claimants have genuine injuries and these proposals will put off the genuine claimants and do nothing to stop the fraudsters."

It has been predicted that should these proposals come into effect it will become increasingly difficult for personal injury solicitors and the victims of injuries to work together. This will manifest itself in injured parties deciding against legal action or for self-representation. Both of these steps could affect the claimant's chances of receiving the compensation that they are entitled to.

With the referral ban due to come into effect from April 1, many solicitor groups will struggle to attract claimants. More importantly, these potential changes could make it increasingly difficult for claimants to receive the compensation that they are entitled to.

The compensation packages are designed to offset medical costs and other financial burdens that may be incurred as a result of an accident injury.

Personal injury specialists Walker Prestons do not foresee such a struggle thanks to their favourable reputation within the industry.

Walker Prestons' partner, Anser Amin, enthused:

"Insurers have been in the forefront of making money from referral of cases and received millions of pounds worth of referrals from the Legal Industry. Now they have successfully lobbied the government into banning the referral of cases from 1st April 2013. Walker Prestons rely upon their good name and reputation built over the last decade and do not rely upon cases being referred to us. We are confident that the move will means more work for the firms that decide to continue this type of work but for less reward.

"Claimants will see firms deducting up to 25% from their damages to retain the level of costs that they have all become accustomed to. Walker Prestons are pleased to announce that Claimants bringing their claim directly to us will see no such deductions. We will continue to upkeep the principles that our firm is based upon and ensure that they receive 100% of their compensation."

These law changes and proposals have all been designed with the intention of reducing the number of fraudulent claims. However, it is important for the government to find a balance that does not penalise parties who are making legitimate claims.

Walker Prestons specialise in personal injury claims. Having built up a fierce reputation; Walker Prestons' expertise help them provide a successful and friendly service.

Website: www.walkerprestons.co.uk

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